Best ways to photograph swimming

[gavin_crawford]

We shot the Canada games a few years back and swimming was easily the hardest to shoot. I used 2 photogs, one to cover lanes 1 tp 4, the other 4 to 8. Useing D2h's with 70-200 f2.8 at 1000 asa with fill flash at minus 1 so the flash was almost not noticed.
We were getting 250th at 2.8 and the little burst of flash made the pics stellar.
We had the usuall fight with officials over flash but once I demonstated how little flash there is at a 1000 iso and promised not to shott the start (the flash upsets inferred timeing) all was good.
Also shoot the scoreboard (if they have one) before each heat or you will lose track of where you are.
By the way swimming was the best selling event we covered with about $9000 dollars in on line sales, second best was field hockey (go figure)
Gav

[Richard_Coyle]

As a competitive swimmer from age 6 through college at IU with Doc Counselman, then as an AAU/USS official for the next 20 or so years, I'm amazed you're allowed on deck for anything, let alone photographing the event! With the intensity of sanctioned events, and the constant traffic at poolside by officials walking up and down watching for disqualifications, you'd be constantly at risk of disturbing the competition. Since I haven't been inside many pools lately due to developed allergies to chlorine exposure over the years, I haven't stayed up with this aspect of the sport. But the last time I was at the Natatorium in Indianapolis for the NCAA finals, there weren't any photogs on deck, just shooting from the stands. Your event must have been a local invitational that has a much less rigorous criteria for such situations. Did you have to compensate the venue in any way? Also, Gav, I'm further amazed you were allowed to use flash at the Canada games! My only exposure to Canada's swimming scene was when I attended the Canadian/American Games about 50 years ago as a competitor! Guess they must be much more lenient up there?!

In any event, some additional tips on shooting the best positions, if you're able:
For Breaststroke and Butterfly, shoot head on as they approach the turn, as you obtain a full face view and if the timing is right, a wide stretch to the arms, particularly Butterfly. Watch out for the Butterflyer who breathes from the side!
For Back, shoot as they surface after the turn, with the explosion of water with the first arm strokes as they break the surface. If you can, shoot from behind for a good face shot.
For Free, determine which side they breathe on, and shoot from that, although at the upper levels, many breathe both sides.
And for an impressive overall perspective, shoot the start from the side as the entire heat is in the air, through their entry into the water.
Finally, don't forget the diving competition, as it's a great opportunity for shooting high speed sequences if you have the appropriate equipment. And it's much easier to shoot from the stands if that's your only access. Good luck on the next venue!

[DougAxford]

Thanks for the tips Richard. We did have some problems with the Free in our practice runs as this meet is a short course and most were alternating breathing and you get to see their face twice per lap if you're lucky.

We tried shooting off the blocks, but we'll run into problems there. There are sets of flags (sorry don't know the exact term) right in the way of getting a good shot. These cannot be moved. Since we're shooting at 2.8 or 4 at the most, getting 8 lanes in focus will be a problem. Zeroing in on one swimmer is not a problem though.

I specifically asked about being able to walk around freely and I was told 'anywhere' including bulkhead. No flash at start, just like Gavin. I wasn't planning to use a flash at all anyway. At 1600 or 3200 ISO the shots are great. we're shooting by request only, so we're hoping this will take a little pressure off our shooters.

Doug

[EricC]

Richard,

I have the state contract and can tell you that the decks are now crowded with shooters, both still and TV. Shooters using on camera flash are told NOT to shoot the start as their flash could confuse the swimmers or one of the officials. Most of the universities that I shot at last year were caves. At one I noticed that the lights were about half off. When I ask about getting the lights turned on I was told that when the pool was built 25 years ago, replacing the lights had not been planned. There was noway to get the needed equipment on the deck as the doors leading into the area were all too small! Even if they were to open up the doors on deck the doors to the locker rooms and the locker rooms them selves would have to be modified to allow a lift to pass. yada yada yada. This summer that university shut down the pool for the first time in 25 years to update the pool and replace all the bulbs that had burned out over the decades.

[tedbare]

Originally Posted by Claude_Ferron

I Agree with Marc, timing is everything... don't shoot like crazy, follow the rhythm. Taking the dive when you are inside is a waste of time.
Free: Take from the side only
Back: At the end of the pool just after the swimmer flip (take 4-5 shots)
Fly: Front shots = VERY hard because of the tight margin you have. It is easier from the side or with an angle.
Breast: Face, but side are more dynamic.

Go with request only, if you can separate boys from girls it is easier for them.

You can also take referee pictures, and tell the organizer... they usually buy once.

Hope this helps.

I couldn't agree more about those positions. Another great shot can be just as the swimmer is about to surface after the dive or the flipturn.