What are the chances of a noob sportsshooter like me getting the chance to shoot at the 2008 Olympics?

I believe that the IOC requires that you have to be a shooter for a national daily with. So other than that, how else can one go?

Anyone here who's got official access to shoot there?

there's always space for every aspiring noob or newbie to get an assignment to one of the big events in the world.

all we need is our media companies' support. if that is they are really wanting photo stories that they could not provide for their own network.

aba e libre na ang photos, in return sa atin lang naman e yung accreditation natin. discretion naman nila ito, di natin sila mapipilit. :-)

Aside from media outfits, you can get passes from major advertisers. I was fortunate to shoot for an agency client during the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Perhaps, Nikon Philippines (Columbia?!?) will help you out to get access.

Would love to have the opportunity to shoot this... :)

yup this would definitely be a great prospect for anyone, might as well organize an event where the top 5 photographers will get this chance all expense paid all access pass by a generous sponsor.

we could invite these contacts from columbia digital to discuss a little bit. :-)

i believed, what scares (newspapers , magazines & known brodcasting companies) them is that most of us wanting to shoot the olympics do not have experience in journalism? :-) let's start from this. :-)

Oh, wow!!! I'd love to shoot the Olympics!!! And Beijing being geographically friendly makes this so much more desirable!!!

yup this would definitely be a great prospect for anyone, might as well organize an event where the top 5 photographers will get this chance all expense paid all access pass by a generous sponsor.

Hey -- this is a good idea. My other suggestion is to check who the international sponsors are and write to their local offices here. I remember one of my clients (J&J) sent a few of their staff to write for the Winter Olympics because they were given slots ... as one of the global sponsors. Who knows, baka you might get lucky.

that's it! so let us keep this thread alive until one, two, bunch of us visit/s Beijing and do these sets of assignment. :-)

Anyone knows who the sponsors are?

So among you guys are going? We will be there from Aug 5-25 :) I am doing some research on buying some accessories (maybe lens - if I cound not resist the temptation) ... and so far I found this one helpful ...

http://drtu.com/en/?p=118

I only know one Filipino Shooter heading to the Olympics with a sure spot in the media box... Dennis of European Press Agency. Lucky lucky

I don't know the lucky photog who got one of the 5 slots alloted for the Philippine Media. He won the "Raffle"

Good luck ya'll

What are the chances of a noob sportsshooter like me getting the chance to shoot at the 2008 Olympics?

I believe that the IOC requires that you have to be a shooter for a national daily with. So other than that, how else can one go?

Anyone here who's got official access to shoot there?

================================================== =====

Hi Jerry! Long time no hear! Too late. IOC has just approved the complete list of accreditation per country participant. :)

taken last saturday during the trial-run of the fireworks display.
will try to post more photos in the coming days at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/moetwain/sets/72157606510716154/.

mabuhay!

taken last saturday during the trial-run of the fireworks display.
will try to post more photos in the coming days at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/moetwain/sets/72157606510716154/.

mabuhay!
wow! lucky!

with hec, renen and daher, the other lucky guys. i forgot how to post photos using tags. that's why it comes out s thumbnails. apologies:).

mabuhay!

[IMG]http://www.flickr.com/photos/moetwain/2726721747/in/set-72157606510716154/http://www.flickr.com/photos/moetwain/2726721747/in/set-72157606510716154/

wow congrats guys!

I will be going to the Olympics from the 18th to the 25th. I just don't know how near or how far my seats will be but based on past experiences with the group from the Major Sponsor, I think I won't be disappointed. He he he

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Olympics_bans_professional_cameras_news_264889.htm l

Olympics bans 'professional' cameras

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Olympics_bans_professional_cameras_news_264889.htm l

Olympics bans 'professional' cameras

Yup! it is also written at the back of the Olympic ticket
"Unauthorized Professional Photographic equipment"

A friend would like to try. He'd bring his 70-200. Problem is, if stopped, what then? get the camera back home or will there be a storage for such? (for a fee)

To those who will watch, here's their spectators guide
http://en.beijing2008.cn/spectators/n214448043.shtml

2 days to go.

:Oops:same as the Exhibition game of Dream Team USA basketball in macau...i was stopped and forced to put my gears at a storage at the entrance...Pro Gears are not allowed also...kaya wala akong kuha...:(

On a related topic :)

Announcement
The Embassy will accept registrations for the luncheon hosted by
H.E. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo only until today, 05 August,
2008 at 5:00 PM.
Please be reminded that for security reasons, cameras and videocams
will not be allowed to be brought into the venue. Official
photographers will be at the Ballroom to take group pictures with
the President. Ladies are requested to bring only small bags to
hasten security checks.
Due to space constraints, children below 15 will not be allowed in
the venue.
Important: Please arrive at the Asia Hotel before 11:00 AM with
your invitation and passport. No invitation and passport, no entry.
Attire: Barong/Filipiniana

No cameras? now that's new. As FVR said during his last visit here, "KODAKAN NA"
and this time... no camera!?

GALENG.

On a related topic :)

Announcement
The Embassy will accept registrations for the luncheon hosted by
H.E. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo only until today, 05 August,
2008 at 5:00 PM.
Please be reminded that for security reasons, cameras and videocams
will not be allowed to be brought into the venue. Official
photographers will be at the Ballroom to take group pictures with
the President. Ladies are requested to bring only small bags to
hasten security checks.
Due to space constraints, children below 15 will not be allowed in
the venue.
Important: Please arrive at the Asia Hotel before 11:00 AM with
your invitation and passport. No invitation and passport, no entry.
Attire: Barong/Filipiniana

No cameras? now that's new. As FVR said during his last visit here, "KODAKAN NA"
and this time... no camera!?

GALENG.

When did FVR visit? 1992?

I'm sure Claro is allowed to bring in a camera. Lucky Boi

On a related topic :)

Announcement
The Embassy will accept registrations for the luncheon hosted by
H.E. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo only until today, 05 August,
2008 at 5:00 PM.
Please be reminded that for security reasons, cameras and videocams
will not be allowed to be brought into the venue. Official
photographers will be at the Ballroom to take group pictures with
the President. Ladies are requested to bring only small bags to
hasten security checks.
Due to space constraints, children below 15 will not be allowed in
the venue.
Important: Please arrive at the Asia Hotel before 11:00 AM with
your invitation and passport. No invitation and passport, no entry.
Attire: Barong/Filipiniana

No cameras? now that's new. As FVR said during his last visit here, "KODAKAN NA"
and this time... no camera!?

GALENG.

=================================================

FVR is one president that knows the value of "picture exposure" (photo ops). Great images he has instilled on the minds of the press and the people for allowing photographers (even amateurs) to take his picture and making different poses at that. With the present government, I cant logically imagine why is it that they are so strict on photographers (those are not accredited). Maybe paranoia on what they are doing to our country? I may be wrong.

FVR was here during 2001 or was it early 2002, not sure. But one thing that I remember was how he handled the people. He took time for kodakan and mingled.

I just throwed an email to Claro. I bet he's busy as hell. Nangangamusta lang and maybe he have some good vantage points for common people like me and my friends, hehe.

There are reports that a 5km radius from the nest will be set. My friends are planning to go to Jingshan Park. It has the highest point in Beijing overlooking the the Forbidden city. The Nest could not be seen but there will also be fireworks at the Forbidden.

Bahala na, hahaha!

Oh, the weather here just sucks. They promised a grand day tom. Maybe they're filling up the skies with chemicals to make it rain tonight :)

Enjoy this set of photos from Cnnsi... :)

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0808/oly.beijing.opening.ceremonies/content.8.html

Amazing opening ceremonies :)

It was a great opening number... I liked how they completed the painting. Imagine all 10,500 athletes helped drew it!

Here are some more numbers:

1 - The position which China want to be in the medal table when the Games are over
3.5 hours, length of the Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremony
16 days, length of the whole Beijing Games
28 sports will be contested
205 nations taking part
5 000 yuan - cost of an Opening Ceremony seat
10 500 athletes will be featured at the Games
21 600 accredited journalists
91 000 seats in the National Stadium (Bird Nest)
400 000 volunteers to help and guide visitors in Beijing
7 000 000 tickets sold for the Games
4 000 000 000 viewers for the Olympic Opening Ceremony
43 000 000 000 (US$) - Official bill for the Beijing Olympic Games

Our lone GOLD medal bet is Harry Tamanor in boxing but he's going to face off with gold favourite Zhou Shiming of China - who's also aspiring to be their first gold medalist in boxing!!

Harry and Shimin has clashed twice (2003 and 2007) and Harry lost both times! :(

Enjoy this set of photos from Cnnsi... :)

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0808/oly.beijing.opening.ceremonies/content.8.html

Amazing opening ceremonies :)

Wow, those photos are amazing.. now check out this one:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0807/gymnasts.to.watch/content.1.html

Now, don't you wish we all have D3's with 300/2.8, 400/2.8. 500/4 and THE 600/4?

i am a beijing olympics volunteer (Philippine Represent)... i saw lots of people even volunteers bringing some dslr's.. i'll try my luck today if we can bring one. here's some of my pictures to share.. (not a good landscape shooter though)

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c41/neoshaft/Beijing%20Olympics%202008/WaterCube.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c41/neoshaft/Beijing%20Olympics%202008/WaterCube3.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c41/neoshaft/Beijing%20Olympics%202008/TrafficLights.jpg

hard to shoot in the morning till 730pm because it is very smoggy here. Any tips?

oh by the way, this i'm very sure.. unless your tripod is checked and has a permit.. you cannot bring your tripod in.

Check this out:

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/08/2008_olympics_opening_ceremony.html

how did you become a volunteer?

There were A LOT of audiences with DSLRs, but most of them had their on-cam pop-up flashes up during the ceremonies hehe.

Twas an amazing show, the countdown was incredible IMO.

Great pics Mark! Wish I was there! I say don't worry about the smog - it's part of the Beijing experience! :)

Can you get like a D3 and a 300/2.8 lens into the arena?

In case you're one of the unlucky photographers who is not in Beijing Olympics (like me), here's a bunch of blogs that should allow us to virtually feel what it's like to be in the hottest event right now:

ttp://www.strazz.wordpress.com (http://www.strazz.wordpress.com)

http://thestar.blogs.com/olympicphotos/ (http://thestar.blogs.com/olympicphotos/)

http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/olympicpix

http://beijing.popphoto.com/ (http://beijing.popphoto.com/)

http://kevingerman.blogspot.com/ (http://kevingerman.blogspot.com/)

http://thewwwofsports.blogspot.com/ (http://thewwwofsports.blogspot.com/)

http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/bestseatinthehouse/ (http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/bestseatinthehouse/)

http://166.70.44.68/blogs/detrick/ (http://166.70.44.68/blogs/detrick/)

http://www.postcrescent.com/ic/blogs/sidelines/index.shtml (http://www.postcrescent.com/ic/blogs/sidelines/index.shtml)

http://askthephotographer.com/category/olympics/ (http://askthephotographer.com/category/olympics/)

http://blogs.reuters.com/photo/ (http://blogs.reuters.com/photo/)

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/olympics/ (http://www.mcclatchydc.com/olympics/)

Negative newsflash... an American tourist was killed while another injured after being stabbed by a Chinese man (who later committed suicide).

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/08/09/olympics.murder/index.html

how did you become a volunteer?

i applied thru internet last dec 2007. :)

good news folks.. you can bring your DSLR inside. :Grin:

i tried to bring my 40D.. i just removed my battery grip to be safe. Yay!

Great pics Mark! Wish I was there! I say don't worry about the smog - it's part of the Beijing experience! :)

Can you get like a D3 and a 300/2.8 lens into the arena?

hello jerry.. i'm not so sure but i saw lots of people there using DSLR's.. i'm not sure if they would allow the size of the D3.. but I saw lots of people using D700's and D300's.. media people use D3 with 400mm telephoto lens and a 70-200mm for their "short range". :Shock:

i only brought with me my 17-55 f2.8 lens.. i have to walk far to get picture of the buildings.

Mark, I'd pay you anything to be in your position and shoot the gymnasts, the boxers, fencers, divers, and.. *sigh*

D700 and D300's are okay!? What the! Anyone in the audience with 70-200's? Curious, so you think the 400 is the right lens from where the photographers are allowed to roam? I just like to know what's the right lens to have to get you an uncropped half-body shot of a person in the parallel bars (for example).

Oh yes, one more thing, can you get an average daily tally of Nikon vs Canon users among the 'credentialed' photographers? The blogosphere seems to reflect that Nikon has made a significant comeback in this particular Olympics and if that is true, then that means a lot of Canon users switched back -- which is usually an expensive proposition given the kind of lenses they use.

Vincent Laforet's blog (of Olympic gear packing fame - check the previous posts) is by far the best Olympic blog I've read. He relates his experience (hasn't shot fencing at all and shoots gymnastics every 4 years only) as an event photogapher - test shoots, scouting for location, dealing with marshals, choosing the right lens (if there's such)..

http://www.blog.newsweek.com/blogs/olympicpix/default.aspx

So guys, what's the final verdict? Are we allowed to to bring in our DSLR's. I plan to bring the 70-200 and the 17-55 as well as the 12-24...I already bought a G9 as a knee-jerk reaction to the initial posts regarding the ban on DSLRs...:( :( . I have to admit that it is a good point and shoot back-up though.

Hi Nap, just bring it and grab one of those volunteer shirts. If not, hook up with one of the credentialed photographers and ask to be their runner (shooting position to editor).

So where will you be sitted Nap? I think a 200-400 would go nicely with your G9. :)

Hi guys, good news!!!!

You can bring your dslr with no problem...
I just watched the water polo event, I have my 30d with me... 17-55 and 70-200 f/4 with 1.4x tc. Went with security check without a problem. The guy next to me has 100-400... I guess as long as it's not one of those really big ones, it would be ok...

Cheers :)

Hi guys, good news!!!!

You can bring your dslr with no problem...
I just watched the water polo event, I have my 30d with me... 17-55 and 70-200 f/4 with 1.4x tc. Went with security check without a problem. The guy next to me has 100-400... I guess as long as it's not one of those really big ones, it would be ok...

Cheers :)

share some pics elsa! :)

I was not lucky enough to get front row seat or better yet a longer glass :( So this is the best I can manage - no much pp; raw to jpeg - some cropped and some resized...

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn177/Misis/DPP/20a2096b.jpg

1st game Australia vs Greece
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn177/Misis/DPP/7a57edae.jpg

2nd game Italy vs Crotia
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn177/Misis/DPP/35f1f3be.jpg

3rd game US vs China
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn177/Misis/DPP/IMG_7949CR2.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn177/Misis/DPP/IMG_7957CR2.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn177/Misis/DPP/IMG_8006CR2.jpg

As I have said as long as you are not bringing one of these without permission, there shouldn't be a problem ...
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn177/Misis/DPP/IMG_7927CR2.jpg

halftime...
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn177/Misis/DPP/48a3b938.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn177/Misis/DPP/7b8ed3f8.jpg

spectators
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn177/Misis/DPP/7df6b41a.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn177/Misis/DPP/0f653ec7.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn177/Misis/DPP/IMG_7994CR2.jpg

http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn177/Misis/DPP/4a97a98f.jpg

[quote=Elsa Feliciano;461409]As I have said as long as you are not bringing one of these without permission, there shouldn't be a problem ...
http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn177/Misis/DPP/IMG_7927CR2.jpg
[\quote]

Wow! I want one please...! the white ones syempre! :Grin:

Hi Nap, just bring it and grab one of those volunteer shirts. If not, hook up with one of the credentialed photographers and ask to be their runner (shooting position to editor).

So where will you be sitted Nap? I think a 200-400 would go nicely with your G9. :)

Jerry, I have no idea yet where we will be seated but I have this feeling that it will be a good one...I just hope that they will continue to allow entry of people with DSLRs..The worst thing that can happen is that they will change it again and I have to leave my camera in the counter..I refuse to picture the logistics nightmare of claiming it after together with the rest of the world, notwithstanding the possibility that it might get misplaced...:(. Not even worth watching the Olympics for me..


@Elsa....thanks for the update.

Nap

Oh yes, one more thing, can you get an average daily tally of Nikon vs Canon users among the 'credentialed' photographers? The blogosphere seems to reflect that Nikon has made a significant comeback in this particular Olympics and if that is true, then that means a lot of Canon users switched back -- which is usually an expensive proposition given the kind of lenses they use.

yes, nikon is the way here. lots of them are using the new ones (D3, D700, D300).. even the china folks shoots with nikon. :) this is also the first time i saw lots of those big black beauties (400mm) against the whites.

70-200 (even for the f2.8) is ok to bring. just don't bring all of your arsenal.. choose for 1 wide and 1 telephoto. i only have one lens which is 17-55mm f2.8 (which is pretty big) and they allowed me to get in even without my volunteer uniform. i removed my battery grip just to be safe and don't bring any tripod.

actually, we cannot shoot when we are wearing our uniform. also, we are given permits only to venues based on our ID. i am stationed at the water cube so that is my only pass inside. cannot go inside other venues without tickets.

if you're going to watch for any event, i suggest you come early. There is a long queue. Try also to stay till atleast 8-830pm to get night shots.. 730pm here is still like 4-5pm in manilla.

PS. it is raining in Beijing since yesterday.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c41/neoshaft/Beijing%20Olympics%202008/BirdsNest2.jpg

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/08/08/sports/olympics/20080808_OPENING_PANO.html#

Check this out. Such long lenses!!!!

But wait. Where's the tripod????

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/08/08/sports/olympics/20080808_OPENING_PANO.html#


But wait. Where's the tripod????

No tripod. Monopod used but cloned.

Thank you for the wonderful pictures Mark! If I do fly into Beijing, can I sleep in your sala? :)

Good luck to you Nap! Inggit ako! VIP box ka ata!? :)

sharing some photos of the luncheon with PGMA for our Olympians.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/2750009572_abf1acce30_b.jpg

Team Philippines is composed of: Harry Tañamor (Boxing), Marestella Torres and Henry Dagmil (Athletics), Shiela Mae Perez and Rexel Ryan Fabriga (Diving), Daniel Coakley, Ryan Paolo Arabejo, Miguel Molina, James Walsh and Joan Christel Simms (Swimming), Hidilyn Diaz (Weightlifting), Mark Javier (Archery), Eric Ang (Shooting), Marie Antoinette Rivero and Tshomlee Go (Taekwondo). The MC is Marco Torres, one of the Filipino Torch Bearers. Manny Pacquiao is our Flag Bearer during the opening.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/2750089956_fb1ab42ee5_o.jpg

GO TEAM PHILIPPINES! MABUHAY!

http://http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/2750009572_abf1acce30_b.jpg

amazing shots... if only im working already, i'd apply as a volunteer as well.

any more shots of the olympics?

<snip>
any more shots of the olympics?

Last night, friends and I went to the Workers Gymnasium to watch our very own Harry Tanamor to go against Ghana. He was said to have a good chance in winning the gold.

Arriving early, we watched some other nationalities competing. There was an American boxer and I-don't-remember-who (I was metering up the lights, hehe)
The American won the fight. He was a showman and the crowd loved it. Among many blows he landed, he had to take some sometime :)

http://www.ognita.com/images/IMG_4423.jpg

After a few more bouts, our Harry came out. Yes, we were yelling our lungs out.

http://www.ognita.com/images/IMG_4496.jpg

And fight they did.

http://www.ognita.com/images/IMG_4514.jpg


http://www.ognita.com/images/IMG_4518.jpg

End score was 6-3. Ghana. A bit frustrated, we still stood up, shouted out that "ok lang yon! mas pogi ka naman dyan" when Harry exited the ring :)

Mabuhay ang Pinoy!

Here's my vantage point @ 10mm

http://www.ognita.com/images/IMG_4416.jpg

40D
70-200 mm f4
ISO 1250
Aperture: f4
Speed: 250

Exifs are intact.

Such beautiful stadiums, all of them!!!

some more pics in the New York Times, this one caught my attention though...
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/08/13/sports/olympics/0813-OLYPOD2_9.html

My Share.......

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/7761/eyn0028wl3.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/5927/eyn0526mt0.jpg

http://img166.imageshack.us/img166/6849/eyn0638kz0.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/8182/eyn0804pe7.jpg

does anyone know where i can find free hi-res (1024x768 will do) photos of the opening ceremonies? im just collecting them, flickr doesn't have a lot.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2...NING_PANO.html (http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2008/08/08/sports/olympics/20080808_OPENING_PANO.html)#

Check this out. Such long lenses!!!!

But wait. Where's the tripod????

I'm not sure but it looks like there's still more whites than black (lenses, I mean) :) And, 70-200 in the bleachers? isn't too short for that distance. well, i'm not there so how would i know :)

[quote=junreyes;463581]My Share.......

http://img293.imageshack.us/img293/7761/eyn0028wl3.jpg
/quote]


What country is this? I like their uniforms.

Germany - the guy on the left is Dirk Novitzski of Dallas Mavericks :)

Beijing Makes the Grade - Photographers and editors interviewed over the last few days universally praised the Beijing Olympics as the best-run games in years. (http://www.pdnonline.com/pdn/content_display/photo-news/photojournalism/e3ie2e24571645310cbf0f3afb1bd7b4d7e)

Germany - the guy on the left is Dirk Novitzski of Dallas Mavericks :)

It's Dirk Nowitzki. :)

nice coverage! lucky!... wish i could've gone

Olympic result overturned due to photo evidence.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1048631/MoS-picture-taekwondo-girl-Sarah-landing-kick-overturns-result-win-bronze-Britain.html

Olympic result overturned due to photo evidence.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1048631/MoS-picture-taekwondo-girl-Sarah-landing-kick-overturns-result-win-bronze-Britain.html

Wow, the D3s are certainly everywhere! I wonder if these pros switched or were given loaners by Nikon. The D3 has proven itself many times over during the Olympics.

Go Nikon!

farewell beijing! it was an olympics for the ages!

Wow, the D3s are certainly everywhere! I wonder if these pros switched or were given loaners by Nikon. The D3 has proven itself many times over during the Olympics.

Go Nikon!

Yup yup. A lot of people have D3's and long black lenses...I had a bout of self-pity when I found myself at one point at the Tier one level and most of the guys around me with DSLR's had kick-ass lenses...My 70-200 performed above my expectations. Too bad I forgot to bring my 1.7 TC. I was overwhelmed with joy that it slipped my mind...Forgot I had one..:(

A couple of great Beijing Olympic photos:

http://www.totallycrap.com/galleries/galleries_the_best_photos_of_the_2008_olympics_par t_1/

http://www.totallycrap.com/galleries/galleries_the_best_photos_of_the_2008_olympics_par t_2/

http://www.totallycrap.com/galleries/galleries_the_best_photos_of_the_2008_olympics_par t_3/