Page 68 - Australian Photography Dec 2020

FACE-TO-FACE
Dedication and practice are essentials for success in both sports and photography.
WITH FRANK KENNEDY
Iam a member of the Geelong Camera Club, having joined in 2003. My interest in photogra- phy goes back many years and I am particularly interested in all forms of sport. I often give talks on sports photography, and in my view, together with
wildlife, sports photography is the most difficult to capture well. With sports, there are no practice runs, and you must be ready to try and cap- ture the moment when it comes. It’s a real challenge.
This image was taken at a gymnastics competition in Melbourne. In gymnastics, the rings are also called “still rings” and consist of two small circles that are suspended by straps from an overhead support. These are grasped by the athlete as they perform various routines. It is hard to imagine the strength it takes to perform this static strength hold with arms extended outwards and the body parallel to the ground while holding a position such as this.
During the years, I have found it also requires a similar dedica- tion and practice to improve with photography. Learning what is required to be successful in capturing that “moment” and all the different functions of your camera. It all takes time.
With sports photography I have always found it an advantage to know the basic movements of a particular sport in order to know what to expect when it comes to photographing it. I also like to look at photos of that sport in advance to become familiar with athlete movements and what settings you may need.
In capturing sport I have always preferred to use Aperture Prior- ity simply to control the depth of field and isolate the subject from the background. The shutter speed is then controlled by the ISO to allow a correct shutter speed.
I never cease to admire the time and effort that this athlete must have committed himself over many years to strengthen his body to be able to perform this amazing feat – one that requires extreme upper body strength. And for me, I am very satisfied and proud of this image which has received a number of national and international awards. ❂
OLYMPUS E-M1 MARK II, OLYMPUS M.40-150MM F2.8 LENS @ 110MM. 1/2500S @ F2.8, ISO 5000. -2EV.
APS ONE FRAME
THE AUSTRALIAN PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
Membership with the Australian Photographic Society caters for enthusiasts, amateurs and professionals in photography.
The APS can help you improve your photography, increase your level of satisfaction and achievement with your images, and make lasting friendships with other photographers throughout Australia. All that is required is that you take two steps; the first, joining the society; the second, becoming involved in what it has to offer.
Find out more at a-p-s.org.au.
| 68 | DECEMBER 2020 | AUSTRALIANPHOTOGRAPHY.COM