An Ottawa-based freelance photographer is considering legal action against the Canadian Olympic Committee after being fired ahead of this week's Olympic Games.

Chris Roussakis says he was supposed to be in London as the official photographer for Canada's Olympic team, but he was told in June the job was no longer his.

The photographer who is now working with the team is Jason Ransom, a member of Prime Minister Stephen Harper's staff.

Photographer Chris Roussakis, posing outside Buckingham Palace in London, says he was supposed to be the official photographer for Canada's Olympic team, but he was told in June that he had been let go. (Chris Roussakis/Canadian Press)

Ransom will be among friends there; the COC's director of communications is Harper's former chief spokesman Dimitri Soudas.

Ransom took a leave of absence from Harper's staff to do the Olympics job and cleared it with the ethics commissioner. Meanwhile, Roussakis has retained a lawyer and says he is seeking compensation from the COC and, if that fails, will consider a lawsuit.

"This was going to be the biggest break of my career, and to be told four weeks before I was suppose to leave, after being sent to London on an advance trip, after telling all friends and family that I was going to fulfil my dream, but have it taken away from me at the last second," he said.

"It hurts beyond explanation."

The photographer wrote a message on his blog on Friday saying that his dream of shooting the Olympics didn't come to fruition but he wishes all of the athletes well.

"I hope the spotlight being shed on my professional situation will not have a negative impact with the Canadian Olympic Committee and that they react in a positive and amicable manner. It is unfortunate that this situation is taking place; however, it should not overshadow the friendly competition between countries around the globe," he wrote. "This is a time to give recognition to the greatest athletes in Canada and of their dedication to their individual sport."

Roussakis' lawyer said he has contacted the COC but was told any issues would have to wait until after the Games. Asked about Roussakis' claim, Soudas said only two photographers have been hired: Ransom and Mike Ridewood.

"Jason before joining the prime minister's office was an award-winning photo journalist, so we're extremely lucky to have him," Soudas said Thursday at a reception in London.

"He actually got this cleared by the ethics commissioner. People take a leave of absence from the PMO all the time, to do something called the partisan election campaign every few years. So joining to support that one unifying factor that Canada has, which is our Olympic athletes, it's a badge of honour for all of those who have taken a leave of absence and joined our teams. We're really happy to have all of them."

Harper's current chief spokesman says for his part, Ransom is playing by the rules.

"Jason has taken a leave of absence from the Prime Minister's Office to pursue a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and has been in contact with the Ethics Commissioner to make them aware of his arrangement," said Andrew MacDougall.

"Everything has been done by the book."