Almost Free Photowalk - Sarasota Polo Match

Joe Fitzpatrick and I attended the Sarasota Polo club match this weekend on a scouting mission.

Based on our visit I’m going to recommend we move up the meet up times by one hour. We arrived at the polo grounds at 11:30am and we got one of the last Tail Gate Spots left. Our current departure times get us to the polo field about 12:30pm. Tailgating adds to the fun of this shoot.  I will be going up early to arrive by 10am to stake out a two car tailgate section. This will allow for 10-12 chairs behind our spots. The match we saw was 1 Hr. 45 Min. long.

New Suggested Departure times Naples 9:15am, Ft. Myers 10:am

About the venue: A polo field is approximately 300 X 200 yards (remember a football field is only 100 yards). Even though  it is a very large area the action moves fast and all over the field of play. 

There is no shade, so depending on the day you will want sun screen. Many of the tailgaters this weekend had those pop up tent covers or beach umbrellas.

Food and beverages are sold there but a picnic lunch makes it even more fun. Alcohol is allowed since Champagne is a big part of Polo. 

Dogs and children are welcome - it is a great family atmosphere. Dogs must be on a leash. They offer pony and wagon rides before the match and  during breaks.

Equipment

Of course you will want to have your longest lens but no matter the mm lens you use the action will come within your focal range

Since this is a fast paced event hand held will work better than tripods unless you have a gimbal head. 

If you use them you might want to bring you polarized lens filters.

Folding chair is a must unless you prefer the bleachers or standing for the match.

The Polo Match begins at 1:00 p.m.  Admission is $10.00.  www.sarasotapolo.com

9:15 a.m.  Naples carpool:  Let’s meet in the Target parking lot on Immokalee Road and I-75.  We’ll park closest to Immokalee Road but right in front of Target.  Let me know in the comments if you’d like to drive and how many passengers you can take.

10:00 a.m.  Fort Myers carpool:  Let’s meet Starbucks (located at The Forum, I-75 Exit 136 (Colonial Blvd) Go East  to Forum Blvd and turn left. (3398 Forum Boulevard Fort Myers, FL 33905)

   Let me know in the comments if you’d like to drive and how many passengers you can take.

A polo match is a great way to practice your action photographs!  We will have a great time socializing, photographing, watching the match and eating. Bring a picnic lunch and your refreshment of choice!

DIRECTIONS:

Take I-75 to Exit 213 / University Parkway.

Turn Right on University and follow the signs to the Polo Fields at  8201 Polo Club Lane, Sarasota , FL

After you pay your entrance fee turn right in the parking lot and go past the bleachers. 

I plan to get two spots down in the area past the bleachers. We will have a sign on pole attached to my white Mazda MPV Mini Van

If you get lost or can’t find us my cell number is 239-851-0920

Attached are some of the shots we took this Sunday. http://osp1.smugmug.com/Sports/Equestriian/Sarasota-Polo-Match/20962549_3Rw63G#!i=1665662819&k=scLwFbV

From the Sarasota Polo Club website:

Every Sunday afternoon during season, the public is invited to bring out their picnic baskets and enjoy the thrill of the “fastest game on four feet”. With pony and Clydesdale wagon rides, exciting action, tailgating, half-time entertainment, divot stomping and plenty of fresh air, Sunday polo is the perfect place for a family outing; dogs are even welcome on a leash.