Aegon International 2012

One of the great joys about living in Eastbourne is its programme of public events throughout the year and, as   an amateur photographer, I'm provided with a constant source of subjects and inspiration. June sees one of the jewels in the Eastbourne crown when we play host to some of the world's top tennis players as a precursor to Wimbledon and it's a week that sees me practically living in Devonshire Park as I have been fortunate enough to obtain media accreditation as a photographer. This is my story of the Eastbourne Aegon International 2012.

Day 1 (Saturday)

At last, the week I so enjoy is here and today is 'pick up photo ID and generally wander round orientating myself' day. It's a day where the public can get in for nothing and generally sets the scene for the week to come. As I wandered in, I saw a few faces I recognised from last year and, more amazingly, they recognised me as well. Despite this, I was allowed in and duly approached the Accreditation Desk to collect my badge. Last year, they took the ID photo there and then which was not the most flattering. This year, however, I was a tad more canny and forwarded one I already had to the Lawn Tennis Association so expected my badge to be all ready for collection. Silly me! They had record of me but no photo so once more it was time for the photographer to suffer the agonies usually inflicted upon others! I stood against a wall whilst the young man pointed a camera at me and a myriad thoughts flashed through my brain: Shall I look mean and professional? Shall I smile in a winning but winsome way? Is my hair OK seeing as there was a very strong wind out there? As it transpired, all this trauma was unnecessary as the final shot was blurred and bore little resemblance to me anyway but at least the moment was done and dusted.

Now Eastbourne Tennis Week has a great record weather-wise but, given this years climatic calamities thus far, visitors were swathed in a variety of jackets, jumpers and determinedly clutching their umbrellas. After all, we're British, a few feet of rain aren't going to stop us enjoying ourselves. Matches were in progress on the outer courts and the various trade stands were attracting visitors a'plenty. As I gazed at the various young, lean, fit sportspeople strolling round, I was warmed by the thought that I was more than twice the person they were. More than twice the age, more than twice the weight, more than twice the size .......... you get the idea. 

One of the initial problems as a snapper of such people is that one isn't necessarily sure who's who at first. The top players I hopefully recognise but one is never quite sure of some of the others. It's a bit like when, as a kid, I would haunt the players' entrance at my local football team on match day and thrust my autograph book at anybody who entered or emerged who looked vaguely player-like. We would then hopefully decipher signatures and see who we'd got (I seem to recall an awful lot of players called Mickey Mouse!). Anyway, I digress, but hopefully, my copy of the WTA Media Guide will yield up information as to who is whom.

Sadly, I wasn't able to spend too much time there today due to other commitments but I wanted to go onto Centre Court and get some shots. Naturally, the pro cameramen tend to gather on the premier court and, as I slipped in during a break in the match, I was reminded that I am but a minnow in the  great pond of photography. It wasn't just the world-weary look, the focused attention or even the laid-back attitude of total comfort in their craft. These I fully accept and have rationalised. The worst part of being an amateur photographer is that dreaded feeling known as lens envy! Please don't get me wrong, I have some very nice kit and it does the job pretty well. My Canon 70-200mm L IS USM is perfect for such an occasion but ............... Let's just say that when the guy sitting next to you court-side has a lens which could double as a Saturn 5 rocket or a handy shelter from the rain if you removed the glass then inadequacy rears its ugly head. I tried to comfort myself with thoughts such as " ... why would you want a close-up of his left nostril?" but nope, it didn't really help. I was somewhat comforted by the slight stagger as he left the court under the weight of this beast but I'd give anything for a little play with it.

Really, any reasonable shots today were a bonus as it was predominantly just an exercise in checking out light, angles and re-familiarising myself with the environment. I did actually get a few but then the heavens opened and we got a downpour which delayed matters. By the time play resumed, it was time for me to go and so I said farewell until Monday when my shooting starts in earnest.

As I left, the sun was shining brightly and people were picnicking on the lawns and generally having a good time. The Pimms tent was beginning to do a brisk business and the punnets of strawberries were starting to disappear. All was right with the world and there was an air of genteel excitement at what was to come.