Chase Roebuck Autumn Meet
Third Time Back at the Roebuck
This autumn marked my third visit to the Chase Roebuck Autumn Open Meet, hosted by Chase Swimming Club at WV Active, Wolverhampton.
Each time I return, it’s more than just photographing races, it’s catching up with swimmers, coaches, and officials I’ve worked with over the years. Seeing familiar faces in a new season, hearing their updates, and sharing the excitement before races adds a human layer that makes the work more meaningful.
Two long days of racing, reflection, and that familiar mix of chlorine, energy, and echoing noise make poolside photography uniquely intense.
The Weekend in Motion
From the first warm-up to the last race, the pool buzzed with energy. Swimmers stretched, coaches paced, parents clapped, and the sound of water striking tiles filled the air.
Saturday afternoon brought a new challenge: harsh sunlight reflecting off the pool. The low autumn sun streamed through the windows, bouncing off the water in blinding streaks. For a photographer, this meant constantly adjusting exposure, watching for blown highlights, and finding angles where reflections didn’t overpower the swimmer. The challenge was real, but it also created opportunities for dramatic, backlit silhouettes and sparkling water droplets — shots that wouldn’t exist in softer indoor lighting.
Favourite Moments Behind the Lens
Some frames from the weekend will stay with me:
Swimmers congratulating each other at the end of their races, sharing handshakes, high-fives, or a quick smile
Cheering from the sides — teammates, parents, and friends clapping and shouting encouragement
Celebrations of new PBs or county times — excitement, fist pumps, and hugs after personal milestones.
A 400m freestyle finish — exhaustion and pride in a single expression as the swimmer touched the wall.
Meeting old swimmers mid-session — chatting, catching up, and watching how they’ve grown.
Volunteers resetting blocks and recording splits — the quiet engine of the event.
It’s never just about who wins; it’s about the rhythm, humanity, and shared celebration that play out between races, and sometimes the challenge of light itself adds a layer to the story.
Photographing Swimming: The Technical Balancing Act
Swimming meets test everything you know about light and timing.
Pools are notoriously tricky. Shifting reflections, splashes, and mixed indoor lighting can fool even the best cameras. Saturday afternoon’s sun made it even more complex. I shot wide open (f/2.8 when possible), kept shutter speeds high, and monitored exposure carefully to avoid clipping highlights.
I try to shoot at water level, crouched near the deck or from the end lanes. That’s where the impact is — arms slicing through water, droplets suspended midair, muscles under tension.
And it’s not just about the race. Spending time talking to coaches and returning swimmers gives insight into their focus, prep, and reactions, all of which informs how I frame the story.
Tips for Photographing Swim Meets
If you’re stepping into swimming photography yourself, a few lessons from the deck:
Plan your positioning. Corners near the finish line give you the best angles and reactions.
Watch the light first, shoot second. Pools with sunlight or reflective surfaces can be tricky.
Respect the environment. Stay dry, stay discreet, and stay out of athletes’ and officials’ eye-lines.
Look for emotion. The real shots are after the race — congratulating teammates, celebrating PBs, or soaking in cheers from the sides.
Talk to people. Reconnecting with swimmers and coaches gives context to your photos and often captures richer stories.
Final Reflections
Photographing my third Chase Roebuck felt like coming full circle — familiar venue, familiar faces, but new stories every frame.
Every splash, every race, every handshake, high-five, or quick chat with a coach has its own story to tell. The harsh sunlight on Saturday reminded me that challenges in light aren’t just obstacles — they can become part of the narrative.
Sports photography isn’t just about action. It’s about people, patience, and paying attention.
Photos
All of the photos have been edited and are available via the competing swimming clubs. I can also send the photo link to parents, if they email me their swimmer’s name and club.
