More from the US Open. I really thought Gabriel Medina would be in the Finals (red shirt in the second photo). That kid was tearing up the place with some GREAT scores! Look for him more in the future.
Thanks. The mornings were overcast with kind of hazy sunshine in the afternoons. Best photos at Huntington are in the morning when it's sunny. Yesterday the Jr Pro-Am there had some good lighting. The lens was the Canon 300 f2.8 IS with Canon 2x Mk III. I usually leave the 1D III at home and take the 7D for surfing because of the extra crop. That first photo was nearly full frame. The others had been cropped maybe 20% or up to 40%. This is Julian Wilson flying high, eventual winner. They may not get good waves to work with here, but those guys are still great to watch.
Another shot of Julian. This was the Canon 300 f2.8 with Canon 1.4x on it. Standing in the water under the pier if I remember right. Fairly close. Got pretty wet under there on some days, holding the camera up high as the waves came in about waist high at times.
bowens wrote:
Great shots! How is the access for photographers? Are credentials required?
free and mostly open for these competitions (you would need a pass to shoot within the athlete interview roped area and they often have some area roped just to insure those with passes absolutely have a good spot without having to fight crowds but otherwise it's 100% open and you can likely have chance for good opportunities to nab awesome shots)
Yes, open to anybody to come and shoot the action. On the last day or two you have to get there early, or else navigate big crowds. It gets packed in there as people try to move into good viewing or shooting locations. Many standing in the water.
Earlier in the week it's much easier while most people are at work. You can still find some great action to shoot if you check the schedule. Some early morning heats and some afternoon heats. Really a lot of fun.
