This photo was taken at the kayak course, an engineered course on the Wisconsin River, in Wausau, Wisconsin. The flow of water is controlled by a dam and spillway, and the amount of water flowing through the course can be increased or decreased, depending on the skill level of the competition.
The course is very “photographer friendly.” The course flows from north to south, and the spectators (and photographers) can walk or sit anywhere along the east bank, as long as you don’t interfere with the view of the rescue team. Photographing is best before noon, when the view is to the sunny side of the kayaker. This photo was taken about midday.
This photo is a canoe racer. The canoe racers follow the same rules as the kayak racers, downstream with the current through the green gates, and upstream against the current through the red gates. I like the strain on the arms of the canoe racer, the splashes of water, and the color combination. Do you like the composition, or do I need to show more of the canoe?
This is a scan from a film slide, so I don’t have the information on settings.
This round’s discussion is now closed! 3 comments posted
Hans-Werner Griepentrog
Hi Gerry, this is a good action photo of the canoe racer, the splashing water gives it a special dynamic. The color contrast of the blue helmet with the red canoe is a good cold-warm color combination. It shows that good sports photos were possible even in analog times. However, I personally would like it even better if the photo showed more of the canoe. Posted: 10/02/2021 03:03:23
Bruce Benson
Gerald, Color, muscle detail, splashing water all add interest. I do agree that more of the canoe would be nice. That was my first thought when I saw the image. Bruce Posted: 10/18/2021 18:19:29
Ronald Davis
Another very good photo of intense sport action showing the struggle between man and the water course. While showing more of the canoe would be ok, IMO it reduces the intensity level of man v the elements, water. This expansion of the image means that the water dropletts become smaller and the canoe becomes more important. As an interesting side note it appears he is wearing a German WW2 Army helmet? Adds some additinal interest. Posted: 10/19/2021 02:34:33
