For the third year in a row, I was lucky enough to be asked to photograph the Australian Open Grand Slam Tennis tournament for Shutterstock Editorial, which against all the odds was able to continue almost as normal thanks to Australia’s low COVID numbers. With crowds of up to 50% allowed in (except for a five day lockdown period imposed by the Victorian Government in the middle owing to a small COVID outbreak) the scene was set for the first Grand Slam with fans since the pandemic started.
As a tennis photographer, I’m used to it being quiet during matches at certain times, but it was outright bizarre to be in a huge stadium such as Rod Laver Arena with literally nobody but the players, match officials and media in the stadium. It made for some awkward moments as the sound of slapping shutters was far more noticeable, the photographers who had already made the jump to mirrorless were silently gloating. I shot this with the following equipment, with great thanks to Julie, Ross and the Nikon Australia team who as always kept the flow of rental lenses flowing to keep me going!
- Nikon D5
- Nikon Z6
- Nikon D6
- Nikon 105mm f/1.4
- Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 Z
- Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8
- Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8
- Nikon 180-400mm f/4
- Nikon 400mm f/2.8
- Nikon 600mm f/4
- Nikon 120-300mm f/2.8
As always, let me know what you think in the comments below, have you got any questions about how any of the photos were taken? Get involved!
