TennisVideoWeird But True

How To Have A Bad Day If You’re A Cameraman: Fall And Get Trapped By Your Own Camera

Wimbledon began today, and while for the most part, the people you’d expect to dominate dominated (Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova won in straight sets, Roger Federer romped 6-1, 6-1, 6-1), there were also some surprises. Tomas Berdych, the sixth seed in the men’s draw, lost in straight sets, while Venus Williams was dominated 6-1, 6-3 for her first first-round exit at the All England Club since the first time she ever played there, in 1997.

So it only made sense that the woman who defeated Venus, Elena Vesnina, would be the center of attention following that match. And she was, in the form of a cameraman following her as she signed autographs following her triumph. But much as a camera operator has to be focused on getting a good shot of the subject, they must also remember that they are operating heavy equipment and maintain balance. Otherwise, you have this:

…and no one wants that. Well, except us (as long as no one gets hurt, which thankfully it looks like no one did here). What’s the best part of the video above? Is it the camera tipping out of frame? The looks of shock that eventually turn into amusement? The shot of the poor camera guy just lying there with the camera rendering him immobile? …Oh, who are we kidding, it’s clearly that last one. And even still: he didn’t crash and burn as badly as Venus.

[With Leather]