Being a photographer at the Olympics is insanely grueling work

Courtesy Al Bello

Al Bello sets up an underwater camera at the Olympics.

Athletes aren't the only ones performing feats of strength and endurance at the Rio de Janeiro Games - Olympic photographers have it pretty tough, too.

Getty Images chief photographer Al Bello spoke with INSIDER from Rio, where he's currently shooting aquatics events like swimming and diving. Bello revealed that snapping those iconic Olympics images involves a lot more than just pressing a button on camera: It's grueling - but rewarding - work.

"If you want to do this job and you think it's just pretty pictures, spend a day with me, and I'll show you the other side of it," he said.

Here's a look at what it really takes to be a photographer at world's biggest sporting event: