2012 Summer Olympics: The Crowds at the Olympic Park

A couple of days ago, when I was shooting images at the Velodrome, I needed to get over to the Water Polo venue to shoot another game for Team USA. Instead of taking the press bus around the outer perimeter of the Olympic Park, which is what I usually do, I decided to walk through the park (finally). It was a nice day and I actually had enough time to walk and not run for once.

I have to say that I was totally blown away with the size of the crowds at the park. Granted, it was a Friday afternoon and the first day that the Olympic Stadium was hosting the athletic events, but still, wow!

Being a photographer, I decided to shoot images and document this little walk to show you all what it looked like.

These Olympic rings are at the top of a small hill and there was a long line of people waiting to take their pictures under these rings (you can see a guy with his arms up under the rings in the background).

All these people were enjoying the afternoon sunshine. I found out from one of these people that they can purchase tickets to the Olympic Park. Not for any events, but at least allow them to be on the grounds.

One of my favorite shots from the walk.

In the center of the park area, they have what they call the "Olympic Live" area where they have 2 huge displays showing current events. It was funny to leave the Velodrome and see everyone watching the same events outside.

Just a few of the viewers.

A shot of the crowds in front of the Velodrome.

This is the crowd heading towards the Olympic Stadium. It was not easy walking through all of these people with all my camera gear. I sent this photo to my wife and she said, "very different from when we were there last week".

A similar view of the Olympic Stadium taken when my wife and I visited 5 days before the Games began. A little different huh?

A sea of people...

They have Olympic volunteers all over the park helping to direct traffic and answer questions. I saw this guy sitting above the crowd and thought that it would be a good motion blur shot. So, I set the camera to ISO 100 at f22, held steady (while standing on a park bench) and shot this.

I wasn't the only one taking photos on this day. :)

I am still hoping to have time to photograph the Olympic Park at night. It is really pretty and needs to be done. Only time will tell.