Photography/Technology Withdrawls
Yesterday I spent a day at Torrey Pines Golf course for the 108th US Open PGA Golf Tournament with my group of friends that I went to Scotland with. It was a long day that began around 8:00AM through just past 6:00PM. Aside from some great golf, people watching and merchandise galore (picture a grocery store full of logo'd stuff), I was struck by the impact technology had on the game.
First of all, some frustration ... no cell phones or cameras allowed on the course. Once past the metal detectors to the game, I was without my iPhone for 10 hours (and survived to tell the tale.) How many times was I tempted to tweet the sights and sounds I was experiencing at The Open? If Tiger Woods sprays his tee shot and yells FCUK and I'm not able to tweet it, did it really happen? ;-)
I've never missed my camera so much and watched with envy as press-types walked inside the ropes with giant lenses and captured moments I was witnessing. It's one thing to forget your camera or choose not to bring it but I was there... and missed capturing some amazing vistas and pics of players resting alongside their bags before their next shot.
On the positive side of the technology story was the free "live viewing system" from wisedv inc. that American Express was providing to its card members. Patrons of the events could check them out at AmEx's tent and view live ESPN/NBC coverage, video feeds from #18, the leader-board, the blimp, etc. The little TV's added a very cool dimension to the event and gave visitors an omnipresent feeling as we walked the event. I met one of their account managers who shared with me that the company (based in San Diego) also provides their services to tennis matches.
All in all, great event and the weather was fantastic. I just wish everyone could be trusted with their phones and cameras not to disrupt play but... I will be the first to admit, it would never work. For now, I will just hope I can get inside the ropes for a future event and bring my Canon EOS along for the ride!
UPDATE: Since originally posting this blog entry, I had to change out the photo because the original one (of a press pass) was made "unavailable" either by it's owner or by flickr (not sure which but if was the owner, I do apologize if the re-publishing made you feel uncomfortable.) I thought it fitting that the photo I was profiling was "unavailable" due to my own frustrations about having *my* camera be unavailable. However... what came of it was another photo of professional golfer V Singh in mid-swing. I thought this was very fitting because it illustrates one reason why cameras are not allowed on the grounds. Taking pictures mid-swing is a major foul <click, click, click>
