There's an interesting story behind these images from the Big Ten women's basketball tournament.
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These pictures should not exist and never should have been taken because the camera was too professional. Or the lens was too long. Or for some other reason that no was was certain about.
The images came from a XTi and a 70-300mm IS USM lens at Conseco Fieldhouse, the same equipment that had been allowed inside for several sporting events over the last few years. The equipment was cleared by the building's security before the same with no objection. It wasn't until the first half of the game was over that one of the Big Ten's photo supervisors objected to the equipment used.
Checking with Fieldhouse people produced several explanations, including one person who the building had to follow big ten rules, another person who said the lens was too long, and another who wasn't able to find anyone who had an answer. Of course, no one ever said what damage a long lens would do to the event.
It was a strange experience and one that was useful, because now there will be no question in the future about which events to attend and which facilities to avoid. It also confirms a suspicion that the "larger" the event, the more control some organizations want over the event. Fortunately, this area has many, many more events to attend where the organizers don't have that need for control.
