Don James
July 2025 - Neck and Neck
About the Image(s)
Title: Neck and Neck
Background - I was taking pictures of a state swimming competition. The picture I chose had two swimmers doing the 50m back stroke. As you can see they are very close to each other in the heat.
I cropped the picture slightly, but no other edits.
Camera details:
Nikon Z9
Nikkor 180-600mm (f/5.6-f/6.3) lens, shot at 600mm
1/500 sec
f/6.3
ISO 25600
9 comments posted
Don, great action shot for sure. The image is sharp in the foreground swimmer. The separations frame both swimmers. I just wonder if you have the "next frame" where the arm of the background swimmer would be in the image completely. Pretty sharp for only 1/500 sec @ 600 mm. Posted: 07/09/2025 16:27:20
Thanks Isaac! I did capture a "next frame" which is attached and it does show the whole arm of the other swimmer. When I was going through the pictures, I thought having the full arm of the in-focus swimmer was a better shot, but let me know what you think. Posted: 07/10/2025 13:41:56
Don, I like this image better Posted: 07/15/2025 16:38:23
Hi Don. A fine swimming photo which I know is very difficult to get, in fact a pro photog said to me the best swimming photo of swimmers is taken during their training routine when only few people are in the pool. Less water splashing is much better. Your photo has a lot of water and the timing to get two clear faces is burst photography at its fastest. I have carried out a harder crop and lightened the prime swimmer, worth looking at. Posted: 07/10/2025 00:41:49
Great advice! This was one of my first times taking photos of a swim meet. I think maybe 2nd or 3rd time total. It is definitely hard to get some good shots. In this case, because it was a state level competition, I was in the stands and not able to get close to the pool. I like your crop and the lightened swimmer. Thank you :) Posted: 07/10/2025 13:44:34
Stand shot are often the best us amateur photogs can do in the big time, even if you can get reasonably close you are then subjected to equipment restrictions and your movements. That's why I like to come down a few levels from State comps to the next level suburban. Often at these events clubs are more appreciative of what you do, they allow you greater access, you can park your car right next to or even at the edge of the arena. In cricket they even let me go onto the ground when play has stopped. My wife even goes with me and we share a common experience. At the big time everything is geared towards you as being a spectator.
I have considered even going to these swimming clubs and ask if I can photo swimmers in training, may sound boring but closeup action will look the same. Posted: 07/16/2025 04:56:08
I have considered even going to these swimming clubs and ask if I can photo swimmers in training, may sound boring but closeup action will look the same. Posted: 07/16/2025 04:56:08
Ronald, this is a very good option as well. Posted: 07/15/2025 16:39:33
I'll try my hand at a crop as well. I think all the interest is in the lower swimmer, and I don't think showing his suit is necessary. So I cropped to move the swimmer's head a little above center and to the right. Posted: 07/29/2025 05:20:11
That's a good crop as well! Thank you. Posted: 07/29/2025 12:11:57