Not many words to offer--#1 Utah edged #4 Georgia 197.150 - 196.950. Utah was behind going into the last rotation and it took the last two of Utah's competitors to pull 9.95's on floor to seal the deal. Damn exciting. Here are 15 with an effort to provide a few different looks and also a feel for the event. C&C welcome. (A gallery of 19 of my images from the meet is posted on the university's website)
Russ great set. #2 and # 7 Are my favorites but that are all very nice. It's amazing you can get such clean sharp images in what seems like a dark cave environment.
aztwang1, Billy, Richard, Bruce and Peter: Thank you for taking the time to look through and comment on the photos.
Billy, I probably should have mentioned that the mustaches were a tribute to the head coach. They were handed out to several thousand fans, the team, etc., and made for some comical moments.
Bruce: There's enough light that ISO 3200 can allow for decent shutter speeds, so the 1DIV is perfect. Now if I could just convince them to replace the dark blue mats with white ones, that would even out the light (it's all top-down) and I'd be a happy man.
Russ,
as always (sigh), you have told a complete and wonderful story w/ your images.
I, too, was wondering 'bout the 'stashes. I was hoping to see the ladies w/ the
mustaches on during competition.
Love the extreme sharpness of #'s 3,6,10 and 11. To see the chalk in the air
is simply amazing.
once again, amazing captures.
thanks for sharing.
B
Superb coverage as usual Russ! My daughters and I watched the event on the live video stream. What an amazing atmosphere! You can now consider us the Northern Affiliate of the Red Rock Cheering Squad.
I especially love the photos from bars on this particular set, although every one is a winner. The mustaches amongst the fans and athletes was also hilarious. Go Utes!
Lastly, thank you for your tremendous generosity in providing tips, settings, advice and encouragement through PMs. You, Sir, are a total class act!
Bret: Thank you (as always ). The chalk in the bars shots is one of those things I'd contend that even if you see it while you're watching live, you don't really process it. The photos bring more attention to that fascinating detail of the action.
Larry: Thank you for your feedback and your kind words. Very cool that you were able to watch a live feed. I imagine that was thrilling for your young gymnasts to see--I know there are hordes of young girls at these meets who absolutely worship the athletes. About bars, I went out of my way to try for something a little different this go-around, and my position was questionable as a few times I was in the path of the action taking place 'on the ground' as springboards, pieces of plywood for beneath the springboards, etc. are being moved onto and off of the mats. Even so, this made for an interesting perspective. Below are 3 more bars shots.
Russ, more nice shots. I'm also shooting the NBA tonight - the Bulls are on a 9 game road trip, so I'm heading North to Milwaukee shortly to cover the Bulls/Bucks game. Have fun!
Dennis: Hope you had a good shoot. I had a ringside seat for a Lakers implosion.
Mike: Thank you. Glad you liked them and good luck with your upcoming meets. As for bokeh, yeah, it's the one item in the 'pros' column for the Canon 200 f/1.8 that outweighs enough of the 'cons' that I plan to keep shooting with it.
Russ,
the 'see it live' comment brings to mind the flying sweat and facial expressions in a boxing/mma shot when photogs like Ed Mulhollands' capture a strike. very accurate description. your words are "almost" as good as your images.
again, thanks for sharing
B
WOW, had a few minutes, signed on to FM, went to Sports Forum hoping & there was Russ with shots from the latest meet, just what the doctor ordered!!! As others have mentioned Russ, we are all very appreciative of your sharing of info / techniques, etc. I know how busy you are, BUT you are never to busy to help one of us out
I personally thank you
Bob