I went up to photograph my daughter’s triathlon at Newcastle, 200 kms north of Sydney. I was very professional about it and the night before I walked around the many starts and finishes and picked the best vantage points and getting all ready for the big race. I think I got some good swimming, cycling and running shots.
But the finish line!!! I only had one big zoom lens and I was just too close and couldn’t move back. I changed the vantage point but then went back again. I figured I still had 3 or 4 minutes based on her lap time just passed.
At the very last minute I turned and decided to just use the iPhone for the snapshot. BIG MISTAKE. The next thing I heard was her name being announced ... after she had gone through the gate.
I’ll never live it down. My whole family knows about it now so I might as well tell everybody.
Hopefully there was an automatic camera at the finish. My daughter thinks there normally is.
(Edit: There’s always photoshop!!)
I took pictures of my nephew's wedding with a film camera (a zillion years ago) and the film wasn't in right and never advanced. (They got divorced so in the long run not as big a deal) I feel your pain.
Oh what a shame, but at least you were there and she knows how hard you tried! I remember waiting for the big moment when our sone walked across the stage to collect his graduation certificate. I was so busy looking through the vewfinder that I felt as if I had missed seeing the moment for real!
@onewing@busylady@kvphoto@marlboromaam
Thanks for your very sympathetic comments. My daughter is not too upset. The other photos I took were fine. But I know she will tease me forever about this.
I had to smile reading your narrative - I've had friends ask me to photograph big events (because they knew I'd be happy to do it for free) but many of them I turned down for this very reason - I'm sure something would go wrong! Glad your daughter took it well!
Oh dear John, have to have a smile about this as I can just imagine the waiting & getting ready then you missed her! I do think over the years & I've done it myself seen the most important events in life behind a little screen ....you sometimes need to look at the real thing. It doesn’t apply here as you were taking a memory for your daughter but other occasions.
@busylady Just noted you have written the same Judith...I have learnt my lesson....there is usually a camera shot of then coming over the line @johnfalconer
Having been assigned to capture my sister getting ready for her wedding and shooting film, I understand your pain. I thought I had loaded a roll and shot away- no roll, no shots. It has made for a great story through out the years much to my personal chagrin.
I can so empathize with that. My hubby and I used to run marathons together, but he also did triathlon. There are so many starting and ending points. The logistics are just hard to get especially when you are fighting for space in a crowd. They do usually have a photo at the end. Perhaps you got shots at other points in the race.
@ludwigsdiana
Thanks. I normally do have a 24-80 lens (or something like that!) but I swapped it out for this event. And I was doing beach volleyball ball the day before!
@happypat
We all think it’s hilarious but that won’t stop them making a bit of fun. My son in NZ texted me that I should have just got her do do another lap.
Your narrative is very familiar. My wife is a recreational cyclist and she entered a big cycling race for the first time a few years ago. She was joined by a few friends and naturally I was elected team photographer. I got some nice shots at the start and a few more on the first leg on the route out of town. I estimated when they would return and positioned myself to get some shots on their return with enough time, I thought, to get to the finish line in time to get them crossing. Long story short, I miscalculated and was running to get in position as my wife crossed. I took a quick shot but it was out of focus. Sports Illustrated never did call to offer me a job.
Thanks Joan.
Thanks for your very sympathetic comments. My daughter is not too upset. The other photos I took were fine. But I know she will tease me forever about this.
Mags. There will always be another opportunity:-)
Did you at least catch a glimpse of her running through the gate?
But i really do get your frustration.
In my I defence I did get some good shots do she is quite happy. I was more upset than she was.
Just as she was taking off her ID tag!
Been there and we all survived!! :-)
Thanks. I normally do have a 24-80 lens (or something like that!) but I swapped it out for this event. And I was doing beach volleyball ball the day before!
My iPhone was my second camera!!
Reminded ... by everyone in my family!!
Thanks. I am cranky with myself. I don’t think anyone else is.
We all think it’s hilarious but that won’t stop them making a bit of fun. My son in NZ texted me that I should have just got her do do another lap.
I’ve got a few quite good race shots and I’m sure they had a camera at the finish.
No one ever got angry/upset. We all did laugh at the situation.
Ian
It will never be forgotten by me, my daughter and the rest of my family.