Going to shoot swimming: Need advise

[jvk]

Hi Guys, this weekend i'm going to shoot a very high level swim meet (you call it that?).

It will be my first time shooting a swimming event and i really want to do good. Dutch top (which is also world top) will be there so very high level.
Sarah Sjostrom, Ranomi Kromowidjojo, Femke Heemskerk, Marleen Veldhuis, Inge Dekker, Hinkelien Schreuder, Bruno Fratus, to name a few.

Can you guys give me advise: I will only have a 80-200 f2.8 available (maybe my 300mm 2.8 arrives in time). Maybe i can rent a 200 f2 the 3rd and 4th day if i need more light.

I'd really like to see pictures that you guys concider good shots (swimming).

Thx in advance.

[toadhunter911]

I'll be watching this one. I've shot my niece swimming a couple times from the stands, but will be getting better access next fall.

[JeffreyG]

Your position is more important than anything in swimming, although I suppose that is true for most any sporting event.

Anyway, shoot:
Head on from the end for butterfly

Angled on to the front from the corners for breast

Side of the pool for freestlyle, you need to catch the breaths and it is a good idea to know what your target's tendencies are (right, left, alternating)

You can shoot backstroke from the ends if you get high enough, catching them after the turns. Otherwise shoot them leaving the blocks or just from the side.

Finally, don't miss shooting from the blocks a bit if you get a chance.

You can find some swimming shots of kids in my Zenfolio.....some of the kids are pretty young so they look to be more drowning than swimming, but if you look through for the older kids you can get a sense of what I mean for positioning.

From the stands? Might as well leave the camera home and enjoy spectating.

[jvk]

Thx for the tips. Shot the first day,...not very happy. Pics in sport section and on my flickr page. 3 more days to go.

[johnb007]

Jvk, the shots I saw on your flickr look great! I found swimming is a bit hit and miss, just shoot more like what you are doing and there will be lots of good ones when you are done. Nice job!

[hairy_moth]

Have you seen this thread: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/....php?t=1117401
?

[jvk]

No didn't see it thx.

Johnb007: I have no clue what i'm doing tbh but it's fun and i'm still very limited even with a official press pass.

[elrey2375]

Not sure if you have a remote but you could set a camera up just back of the starting block and get a pic as they jump into the water. This pic is more dramatic if it's in an outdoor pool and you have the sun to play with.