While the wind howled outside, I spent far too long this morning fiddling with a website. Once lunch was out of the way and I had made my way to the windsurfing club, the wind was already dying. But never mind I had my camera with me.
As the wind dropped, the learners took to the water, and this young lady provided proof that you are never too small to start:
And this guy proved you are never too big:
Although the young lady was doing rather better than he was.
After windsurfing I popped over to the polo club, just to drop off some photos. Unfortunately they were playing a practice game when I arrived, and I had my camera with me, and I just can’t help myself when there is something to photograph.
Plus, with none of the pressures of a tournament game I was able to relax and try shooting at much lower shutter speeds than normal. I find that 1/640th second is a safe speed to freeze the horse whilst leaving some blurring on the legs. Taking it down to 1/250th would mean much more risk of a blurred shot; but a better sense of action should I manage to get the panning right. I also sat on the ground so I would be looking up at the horse; or I did until my bum started to ache and I stood up.
1/250th second.
1/250th second.
1/200th second.
The only downside from shooting a slower shutter speeds (other than many more failed shots), is that the camera struggles to maintain 10 frames a second shooting speed and there is less chance of catching the “all the legs in the air” shot that I love and you are heartily sick of.
Then back to Pattaya and dinner with she who must be obeyed. Not a bad little day.
Comments 🔗
2011-12-07| Dave saysIs it possible to make polo shots with your X100 as well? What settings?
2011-12-08| Spike saysNot really. Focus is too slow and the lens is too wide. If you tried to get close enough you would probably end up under a horse which would not be good for the camera. I use a 300mm lens and a Canon 1D using AI Servo focusing and ten frames a second shutter.
X100 is good for post polo social shots though.