San Diego Polo Club – Opening Day

San Diego Polo Club opening day June 2012 provided lots of eye candy for my camera to feast on. Party dresses in a rainbow of colors persuaded me to shoot more color rather than black & white film.
riviera magazine and polo club rancha santa feThe Rancho Santa Fe Cup was in part sponsored by the glamourous San Diego lifestyle mag Riviera Magazine, with a half time fashion show featuring clothing from Poppy Boutique. Contrasting shades of blues and oranges dominated the summer time soiree. I love the bold and elegant Diane Von Furstenburg dress (top left available at  www.pinkicing.com) paired with turquoise earrings by Nomadic Fashion. Although the beautiful trio (pictured below) knows that white is still an all-time classic at polo matches.
polo san diego opening day event photographerOf course in a sea of white pants and seersucker suits my camera was drawn to the black lace and decked out do of the leather and chain clad poodle. He seems to be enjoying the game.
The day drew in a record number of visitors showing support to save the San Diego Polo Club (sign petition here).
Even though I am essentially a portrait photographer, and there were plenty of characters to photograph, the excitement of the game challenged me to step out of my comfort zone and try some action sports photography.
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I didn’t quite bring the right lenses and equipment and I knew nothing about the game of polo but I managed to get a few shots that I was happy with. The shot, directly above was taken with my magic camera. Sometimes images end up on my camera that I didn’t know I captured. I put my credit on the photo but really the credit goes to the photo gods for giving me little gifts like that.
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There was a lot going on in the social scene part but taking pictures forced me to engage in the action-filled sport more than the champagne. Jetsuite/Monteverde and Stormmeadow/Adeptus played a close game throughout all the chukkers, but Jetsuite ended up winning the game with Marino Gutirrez scoring final shot.
san diego polo club riviera magazineParty goers lingered after the match with tunes spun by DJ so I did get a chance to mingle and document some fashions. Amongst my findings was a striking six foot two female model with a flamboyant hat, a hip older woman with a wide rimmed feather hat and rad glasses, a celebrity stylist that looks like my son Paultje, and real men that wear pink and pastels!
san diego event photographer polo eventBack lit cigar smoke and a red carnation in his hat, ads instant sex appeal.
san diego polo roberto estudillo esquivel and diego cossioPictured above left, polo player Roberto Estudillo Esquival, sports classic polo swag. Above right, polo superstar and self-professed metal head Diego Cossio adds a rocker edge to the polo world.
Would also like to thank Chris from Star Limos Southern for driving us there in his luxurious limosine!! xo sweetie.

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