The London Aquatics Centre – what a venue! I’ve wanted to photograph there for years (thirteen to be precise) and then the opportunity arrived…
In April this year Aquatics GB held their annual Swimming Championships there. A six day competition with me there on day two. This was about national titles and world championship selections.
I was keen to capture the building’s wave design and the swimmers competing within that setting, along with their power and movement through the water.
So first, a little about the amazing architecture. Designed by Zaha Hadid, it was commissioned for London 2012 Olympics…and what a joyful time that was.
‘…inspired by the fluid geometry of water in motion…an undulating roof sweeps up from the ground as a wave…’ What a vision she had, and to be able to realise it so beautifully.
It is sad that she is no longer with us (1950-2016). A few words on her practice – ‘optimism…inventive, original & civic…virtuosic construction… magnetic presence.’
It was really great to be at the Championships – where we had six Womens and seven Mens events over the course of the day and evening.
I love being around athletes with my camera. Such professionals, so disciplined and with everything hanging on a single performance.
Although I have photographed divers and synchronised swimmers before, swimmers racing was new (and exciting) for me.
Water, like the sky, offers up many different effects and choices. From white water (above) to distortion (below) there are numerous possibilities.
I used my best camera (5div) as I wanted the colours to be good at higher ISO’s (around 1600-3200) & enabling the shutter to freeze movement.
The two lenses I used were the 24-70mm f2.8L and 70-200mm f2.8L, as I was restricted by where I could stand and when I could move.
The athleticism and power of the swimmers is a joy to photograph.
This fits well with my practice studying the human form and movement.
Their physiques, like those of gymnasts, enabled a sculptural approach to be taken at times.
Between the Heats and the Finals there was a training session in the main pool (rather than at the training pool).
What good fortune! This provided a new opportunity to observe the athletes in a different situation.
Their focus was on the detail, often with their coaches. It enabled me to get closer without using a long lens.
So the Olympic Park, and not just the Aquatics Centre, has a great legacy that has gradually come to life.
With the V&A, University of the Arts London (my uni!) and Sadlers Wells all there now too, right beside the pool.
This is great to see after all the money and effort spent developing this area (time & money well spent in my view).
To follow Aquatics GB events here is a link to their website:
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