Linde Grand Prix CSI*

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This saturday I spent an afternoon shooting the Linde Grand Prix CSI*, which is a equestrian showjumping event held in Pezinok, Slovakia. The riding grounds in Rozalka had two different sand courses. There were several competitions held on saturday, including Medium Tour, Big Tour and Kids competitions.

The weather was cloudy, with only brief hints of sunlight towards the very end of the day. This kind of weather is a blessing and a curse at the same time. The colors provided by this kind of weather are generally nice, however one has to endure a never ending marathon of exposure compensation to avoid either under-exposure or over-exposure. Another disadvantage of overcast days is the need to use higher ISO sensitivities in order to achieve fast shutter speeds.

Below are some of my favorite photos from the afternoon. You can find 30 additional photos on my slovak blog: http://hutera.blog.sme.sk/c/329344/Medzinarodne-paralelne-parkurove-preteky-Pezinok.html.

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The Progression of Days

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The older I am, the more I notice the sad, “grown-up” truth: most days just blend together and whizz by you. The things unrelated to photography just start to pile up. Whether you’re dealing with everyday problems, how to keep your business running, personal tragedies, “might-have-beens”, or you’re trying to guide those you’re responsible for, the less time and energy you devote to seeing and appreciating the light around you. I can honestly say I hardly remember the last day I saw (and successfully photographed) a stunning sunrise or sunset.

But then there are days, when you feel the reward came straight from the Heaven. It was the first week of August 2008. The weather was unusually mild and the sky was filled with puffy clouds every afternoon.

Progression of the Day (1)

Progression of the Day (2)

The real drama came the next day. After puffy cloud afternoon, I witnessed everything from menacing storm clouds to subtle blue and red colors of impending dusk.

In the Eye of the Storm

Progression of the Day (3)

Progression of the Day (4)

Progression of the Day (5)

Progression of the Day (6)

I always do a lot of contemplating during my outings. Sometimes, even after a healthy dosage of fresh air, my mind is a bit tired. But during days like this, the mind automatically leaves the difficulties of the ordinary world behind. All you can do is to appreciate the stunning light, draw as much energry from it as possible, and (of course) to capture it the best possible way.

Daniela Hantuchova in Fed Cup

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This weekend, the first round of 2013 edition of Fed Cup (the most prestigious women’s team competition in tennis) will take place all over the world. I decited to dedicate a few photos to the player that started it all for me. Eleven years ago I watched Daniela Hantuchova in a nerve-wrecking final match against Conchita Martinez of Spain. I became a fan and dreamed that once I’ll be able to photograph such an event. We’ve been waiting for another title ever since. But over the years, I’ve been able to take some nice photos of Daniela in various Fed Cup ties. Good luck against Serbia this weekend!

2012 – vs. France

2011 – Players Party – vs. Serbia

2007 – vs. Czech Republic

2007 – vs. Serbia

2011 – vs. Czech Republic

2010 – vs. China

2011 – vs. Czech Republic

2012 – vs. France

2009 – vs. Belgium

2011 – vs. Serbia

2007 – vs. Serbia

2009 – Training – vs. Belgium

2011 – vs. Serbia

2007 – vs. Czech Republic

2009 – vs. Belgium

Bats, Furnaces and Flashlights

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It’s always nice to start the New Year with taking some photos. More so, if it involves creating a photo I had in mind for quite some time. I had a chance to spend a few days with my friends in Osrblie, Slovakia. This village, located in central Slovakia, is known for its beautiful nature and FIS Biathlon events. Over the years, we’ve explored the area around the village and found many interesting locations, that also hold some photographic potential. The long abandoned, iron-melting furnace is certainly one of them.

Over the years I kept going back to it in my mind, but the surroundings don’t provide any “grand” photo opportunities. Many years later, during the screening of The Dark Knight Rises I remembered our first visit to the furnace. I looked up through its opening and took a photo of the afternoon blue sky with my friend’s compact camera. Bruce Wayne’s escape from Bane’s prison brought back those memories. I realised I could do it again, now than I have my own camera (and actually know what all those buttons do) and immediately visualised several photos I could take during our next visit. The top idea was to shoot it at night, so the sky would be filled with stars (or star trails) and the walls would be illuminated with light painting.

The first evening of 2013 provided some nice conditions. The moon wasn’t in the sky yet and the sky was filled by stars. With the help of my friends I believe the first effort was successful.

I also took a photo of the entrance. It had to be light-painted as well since it was totally dark. Sadly, the earlier visitors left a considerable amount of tracks in the snow, so the photo isn’t as neat as I hoped for.

I opted not to do star trails this time. The nort star wasn’t located in the opening of the furnace this time. Hopefully its position will be better in another season and I’ll have the opportunity to create another night-time photo.