While most of my recent posts have been in more of an artistic vain, watching the Olympics for the past few weeks has taken me back to my photography roots in shooting athletic events. I’m not sure I can even count the number of different sports I’ve shot over the years but with Track and Field being shown this week I’ve decided to post a few high school Track and Field photos that I thought had some visual impact.
Glenville High School Hurdler, District Meet
Euclid and Madison High School Hurdlers, District Meet
The first two photos were shot at Mentor’s Jerome Osborne Stadium at the State District Meet in 2007. Hurdlers shot head on from the end of the track with shallow depth of field provide for pretty dramatic shots.
Chardon High School Pole Vaulter
Pole vaulting photos can be challenging. It’s difficult to always get photos that include the athlete’s face. In this image I was able to capture the determination on the vaulter’s face on her way up!
Chardon High School long jumper
In these two long jump photos, once again it’s possible to capture the athlete coming toward you. You are able to get interesting body positions, facial expressions and in the case of the last photo, an interesting look at the athlete’s feet deeply sunken into the sand as she lands her long jump.
Chardon High School long jumper image #2
While I don’t get to shoot athletic events as often as I used to anymore, I always enjoy doing so when I can. There are challenges in capturing moments of visual impact, finding interesting shooting perspectives, and I think most interesting to me, anticipating the action and being in the right place at the right time to get a previsualized image!
