At this point, I am preparing the game plan...organizing gear, passes, transportation, cameras, cards, batteries, Twinkies, Beef Jerky and other useful items...a case of Starbucks Double Shots, a case of Starbucks Frappacinos, a case of Gatorade G2, Toblerone, and lots of chewy granola bars.
All cameras have been cleaned and inventoried. I am taking 4 Canon bodies with me, 8 lens, ranging from fisheye to 400mm. Remotes, Strobes,Clamps, Monopod and Tri-pod. A variety of bags to fit it all in and to facilitate getting it to and from event venues.
Made an appointment to have the windshield of the Element replaced. I have gone almost a year with the thing cracked....I figure in the Spirit of the Games I should at least make an attempt at getting there in style...
Windshield replaced..all lettering ID'ing me as a photographer removed from the windows in an effort to be more stealth and less of a target.
Camera vault has been installed in the back of the rig. This is a locking Pelican case that is secured to the base plate of the vehicle with chain and case hardened steel lock. I try not to leave anything of value in the rig when I am out and about, but when I have to, this is a good place to lock up the lens and bodies.
IPOD freshly loaded, GPS loaded with important landmarks, hotel, parking lots.
Tickets, Credentials, Reservations, Itineraries, Passes, Bus, Shuttles, Transfers, Parking, Valets, Currency, Visa not Mastercard or AMEX, so many minute details to attend to.
Saturday;
Fantastic drive over to Vancouver today, gorgeous weather...
Arrived early evening, checked out venue parking and transport...took a quick run around Staley Park to catch the lights..
Sunday;
I slept in the rig due to the closed streets around my hostel. Got up early and headed over to the transport location, and boarded a motor coach for The Whistler Sliding Centre so that I could shoot the Mens 2 Man Finals/Medal event. Cruised around the village a bit, had a massive breakfast, picked up a couple pins, checked in at the Media Center, then hopped the gondola up to the Sliding Centre.
From the gondola off to security, then up to the course. I was offered a courtesy ride to the top of the course, but elected to walk it, as I have never shot the event and wanted to preview shooting locations. Smart move in balmy weather and carrying 50 pounds of camera gear...
Monday;
Off to check out the UBC Thunderbird Center for tonights hockey game. I have not shot there yet, and want to have a feel for the place.
Shot the Womens game Russia vs Switzerland. Switzerland won in a shootout.
