In an earlier piece, I emphasised that sports photography stands out as one of the most demanding facets of the artistic realm. Its mission extends beyond capturing exceptional feats of athleticism to also unravelling the narratives concealed within the personalities and pivotal moments of significant sporting events.

In this article, I will delve into the world of polo sports photography. Documenting polo is an exhilarating endeavour, and I’ve been immersed in capturing the thrill of polo matches since 2013.

Over the years, my lens has consistently uncovered captivating and unexpected moments within this dynamic sport.

Polo unquestionably exudes glamour and social allure. Much like other equestrian sports, it provides a level playing field where women can compete on equal footing with men. Its high-speed nature adds an exciting dimension to both observing and capturing the sport
through photography.

The interplay of mallets, the split-second connection with the ball, the sheer power of the horses’ muscles, and the pursuit of capturing the remarkable agility of both players and horses in motion all constitute highly enticing elements.

The sport holds a special place in Brunei Darussalam’s sporting and cultural landscape.

Renowned for its rich equestrian traditions, Brunei has nurtured a deep affinity for this majestic sport. Polo enthusiasts in the country often gather at prestigious venues like the Royal Brunei Polo and Riding Club, where they witness and participate in thrilling polo matches.

The sport not only showcases the prowess of skilled riders and their finely-trained horses but also serves as a symbol of nobility and prestige.

It’s not uncommon to witness His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam and members of the royal family actively participating in or supporting polo events, further elevating the sport’s status within the nation.

In Brunei, polo isn’t just a game; it’s a reflection of the country’s rich heritage and a testament to its enduring passion for equestrian excellence, but in the photography domain, the same fundamental principles apply to encapsulating the essence of polo.

The vast expanse of a grass field necessitates the use of a telephoto lens as an indispensable tool.

In my earlier days, I relied on a 400mm (f/2.8) lens affixed to a Canon 1Dx, taking full advantage of its full-frame sensor. However, my equipment has evolved, and I’ve now embraced the versatility of a mirrorless Canon R6 Mark II, complemented by a flexible 60-600mm f/5.6-6.3 lens.

This choice affords me the ability to capture wide-angle shots and zoom in at 600mm when needed.

When it comes to capturing the essence of polo, I often prefer a wide-open aperture to achieve a shallow depth of field.

Recognising the costliness of such lenses, I’ve opted for the 60-600mm, which adeptly blurs the background, maintaining focus on the action. I ensure a high shutter speed, typically no less than 1/1000th of a second, to precisely freeze the ball in mid-flight.

In polo photography, two vital considerations revolve around player identification, with an emphasis on clearly visible faces, and the backdrop, which should remain unobtrusive and non-distracting.

Similar to basketball and football, where the action quickly transitions from one end to the other, I strategically position myself beside the goal, allowing me to effectively capture the dynamic nature of polo as it unfolds.

This strategic positioning affords me the opportunity to capture players as they approach the goal directly, guaranteeing clear views of their faces.

Safety remains a paramount concern, prompting me to maintain a significant distance from the action, given the potential danger posed by a hard-hit ball, both to me and my camera equipment, particularly when the galloping horses charge at high speeds.

On blistering days when the sun sits high overhead, the players’ helmet visors cast distinct shadows, creating challenges in capturing the action on the far end of the polo field, especially in the presence of heat haze.

Conversely, bright and slightly overcast conditions offer an ideal backdrop for photography.
During a polo player’s swing at the ball, their focus is directed downward, concealing their face beneath the helmet.

The most captivating photographic moments often occur when the player raises their gaze to track the ball’s trajectory, akin to the way golfers do. Whenever possible, it’s crucial to ensure that the ball is positioned favourably within the frame for that perfect shot.

As always, the critical element lies in identifying the precise moment to capture the action in the most compelling fashion.

This task can prove quite challenging, particularly during “goal-mouth” scenarios, where a confined space is filled with multiple players vying for control.

My preferred approach is to employ the ‘Continuous High’ shooting mode, enabling me to capture a rapid succession of images.

This technique grants me the flexibility to cherry-pick the photo that best encapsulates the ideal moment, whether it involves emphasising the dynamic action, presenting the players and their horses in the most flattering light, or positioning the ball perfectly within the frame. If you have a penchant for fast-paced action photography, polo photography offers an intriguing opportunity.

The game presents a captivating blend of unpredictability, where you may either capture the envisioned shot or not.

My advice is to keep your camera firing away and resist the urge to constantly review your shots (‘chimping’), as you’re bound to miss critical moments in the process. – Khayr Zakariyya