Words and images by Lee Reilly
I was fortunate to get to be a sideline photographer thanks to Nikon Australia for the NRLW State of Origin Game 2 at the new Sydney Football Stadium on Thursday, May 15.
An hour briefing from our Nikon instructors made sure that we got the basics of shutter speed, aperture, f/stop, depth of field, ISO and white balance up to scratch before we headed out onto Allianz.
Rain descended on Moore Park with menace just before kick-off and a quick search for rain covers was on. Despite the inclement weather we were about to come face to face with, most photographers will tell you that wet weather football gives your photos more to work with and definitely enhance what you’re shooting.
It was also nice knowing that you’re getting a true grasp of the conditions the likes of Isabelle Kelly and Tarryn Aiken are up against, which gives you a real sense of their world.
The night for me was certainly a game of two halves. Struggling to learn the nuances of the Z8 early in the game, unfortunately most of the photos were blurry and out of focus, so calling my first half serviceable is kind.
After a half-time tinker with my Nikon Z8 to see what I was doing wrong, I came out in the second half brimming with new-found confidence. The NSW Blues were facing our end in the second half and obliged my request, giving me plenty to shoot and shoot I did.
I ran out of memory on my SD memory card with about three minutes to go but I was pleased with my recovery in the second half, and we had won.
I had learned from my mistakes and can’t wait to get out there and do it again.
(Photos shot on a Nikon Z8 400mm lens).
Featured image: Photographer Lee Reilly (left) and player of the match Olivia Kernick (13) hammers a Queensland ballcarrier. Photos: Nikon Australia/Lee Reilly
