With the cricket season over, now is the beginning of Australian winter sports. The first game I attended was Field Hockey at Doncaster. After several hours of snapping, I came across a photo that is not that normal for hockey ??“ two players leaning on each other shoulder to shoulder to gain the ball. Remember, unlike Ice Hockey, Field Hockey is usually not body contact, with the Field Hockey ground being about 30% larger, enabling more room for players to find space. Most contest photos in Field Hockey are about two players leaning across each other with hockey sticks to gain possession. In this photo players are pitting strength against strength, facial expressions I believe confirm this.
Canon 70D, Canon EF 100-300mm . F5, shot at 105 mm, 1600/1, ISO 640. Processing Photoshop Auto. Topaz Auto.
4 comments posted
Dr Isaac Vaisman
Ronald, the players are very involved in the game and almost entangled. Image is sharp and the colors are very vivid. Your vantage point was low. Posted: 05/06/2025 21:40:48
Ronald Davis
Yes Isaac I was very low to the game sitting on the raised edge of a concrete drain which surrounds the arena about 12 inches from ground level with monopod. Have to watch the game closely as only about 3 metres from the pitch and seated very low means you can't move fast if a player or ball flies at you. Getting in close for photogs has in some corridors cost them their lives. Posted: 05/12/2025 22:35:57
Bruce Benson
Ronald, the tight crop really shows the intensity in their faces. For me it also shows the strength it requires to keep you body in a bent over position. I never played field hockey, but taught it to my physical education students and learned how difficult it is to keep bent over for long periods . You image is to me what sports photography is about, that is telling a story and your technique really shows this. Bruce Posted: 05/12/2025 15:05:14
Ronald Davis
Thanks Bruce appreciate such compliments. Posted: 05/12/2025 22:39:36
