Have you ever had any nightmare situations? Run out of film or had a memory card corrupt on you, for example?
Too numerous to mention. Not checking the frame counter when using film was something that would get you into trouble – one frame left and then Tiger or someone similar holes an eagle putt and starts charging around the green. I had a problem once on a course shoot in China when the aperture ring broke inside one of my lenses. Everything looked normal through the lens but when the film was developed there were lots of black frames as the aperture had closed right up. I had to go back to the club some weeks later and re-shoot at my own expense. I also drove a cart into a very deep bunker while on a course shoot in New Zealand. The evening sun was very low and straight into my eyes, and I didn't see the bunker! I bit my tongue and hurt my back and I also smashed one of my cameras. The golf cart was unhurt!
During events, how do you decide which players to follow?
Depends on the client. If I'm working for Hugo Boss, for example, then I obviously need pictures of their sponsored players. If I'm the official photographer I need the star players in front of as many advertising boards as possible. I need the top five players every day, and with a two-tee start on days one and two plus morning and afternoon tee times this is hard work to achieve. Planning is the main thing and keeping up with leader boards, which might be a hole or two behind. There are locations around every course that provide good opportunities for clean shots, but only at the right time of day. Planning is key.
