First swim meet....harder than I thought!

My daughter, who's a runner, not a swimmer decides she's going to try something new and get into swimming this winter. If she's up for a new challenge, I figure I should be too so I agree to have a go at shooting a meet. WOW, this was much tougher than I thought. Truth be told, I figured it would be easy since I had relatively good and close access and the swimmers moved in slower and more predictably patterns to most sports I shoot. Despite those things being in my favor, it was very difficult and I have a new found respect for some of the great images I've seen here (Darcy, I especially mean you brutha!!!). White balance was so tricky and was tough to deal with even in post. The other tough part was figuring out the angles and timing I plan on doing a few more for the team this year so I'm posting these in the hope of getting some crit that I can take to the next meet and improve a bit upon this less than stellar first attempt. Counting on you guys for some advice!!!!

That said, here they are, exif intact...all shot with 1DMkIII and 135mm f/2.

1.

I've never photographed swimming before but these look good, especially number 1,2, and 5. I do like the BW also. I've always been a big fan of candid shots.

tmalone893 wrote in post #15377709
I've never photographed swimming before but these look good, especially number 1,2, and 5. I do like the BW also. I've always been a big fan of candid shots.

thanks Theron, I'm a sucker for the candids as well but usually forget to take enough of them at an event.

These are great! I've only shot swimming once myself and was cursing a lot when I was editing.

I'd say you did quite well. I can image white balance would be tough. Did you shoot with custom so your starting point is similar in post?

I like 1 and 5 the best.

I personally really like number 2. I think you did really well

I have never captured swimming but cant imagine I would do anything like that on my first time

good job!

Very nice. I like that all are low and tight. You may also want to try shooting breast stroke and fly from the side for a different perspective with those strokes. The poor lighting and type of light at many pools makes WB difficult.

I think you have caught the ones that makes the best swim shots. Another one that is quite cool is when shooting behind the start block, when the swimmer is just about to dive into the water. You can take those so you still see the face. But it is usually a non photography zone on the competitions my daughter has been to, so some clearance might be necessary. Also I like the line up pictures before/after race. So posting two suggestions that you will be able to capture better than me.

Thanks to everyone for the kind comments and helpful advice. I'm looking forward to the next outing and shooting breaststroke and fly from the side will absolutely be added. One other thing that I forgot to mention but damn it gets hot in there....I was wiping sweat away constantly so I think I'll make sure o wear a bandana in addition to trying out the new angles!

.....not to mention getting your jeans, socks and shoes wet.

xochi2 wrote in post #15379928
.....not to mention getting your jeans, socks and shoes wet.

Exactly Chico. Also managed to let my strap sit in a puddle without realizing it until I slung my gear over my shoulder.....

Nice work in the tough light there. Good lens choice -- it's on my want list for swimming.

Those are some cracking shots!

I covered my 1st swimming event last weekend & can testify as to how hard it actually is & nothing prepares you for the heat!

AWESOME SHOTS! SEEMS KINDA OF A SLOW LENS THOUGH... I dont know how the 6D is really but I know my sister used a 7D at her boyfriends meet and it was amazingly fast!

Thanks again guys. Its always a treat to challenge yourself...the key now is to improve!