One position out of five shooters. My job, get the break out of the blocks. TV camera to the right, Bolt is slow at the start so the other runners rapidly eclipse him. Shoot it quick and then watch the finish on the big stadium screens. Wait for him to make a circuit and get some jubo.
All shot with D5 and Nikkor 200-400, for the technically minded. ISO about 4000.
But, you can get skunked so easy. In the below photo, shooting for a US publication, I am dropped on who seems to be the lead runner, an American, Lashawn Merritt. Looks ok. See the tiny slice of an arm on the far left? That’s the guy who won, and set a world record, Wayde Van Niekerk, of South Africa.
Best I could do was get a sort of happy shot of him as he basked in the well deserved cheers of the stadium. But these things trouble you as a shooter. A WR got set right in front of me and I frikkin’ missed it. Pick up the cameras and go back out today.
More tk from Rio….
Wondered how it was going for you as I watched last night. Looked like a major cluster of the first order. Thanks for sharing the ups and downs. I’m sure it was both.
Regarding Van Niekerk, you and every commentator missed it until about 70m to go! Fab race. Hope you’re enjoying Rio as much as I’m enjoying seeing your pics from there.
well done JOE
Really good Joba. Congrats from México City
I am enjoying the Olympics through the prism of your work. Skill & Luck are involved. Your work continues to show us that you have the skill of a craftsman.
Please add… World Class Craftsman… To prior comment.
Hi Joe, we lived together on Dellplain 5 a million years ago. Jim Alkon keeps me posted about you occasionally. So I saw your beautiful Olympics work. Really gorgeous stuff!
WOW, that was a million years ago….all best to you and Jim, who I saw by chance in Santa Fe a couple years ago. Stay well and thanks for tuning into the posts occasionally….
Amazing work. May I ask how you are assigned your spot? Is it a matter of getting there early for an event or are you able to book your chosen spot at either the start or finish line?
Hey Joe,
Thank you for continuing to be an inspiration. You have highlighted succinctly the highs and lows of shooting sports……….often times it seems we are never in the right place at the right time…..just have to make do with where we are.
Enjoy Rio and happy shooting
Simply (as always Joe) ….. SUPERB bloody images !!!
well done JOE!!! Amazing work..Thanks for sharing the ups and downs.