Tuesday March 18th
We are incredibly lucky to have a camera club member who has worked on many Olympic Games and was called upon to be part of the Paris Olympics. Neil’s job is to organise and support certain sections of the many photographers from countries around the world who come to photograph the games.
On Tuesday he gave us an insight into the challenges and highlights of the job. Neil explained that the varied sports were set up in locations that featured the famous landmarks of Paris such as the Eiffle Tower, the Champs- Elysee and of course the Seine. Photographers are encouraged to include these famous places to give a sense of place to their photographs and articles.
It was part of Neil’s job to make sure the photographers from the main agencies wearing blue vests were in the priority places to get good shots. Then other photographers from smaller magazines wearing grey vests are were given less priority spaces.
Neil worked with photographers who were in the water the when the Ladies Triathlon began with a dive into the Seine. The currents were strong, and photographers needed to be secured with rope to the sides.
Neil told us he will often arrive to find an area the photographers should have been in is not set up, so he often must think on his feet. The photographers must learn to work with the strict rules and ways of the Olympics.
He enjoys taking photographs of a big scene encompassing the stadiums, crowds, and athletes to give a sense of atmosphere and scale to the photograph.
He has been present at many of the sports including Skateboarding, Triathlon, Judo, Cycling and Athletics. Neils presentation was informative and remarkably interesting especially to the layman who sees a small part of the situation. Neil explained he is out in Paris for three months as he also covered the Para Olympics too which was very enjoyable.
Thank you for this evening presentation, Neil we look forward to the next.