Day 1 of the Olympics

The first day of the olympics for me consisted of more video of the torch relay for 2 separate clients, and watching the opening ceremonies on TV. We started downtown early again. and at first the crowds did not see that bad at all. We found parking about 2 blocks away from the Art Gallery, where we where shooting. But by the time the torch was near, the crowds were a big as i have ever seen. Everyone was staying on the curb while there was still traffic on the road, but as soon as the sponsor vehicles got nearby, the crowds filled the streets. It got so crowded that the run turned into a push. the vehicles could barely get through.

Our next assignment was for Bombardier on the olympic line. We had been shooting for Bombardier for quite a while, so we were able to get staff jackets from the train crew, which allowed us access on the train and boarding platform. As the torch arrived, the crowds swelled once again, but this time we were able to get some clear shots. We then continued back to Granville island on the train to complete our last shoot. We were doing interviews with the Coke VIP's but kept getting interrupted by the constant sound of helicopters hovering over head. At about this time i was really looking forward to becoming a photographer again. Enough of this video stuff.

I had a great seat for the opening ceremonies, right in front of the TV. Having a media pass will get me into almost any venue and event during the olympics, but not the opening ceremonies. There are 750 accredited photographers covering the games, but they only had seats for about half of them. It would have been great to see live, but after a few long days, and many more to come, i was kind of happy to relax on the couch for this one.