My take on photographing swimming events

I have to admit the I’ve written this as a proud parent who photographs his children and those of other members of our local club for fund raising rather than to line my own pockets. But since my children have been taking part in these events I’ve learn quite a lot about what happens and what to expect.

These events generally mean an early start, setting the alarm for 5am on a Saturday and/or Sunday is quite normal and at some of the bigger events you can expect to see 1500 swimmers, and with many of the pools being just 25 yards long space can be at a premium.

Of course we are photographing children at many of these events so obvious care needs to be taken with this subject, gaining necessary approvals where needed if you intend to photograph other peoples children.

Throughout the past season the venues we’ve attended have differed wildly – from the dark days of February at an inside pools where I struggled to get any reasonable shutter speed (by that I suggest 1/500th sec upward for action) to the outside pools of the summer where there was almost too much light!

From a photography side of things, I find it quite difficult to be really ‘artistic’. There is of course the changing of shutter speeds to create motion but this can be somewhat hit and miss. From a creative side of things its always a pleasure when this works, but for a local event the reality is such that the parent (who must be your target customer) will buy a photo of Johnny because he is clear in the image not because it pleases you! Many parents will buy anything because their child is in the image, no matter how big. My preference is to ensure that child is as full in the frame as possible, I like to use my 300mm as a main lens. This does require a bit more than just a point and shoot – positioning yourself can be key are it took me at least two events to learn where not to stand and with perhaps 6 now under my belt I’m still learning.

Don’t forget to watch for animated coaches or parents – again not a guaranteed sale but good fun to capture

Other things to consider – your clothing and keeping your equipment safe. These pools can get extremely hot, with a fresh early morning soon becoming very warm mid morning – be sure to wear layers which can be easily removed. And perhaps the most important and most obvious – Cameras and lenses contain complicated and delicate electronics and you will be very close to water – you will get splashed. I dislike wearing a camera around my neck but at the pools side its a must

By the way the kids that can be recognised are mine

Steve