I only shot junior swimming at a few events back in 2012, using a K5 + smc PENTAX-DA 55-300mm F4-5.8 ED. Regional & State-level competitions were frustrating to shoot because I had to stay in the stands, and the indoor facility, while with some lights up in the ceiling, was relying a lot on light coming in from a row of windows along the top of the wall opposite the main stand, so the swimmers were semi-backlit. But at District-level, it was more informal, and I was able to get down on the deck of a partially- covered pool and get better shots.
Because I only shot swimming for a short time, I didn't get much of an opportunity to work on my technique and work out the type of poses and framings that I should being pursing. And I never got a race shot where a very close finish was involved. Also, this lens was a bit soft at 300mm FL.
Shots 1&2: 1/400s, f/7.1, ISO100.
The hands in the 2nd shot suffer from motion blur. If I'd had more experience I would have used a higher shutter speed.
I like shots with sharp water droplets. Unfortunately, the shot with the pose I liked did not have outstanding droplet quality. I would have liked to have shot it with a K3 + DA* 60-250/F4.
1/1000s, f/7.1, ISO200.
If you get the right time of day and location there are some interesting colours in the water. The next shot is not that sharp but I like the colours. I used a "cross-processing" colouration in PSP X7 to get this. In retrospect, I should have shot at 1/1000s.
1/200s, f/7.1, ISO80.
A Club event. The swimmers' appearance with their caps and goggles makes them look like aliens. I decided, when processing the final shot, to emphasise that aspect by really pushing the local contrast. The colours aren't realistic, more impressionistic.
1/800s, f/6.3, ISO400
As Shot:
Processed:
Dan.