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The Jaipur Polo Grounds have been one of the most defining locations in my journey as a sports photographer in India. Located just 20 minutes from my base, this venue became a regular part of my work as I covered an entire polo season here, gradually building both my technical skills in equestrian sports photography and my personal connections within the polo community.
Introduction to Polo Photography
Introduction to Polo Photography
My introduction to polo photography came through Allan Shaun Michael, who helped me gain access to the grounds and understand the rhythm of the sport. Polo is a fast, dynamic, and highly technical sport, and photographing it requires a completely different mindset compared to other field sports like cricket or football.
Unlike compact stadium sports, polo is played across a large open field, making long-lens photography essential for capturing meaningful action.
Polo Players Fighting for the ball
The Polo Ambience With Audience Watching the Game
Technical Challenges of Polo Photography
Technical Challenges of Polo Photography
Polo photography presents several unique technical challenges:
Fast movement of both horses and players
Large field coverage requiring long focal lengths
Rapid directional changes during play
Constant anticipation of ball movement
For most of my coverage, I relied on my 200–500mm f/5.6 lens, which allowed me to isolate key moments even from a distance. This lens became essential in tracking high-speed action across the field.
One of the most important lessons I learned was stabilizing heavy telephoto setups. In polo photography, stability is critical, and while tripods and monopods are commonly used, I found the bean bag to be the most practical and flexible solution. It allowed me to quickly reposition while maintaining stability during long shooting sessions.
Polo Player Trying to Control The Horse
Lighting & Outdoor Advantage
Lighting & Outdoor Advantage
Unlike indoor sports photography, polo is played in open fields, which makes lighting more manageable. However, conditions can still vary significantly depending on the time of day, weather, and season.
The open environment provided:
Strong natural light during daytime matches
Golden-hour opportunities for dramatic compositions
Wide dynamic range for action shots and environmental storytelling
This helped me experiment more freely with shutter speed and composition while focusing on capturing motion and atmosphere.
Polo Player Veenu In Front of the Cingari Banner
The Field Workers Levelling the Ground by Filling any Holes with Sand
The Polo Ponies Standing Below a Tree for Shade
Building Connections in the Polo Community
Building Connections in the Polo Community
One of the most valuable aspects of photographing at the Jaipur Polo Grounds was the opportunity to connect with players and professionals within the polo ecosystem.
Over the season, I built meaningful relationships with players such as Major Harry, which helped me better understand the sport from an insider’s perspective.
Polo Commentator Pooja Yaduvir also collaborated with me and lended her voice for an instagram reel
I was also introduced to the wider polo photography community, including photographers from La Polo such as Kapil and Paras. Interacting with experienced professionals in the field helped me refine my approach to framing, timing, and positioning during matches.
Major Harry Looking at the Ball he Struck
Understanding the Jaipur Polo Grounds
Understanding the Jaipur Polo Grounds
The Jaipur Polo Grounds hold historical and cultural significance within Delhi’s sporting landscape. Its proximity to residential and diplomatic areas has made it one of the most prominent polo venues in the city.
Being close to my residence allowed me to consistently attend matches and develop familiarity with the ground layout, player behavior, and match flow—something that significantly improved my anticipation and shot selection over time.
However, it is also important to note that there have been discussions and uncertainties regarding future access to the grounds, especially during the October to December season due to security considerations and potential redevelopment plans. If changes occur, matches may be shifted to alternative venues.
Regardless of future developments, I hope that polo continues to be played with the same spirit and elegance across whichever grounds host the sport in the future.
Key Learnings from Polo Photography
Key Learnings from Polo Photography
Covering an entire polo season in Delhi helped me develop several core skills as a sports photographer:
Long-lens tracking and framing of fast-moving subjects
Anticipation of ball movement and player positioning
Stability techniques for heavy telephoto setups
Understanding equestrian movement and timing
Building rapport with athletes and sports communities
It also strengthened my ability to adapt to large-field sports where action can shift rapidly across wide distances.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
My experience at the Jaipur Polo Grounds has been both professionally and personally enriching. It allowed me to deeply engage with a sport that combines speed, skill, tradition, and elegance while also helping me grow as a sports photographer in India.
From learning technical fieldcraft to building relationships within the polo community, this venue has played a key role in shaping my understanding of high-end sports photography.
As I continue my journey, polo remains one of my most cherished sports to photograph, and I look forward to expanding my coverage across other polo venues in India and beyond.
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