I attended the Central New York Scottish Games over the weekend and enjoyed a beautiful Summer’s day learning about Scottish heritage and celebrating their traditions. One of their traditions are the athletic competitions. The Stone Throwing is very similar to the Olympic sports of the shot put and hammer throw.
Craig Northrup of Rochester, N.Y. shows physical strain and mental concentration as he competes in the 56 pound Stone Throwing event at the CNY Scottish Games at Long Branch Park in Liverpool, New York, on Saturday, August 14, 2010. Nikon D700/70-200VR, 1/1000s, f/8, ISO 200, EV -0.3, 200mm focal length.
The 56 pound (25 kilograms) distributed Stone Throw shows the agility, strength, and concentration of each of the competitors as they whirl around to build up enough momentum to cover distances over 30 feet (9 meters).
The Caber Toss is a unique Scottish athletic event which tests not only a person’s strength but balance and technique. Cabers are long wood poles of around 19 feet (~6 meters) and weigh close to 130 pounds (59 kilograms). Competitors get assistance in standing the caber on end but then have to lift the long and heavy log while balancing it against their bodies. They carefully run with the caber to build up enough speed to stop and launch it into the air. The goal is to toss the caber end over end so it tips over away from the tosser when it lands. The straighter the caber falls, the more points are awarded.
Will Barron of Syracuse, N.Y. yells as he tosses a Caber at the CNY Scottish Games at Long Branch Park in Liverpool, New York, on Saturday, August 14, 2010. Nikon D700/70-200VR, 1/640s, f/3.2, ISO 200, EV 0, 200mm focal length.
I learned the definition of a Great Scot at one of the vendor tables selling t-shirts: It’s not just the length of his caber that makes him great but also the weight of his stones.
All in all, a very good first outing for the New-2-Me Nikon D700 digital SLR camera. More from the CNY Scottish Games later this week and on flickr.
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Well now I realize why Scottish men wear kilts……. 😉
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I’d say, can you imagine throwing the caber without splitting a few backsides?
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Great job, Scott! Craig Northrup seems to be flying right out of the photo at me, and you captured a wonderful expression. I assume that many of your sports photos end up in appropriate newspapers. I’m curious whether that 3-D effect carries over to print, or whether the full effect is only apparent on the screen?
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It depends on how good my photo is. The top would would translate well whether printed in color or black and white. The bottom one would not as there too much greenery behind the log being thrown.
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It’s not just the length of his caber that makes him great but also the weight of his stones.
Ha ha, Scott, you did get a little risque today!
good photos, as always.
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Thank you, Kathy. Now, remember that the next time you meet a man of Scottish descent. 🙂
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I like the chap behind the caber tosser he looks as if he is praying. 🙂
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That photo would make a very good YesBut, YB! I think he was praying the caber would not end up landing on himself. LOL
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These are very good and exciting action photos. I could not help wondering if you were using a telephoto lens, I hope so. Otherwise you really have been without nerves that day. Yesbut´s comment made me laugh, -it does look like he´s praying.
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Yes I was using a telephoto for both events. The caber photos are also cropped some due to the distance from the viewing areas.
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Great captures. The images really convey the challenge of these events and how much these guys put into it.
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What amazed me was these guys went all day. The same group competed in all the events from trowing stones, tossing cabers and pitching heavy sacks over a bar 20 plus feet in the air. Must have been some tired and sore muscles the next day.
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Both photos look very good. Yes, I’d say it was a good first outing!
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Thanks, Terry!
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You really captured the event.
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Thank you, Rose. These were a couple of the athletic events. They also had bagpipe, band and dancing competitions. I heard there was also some drinking competitions but those were not listed in the program. 😉
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After enduring many Scottish winters, I question the intelligence of a nation whose men choose to wear skirts. 😦
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Aye, but they are a fun bunch to be around.
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Yesbuts – trust me, us ladies *love* men in kilts. . .
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Very nice Scott, I bet it’s a lot more fun shooting with the D700 than your old camera. I see that their games are not too costly, unlike golfing and other sports that requires expensive gear. 🙂
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I don’t know about that, Nye. The vendors were selling kilts for a large price up to $300. The D700 was a lot of fun to photograph this event with. The fast frames per second came in handy for the athletic events and the depth of field control of an FX camera and lens was fun to work with again. You’ll see more tomorrow about that.
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Oh gosh, these are great action shots! I like them both and especially the 2nd one with the hat guy in the background with praying hands. LOL I bet they are a fun bunch to be around! And what fun I bet you are having with your new camera. 🙂
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Throughly enjoyed using the new camera, Anna. Glad you enjoyed the photos of a great event.
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Such great facial expression you captured there looks like a lot of fun to watch
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That was the best part, their faces. Really showed each competitor’s determination.
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How neat!! You really captured the intensity of the event!
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Thanks, Tracy!
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Excellent shots, both of them – great clarity. Why does the guy in the top one remind me of ‘Scotty’ from Star Trek?
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