Matthew Skinner carries Olympic Torch through Newport

[theMusicMan]

Hi All

Well, the sun is certainly shining today over the UK, and, surprisingly enough on this occasion does also include Welsh Wales

Jen, Heather, Shannon and I went out to see the once-in-a-lifetime sight of the Olympic Torch winding its way through Newport. I managed a nice enough shot of a chap I found out the name of... Matthew Skinner, who was one of the lucky folk to get to carry the torch for a short while.

Here's my effort:

[Westy]

Re: Matthew Skinner carries Olympic Torch through Newport

Cracking shot John. We get the torch in our area this coming Friday 1st June. Will be out with the camera to try to capture some of the atmosphere of the event. As you say its a once in a lifetime opportunity.

[Melaka]

Re: Matthew Skinner carries Olympic Torch through Newport

Is that your Sigma? If so it shows you're getting the hang of it very well.

[theMusicMan]

Re: Matthew Skinner carries Olympic Torch through Newport

Is that your Sigma? If so it shows you're getting the hang of it very well.

Thank you and very well spotted David, you are spot on sir! It is indeed the Sigma 150mm.

I wanted to try to get a shot with the bokeh that I just don't get with any of my other lenses except the 50mm's [ZD50 and Oly legacy 1.8] (and I thought that might be a tad narrow).

[theMusicMan]

Re: Matthew Skinner carries Olympic Torch through Newport

I might add something interesting here, that I thought was quite funny...

As I was preparing to take this shot, Shannon (Heathers friend) had kindly offered to carry my bag, and come with me as I maneuvered through the myriad of people who were there with their point-and-shoots and camera phones... and when they saw me trying to get through with my 'big, black and obviously professional camera and huge lens', they all immediately let both of us through willingly!

I didn't ask for any special treatment, but was afforded plenty.

Oh, the life of a pap with an Oly, eh hehe

[Ross the fiddler]

Re: Matthew Skinner carries Olympic Torch through Newport

I might add something interesting here, that I thought was quite funny...

As I was preparing to take this shot, Shannon (Heathers friend) had kindly offered to carry my bag, and come with me as I maneuvered through the myriad of people who were there with their point-and-shoots and camera phones... and when they saw me trying to get through with my 'big, black and obviously professional camera and huge lens', they all immediately let both of us through willingly!

I didn't ask for any special treatment, but was afforded plenty.

Oh, the life of a pap with an Oly, eh hehe

It's a nice shot of the moment & that's when 'big' can have it's advantage, however, although it's a macro lens, it can take some nice, more distant portrait shots too (so long as they are still for long enough) as this shows.
My photos of the passing torch was taken on film back in 2000 & I should look for them again.

[Ian]

Re: Matthew Skinner carries Olympic Torch through Newport

Super shot, John. We have a long wait here in Hemel Hempstead.

Ian

[shirley]

Re: Matthew Skinner carries Olympic Torch through Newport

That really is a fabulous shot.

We have to open my school late on the day it passes through our town, as the road (A5) is being closed from 7ish. We did give children the option of arriving at 6.30 but strangely enough we didn't get any takers!
Anyway I intend to be there early get up on the roof, with a little help from the site agent! I am hoping for a shot that is a little different.
No idea about which lens /camera combination to use but plenty of time to think about that.

[Ross the fiddler]

Re: Matthew Skinner carries Olympic Torch through Newport

That really is a fabulous shot.

We have to open my school late on the day it passes through our town, as the road (A5) is being closed from 7ish. We did give children the option of arriving at 6.30 but strangely enough we didn't get any takers!
Anyway I intend to be there early get up on the roof, with a little help from the site agent! I am hoping for a shot that is a little different.
No idea about which lens /camera combination to use but plenty of time to think about that.

Well don't slip or drop your new camera! I'll be looking forward to see how it turns out (the photo of the torch & the camera).

[Janet]

Re: Matthew Skinner carries Olympic Torch through Newport

The torch doesn't come through our town until 23rd June, but I'll be there for it!

If it causes half as much excitement as our recent Royal visit did, then it will be a fabulous day.

I have absolutely no interest in the Olympics, but seeing the welcome our Royals got when they visited made me quite proud...I hope the Olympic torch passing through will have the same effect and encourage a bit more civic pride.

Janet

[sapper]

Re: Matthew Skinner carries Olympic Torch through Newport

Nice shot John. Looks like someone is winding it up. Turning the gas on I suppose.