Polo Match Photography

[RPCrowe]

I have never shot (nor even seen) a polo match but, my camera club is visiting a local polo field this weekend for the Sunday match.

Does anyone have any tips for photographing a polo match? I plan on using two cameras, 7D and 40D with 300mm f/4L IS and 70-200mm f/4L IS lenses (this is my standard field sports setup). I will use the lenses in IS mode 2 since I might probably want to pan.

I plan on shooting in AV mode using ISO 400 which will allow me quite a decent shutter speed at f/5.6 (this aperture will allow selective focus but will still allow me too get an entire horse/rider in focus). The match will be at mid-day and I expect fairly bringt sun. This should allow me a shutter speed of somewhere about 1/3200 second. I can get very decent quality from either camera shooting at ISO 400 and that is quite often my selection when shooting.

I am also planning, to shoot a selection of shots at a slower shutter speed for some creative effects.

I will shoot in AI Servo AF and in burst mode. I will probably shoot in low-speed burst but, may also try the higher speed burst. I will use back buton focus. I will play around with the various 7D auto focus modes, such as Zone AF and AF point expansion this week shooting cars passing along a road.

Although JPEG will allow longer bursts, I plan on shooting in RAW. I don't usually machine-gun my shots, so shooting in RAW should not be a problem.

I am taking a monopod because at the end of most sports events, my arms are ired from the weight of cameras lenses and the monopod helps that.

I plan on taking a small, low stool. I like to shoot sports from a lower angle but, due to arthritis and a pair of total knee replacements, kneeling is no longer an ption for me.

I plan on stationing myself near the goal for one or two chukkars to getthe horses/riders coming directly at me. I will post myself in the corner off to the side of the goal for one chkkar and will shoot from the sidelines for one chukkar. That way I will get a selection of head-on shots, 3/4 views and side shots.

[jakefreese]

Sounds like you have it thought out well. If you can get up over 1/1000 on the shutter speed you should be good. Are yall going to Delmar? This time of year the marine layer may not cooperate too much and it may be cloudy and have to battle that. I would shoot in high speed, Polo can be like a train wreck I have had some good ones from polo where you end up having your finger mashed down during a wreck. With polo shooting off a stood is just fine since there all horseback, I shot it standing up the whole time last time I shot a polo match. I usually have my 7D on center point with the expansion on for the equine sports lately and it has done me well.

Good luck!

[Biffbradford]

Very well thought out. I am usually happy if I show up with charged batteries and more than one memory card. Then I wing it from there.

[RSB]

I assume you'll be in Rancho Santa Fe/Del Mar, a beautiful venue. It sounds like you have thought things out well, but as Jake said, the marine layer may very well be present, although the forecast says we might actually see some sun on Sunday. I love the marine layer if I don't want or need any sky in the image; "God's Soft Box" creates absolutely beautiful soft light. Players wear helmets with short brims, and in full sun, you'll want to be on the end of the field where you keep everyone front lit. With a marine layer present, you can shoot from almost anywhere you want, and not have to worry about front/side/back light. Plus, your exposure will remain almost constant no matter which direction you're shooting. But, you do need a higher ISO to get your shutter up, and yes, you'll want to shoot in the f4-f5.6 range to keep rider and horse all in focus. And of course, a marine layer creates a pretty crappy sky. Shooting from a low angle will bring in a lot of sky, you might give some thought to going the opposite direction and shooting from a 6-8 ft ladder.

[seaninsa]

Are you going to be tailgating for the event?

[RPCrowe]

I was very comfortable. My camera club had reserved tables and I was in the front row. I am the guy in the tan vest and brown hat...



Years ago, I would have been all over the field shooting but now, at 72 years old, I opted to remain sitting under the shade of the umbrella and wait for the action to come to me - which it did quite often...



BTW... My 300mm f/4L IS was perfect for the match. I used it with the IS in the pannng Mode-2. I shot at ISO 400 with the camera in AV and the aperture at f/4 to blur the background...

[smclaren]

I cover all of Ham Polo Clubs matches.

[smclaren]

Originally Posted by smclaren

I cover all of Ham Polo Clubs matches.

A couple more:

[smclaren]

Originally Posted by smclaren

A couple more:

Some more:

[smclaren]

Originally Posted by smclaren

Some more:

I use TV @ 1/1600, ISO 340. You need to watch for motion blur on the mallets.

[turbolover]

Interesting ideas and great help, was able to cover the practice session today. Final match on sunday...here is a foto from todays segment
thanks everyone!