Re-mastered: Top shots from the SI Masters Games

The South Island Masters Games recently held in Nelson for the first time were a true test of the capacity and quality of city’s sporting facilities.  They also laid down a big challenge to the official photographers, Shuttersport, to provide top quality coverage of the majority of the sporting codes involved as well as the various social activities that ensued.

 Shuttersport assembled a team of the region’s top sport’s photographers comprising their own three regulars; Chris Symes, Evan Barnes and Marc Palmano, called in the help of their accomplished associate photographer Barry Whitnall from Murchison to help over the very congested first weekend and enlisted  ‘the apprentice’ Shaun Bowie to assist.

 A spanner, all be it a very good one, was thrown in the works when Evan ‘s accreditation to cover three the RWC semi-finals and then the grand final came through just before the opening weekend of the games,  leaving the team one key player down over the weekends.  When local photographer David Chadwick  offered his services, it did not need much discussion as having a shooter of David’s quality at their disposal was an opportunity too good to miss.

 We believe both Nelson City and Shuttersport rose to the challenge and now that games are over we asked each of our photographers to sift through the collection of over  2800 published images and pick out a few  that stood out for them and the reasons why. Here are their picks in no particular order.

cs111015009 

Chris Symes
I like having the sun in images so that morning’s race conditions
were perfect for this shot at Saxton Field

bw1110178008  Barry Whitnall
A simple shot of a smoking gun that reminded me of the day and
the smell of gun powder in the air.

 

dc1110162013  David Chadwick
This competitor, Patrick  Murray, exemplified the 'give it a go' spirit
of the games. He seemed to be coming down the hill continuously,
always with a smile, whilst his bike sounded progressively unhappy.

 

 

 

eb11102056357  Evan Barnes
The calm before the storm:  I love the contrast of the peace and
calm whilst competitors chat and laugh before reality bites when
they hit the cold sea.

 

 

 
mp1110165583  Marc Palmano
The Sharons:  We often have to caption up photos with names and
team shots can be a nightmare. As well as being great fun this
Christchurch netball team was a dream to caption. 

 Back Row: Sharon, Sharon, Warney, Kim, Kath, Sharon, Sharon
Front row: Sharon, Sharon, Sharon

 

 
dc1110192080  David Chadwick
Photographing golf was a new experience for me and it was difficult to
capture the action without being too distracting. The greens were often
where I could concentrate on the players. I think this more sedate shot
sums up both the seriousness of the competition and the camaraderie
whilst out on the course.

 

 

 
sb11101902774  Shaun Bowie
Miccio bowled Watkins 4: Although this may not be a remarkable
picture, it is the first photo I have had printed in a paper, so for me
it is very memorable. ( Less so for Aldo perhaps)

 

bw1110157038  Barry Whitnall
The backdrop in Isle Park couldn't have been better to take photos
with so many beautiful flowers and shrubs. This Disc Golf
competitor’s dress blended in  perfectly with the background colours.

 

 

 

 

 

 
cs111021079  Chris Symes
There’s water covering his face like shrink-wrap or hot  wax,
but still seeing his eyes made this shot

 

 

 

 

mp1110221221  Marc Palmano
Beatles night, the Fab 4, and Beverley's pedestrian crossing:
what choice was there but to recreate the famous Abbey Road shot.
This was about the 6th take and 30th shot, previous shots had
arms going in all directions, random party goers in shot and
Jill de Joux’s (the choreographer) arm waving across the lens.

 

 

 

 

 

 
sb11101602359   Shaun Bowie
The commitment shown from both players to win the ball is
unquestionable and the symmetry of the two players is what
makes this shot stand out for me

 

 

 

 

eb11101856020  Evan Barnes
Go the French man making a gesture whilst in pain, and just a
week out from RWC final between All Blacks and France...

 

 

 

 

mp1110176119B  Marc Palmano
The netball games I'd covered were more social than competitive.
The Vikings 30s v Tinkeys final definitely reversed this.
In particular the Tinkeys’ goal keeper was a feisty lass and didn't
give an inch.  I love the expression on her face and the linearity
of her arms as she defends for all her worth.

 

 

cs111016040   Chris Symes
The ladies reaction to making the shot and capturing the
reflection in her sunglasses gave this shot that little something extra

 

 

 

 

bw1110167707  Barry Whitnall
The uniformity of these two caught my eye and I just had to
capture it.

 

 

 

 

 

 
dc1110173114  David Chadwick
The day started sunny and warm with light winds and suddenly
deteriorated. Getting close to the boats was difficult for obvious
reasons and focusing whilst moving up and down was a whole
new challenge. A very enjoyable experience though.

 

 

 

 

 

 
mp1110155043  Marc Palmano
Flight Night at the Hangar: I hadn't done much in the way of
social shooting and I was amazed at how the camera was a
passport into people's personal space.  I was flat on my front on
the floor trying to get an interesting angle when I was joined by
this lovely 'Hawea Warbird' flight attendant.

 

 

 To see more form the South Island Masters Games CLICK HERE