LivingPolo: news & lifestyle

Say "Whisky"!

Ami de la Mer, a renowned and popular photographer in world of polo, tells LivingPolo.com about his behind-the-scenes experiences

Ami de la Mer is a member at the International Polo Club in Wellington since the club was opened

In the world's leading polo tournaments, there are a huge number of spectators. And that ever-growing number of fans attending the events is due to the increasing coverage of the sport.

Despite this, there are a number of familiar faces at many of the events. The journalists, trainers, former players, referees, umpires. And very importantly, the photographers.

The photographers are the people responsible for keeping those fans that cannot attend the events updated in what refers to the on-field action, via their art work on images. In the leading clubs and events of the United States, Ami de la Mer is one of the leading photographers. This renowned lensman spoke with LivingPolo and told us about how life is behind-the scenes.

LivingPolo: Since when are you a photographer? How did you begin following this sport?

Ami de la Mer: 1998 when I moved down to Florida from New York, I was introduced to Palm Beach Polo Club by a dear friend.

LivingPolo: Have you any other professional activity apart from working as a photographer?

Ami de la Mer: Yes I am a involved in closeouts and Liquidation sales.

LivingPolo: Were you originally contacted with polo in any way? Since when have you been photographing polo events?

Ami de la Mer: Well, I've been a member at the International Polo Club in Wellington since the club was opened.

LivingPolo: Are polo events the only ones you photograph?

de la Mer: Mostly, but I do parties and real estate photography.

LivingPolo: You regularly attend polo events during the International Polo Club's season. Do you know the players who take part in those events well? Does one become well-acquainted with some of them as the years go by?

Ami de la Mer: Well, I am close with Adolfo Cambiaso, his wife María and the kids. I am also very familiar with Mariano Aguerre, Hillario Ulloa, Mike Azzaro, Jeff Hall and few others.

LivingPolo: Is it fun working close to players such as Adolfo Cambiaso, the Pieres brothers or the Novillo Astrada brothers? Any anecdote you wish to share with us about them or any other player/s?

Ami de la Mer: I've been watching and photographing them all, I am very enthusiastic about the way Adolfo is playing and with his style. I even went to his farm La Dolfina in 2010 and met his mother Martina and sister Camila. His game for me is the ultimate in polo, lots of action technics and danger.

Facundo (Pieres) is one of the best I have ever seen as well, young blood with lots of style and class, I'm also a great fan of Hilario (Ulloa).

LivingPolo: Is any particular polo player your favourite player? Why so?

Ami de la Mer: It is a hard question, since just about every one from Argentina and a few selected players here in the US are good the watch playing, and make the game very enjoyable and exciting, but for me Cambiaso and Facundo and the (Novillo) Astrada brothers are the best.

LivingPolo: What are the key element towards obtaining good pictures in polo?

Ami de la Mer: Making sure that the people that come just to party and not to watch the games are not in the way of my lens (he laughs)...

LivingPolo: Which weather conditions are the best for photographing a polo match?

Ami de la Mer: Good weather sunny and not windy.

LivingPolo: Any polo tournament in which you'd like to be taking pictures, where you havent been so far?

Ami de la Mer: Yes, Dubai.

To know more about Ami de la Mer, please visit www.AmiPoloPhotography.com