A week at the World Triathlon Championships...

[JayPee]

Four years ago - when I started hanging around the International Triathlon Circuit - my son (the reason I was 'hanging around') showed me the website of Australia's best sports photograher (Delly Carr) - and said "that's what you're up against Dad!"

Jeeez - no pressure! I muttered something about "not wanting to appear like an over-anxious Father - I just wanted to be doing something - and my camera seemed like a good prop..."

Then, last week, it all came together in a big rush... I had gone off quietly and got full media accreditation - new lenses had arrived on time - and I got into the enclosure an hour ahead of time... all set up - ready to go... and then I caught sight of him - in our national colours for the first time - and totally lost the plot. I was already having difficulty focussing the new lens... So I walked away to compose myself - and shot the first frame (of 3,000) from a discreet distance.



He had a good race - and led the Aquathlon field through the run transition and into the swim - which always gives me serious objectivity problems - having to remember that there are actually 50 other athletes in the event - and I'm NOT just there to shoot my own kid! And - there's a rule I wasn't aware of - as an accredited photographer you are not allowed to cheer on any particular individual. I found this out when the guy shooting next to me whispered in my ear... it was Delly Carr!

Over the next 5 days I got to watch Delly working - from up real close - and on the final day got to spend 3 hours alone with him. Not talking much - just watching... I think I learned more about photography in those 3 hours than I have in the last 10 years.

Delly's pictures are on Triathlon.org and mine are on JRPix.com.au - but there's one shot he didn't get - and I did!



Now I want to spend a week with Jim Bryant!

Cheers from Downunder...