Tips for shooting sporting events

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

01/04/2005 07:42:09 PM · #1

I am going to the Deaf Olympics in Melbourne for the next two weekends: //www.deaflympics.com/

This Saturday I am going to the swimming, while the following weekend i have the athletics and also the closing ceremony.

Anyone have tips of how I can get the best shots. I only have my Oly and with my tele converter I have up to 4.7 zoom only.

Thanks

TLL061

Canon EOS-5D Mark III

01/04/2005 07:44:26 PM · #2

most swimming shots that i have are shot down the lane instaed across the lane

01/04/2005 07:46:10 PM · #3

Originally posted by TLL061:

most swimming shots that i have are shot down the lane instaed across the lane

Thanks. Although because this is a huge event I don't think that is possible. This will be like a mini olympics where there will be security, and where you cant move away from seating areas.

I don't think I will really get too many shots at teh swimming. Probably more at the other events.

Message edited by author 2005-01-04 19:46:50.

01/04/2005 09:57:24 PM · #4

anyone else...?

Sony 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 E-mount

01/04/2005 11:46:10 PM · #5

please can any one give advice?

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

01/04/2005 11:47:32 PM · #6

You might have to yell really loud to get people to pose the way u want them to.

Tamron SP AF 17-35mm f/2.8-4 Di LD Aspherical IF for Nikon

01/04/2005 11:49:20 PM · #7

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

You might have to yell really loud to get people to pose the way u want them to.

haha i think signs might be the answer lol

dartompkins

Nikon D70s

01/04/2005 11:50:08 PM · #8

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

You might have to yell really loud to get people to pose the way u want them to.

tacky, tacky, tacky !!! :)

eaglebeck

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/05/2005 12:01:14 AM · #9

I do not know anything about the camera you are useing. I do motocross and sports. Take into consideration if the camera has any shutter lag. Swimmers on their stands just before the gun makes a good picture, awards ceremony, and field events if you can get close. Talk to the officials and see if you can get a field pass. I do not know if you are representing an association, but if you are, get a letter stating you are their photo guy. Good Luck

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/05/2005 09:43:09 AM · #10

Loz - I'm going to pull some deaf connections and see if I can't get you a press pass or something - so you can get laughed at with your Oly. ;) We'll see.

M

Prof_Fate

01/05/2005 10:01:00 AM · #11

depending on the sport, don;t use flash - it distracts the players and refs. besides, unless you are withing 15 feet it won't do any good anyway.

to freeze action you'll need 1/125-1/250 shutter speed. you may nothave enought light if shooting indoors for that. crank up the ISO setting and deal with the noise later.

get close.

if you have burst mode use it - p&s cameras have terribly long shutter lag times.

01/05/2005 10:01:11 AM · #12

Originally posted by mavrik:

Loz - I'm going to pull some deaf connections and see if I can't get you a press pass or something - so you can get laughed at with your Oly. ;) We'll see.

M

Thanks :) How on earth can you even do that? That would be awsome.

The games started today and it was all over the news. I think the Opening Ceremony was tonight (well last night since its morning now). I would probably have never even paid attention nor bought tickets if you hadn't recommended it to me :)

I am worried the swimming will be a little boring, but the athletics should be good.

Can you bring tripods into these events? My camera zoom wont hold up otherwise, and the closing ceremony is at night.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/05/2005 10:03:44 AM · #13

Thanks Pro Fate. I almost never use a flash anywawy. They always seem to take a lot away from digital photos.

I might just use my sports mode on teh camera and see how that goes.

I do have a burst mode too. My camera is a pretty high standard for a non dslr anyway. So it does have a lot of functions that will be able to help me a lot. :)

jonpink

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2

01/05/2005 10:31:21 AM · #14

1) Take a big lens
2) Take a monopod
3) Pan with the action
4) Try not to just get the participants running etc, try to get some of the excitement or dissapointment, some of the emotion.

Should do you fine, may need to boost your ISO a little depending on location.

wewillexplore

Canon EOS-1D Mark II

01/05/2005 10:34:06 AM · #15

Originally posted by loz1:

Thanks :) How on earth can you even do that? That would be awesome.

Well, I may not be able to because of how late it is but I know the editors of SEVERAL deaf magazines - if they can get a pass, they could get it for you. I've sent off some email so we'll see. :)

M

01/05/2005 10:35:37 AM · #16

Originally posted by mavrik:

Originally posted by loz1:
Thanks :) How on earth can you even do that? That would be awesome.

Well, I may not be able to because of how late it is but I know the editors of SEVERAL deaf magazines - if they can get a pass, they could get it for you. I've sent off some email so we'll see. :)

M

Well I emailed you with the dates I am there, which may help. You are awsome :)

01/05/2005 10:37:46 AM · #17

Originally posted by jonpink:

I think tip four is good :) Its probably one of the best tips I could get, as I may not have thought about it.

I don't have a monopod thouigh and lens are not an option for my camera lol But I am bring my teleconverter. Its not much, but its something :) It will only give me a 4.7x but its better than the standard three that the camera comes with.

jonpink

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2

01/05/2005 10:54:20 AM · #18

Originally posted by loz1:

Originally posted by jonpink:
1) Take a big lens
2) Take a monopod
3) Pan with the action
4) Try not to just get the participants running etc, try to get some of the excitement or dissapointment, some of the emotion.

Should do you fine, may need to boost your ISO a little depending on location.

I think tip four is good :) Its probably one of the best tips I could get, as I may not have thought about it.

I don't have a monopod thouigh and lens are not an option for my camera lol But I am bring my teleconverter. Its not much, but its something :) It will only give me a 4.7x but its better than the standard three that the camera comes with.

Could buy a monopod pretty cheap?

May come in handy? Mind you I got one 6 months ago, an expensive Mafrotto and have never used it :D

01/05/2005 11:03:22 AM · #19

Well I would kind of like one, but i dont wanna spend the money and never use it. Plus its too late to ebay it, and buying it in store will probably be a little expensive in aussie land.

I think it is on my list though of things I would like (I do go to a lot of sporting events).

jonpink

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX2

01/05/2005 11:05:21 AM · #20

Originally posted by loz1:

You could use something else, such as a big stick with a small beanbag on top. Really makes a difference.

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for Canon

01/05/2005 09:54:00 PM · #21

OK I just bought myself a monopod.

Can you believe it actually comes with instructions?

I mean seriously lol Its not exactly brain surgury to screw a camera on to a stick lol

moswyn

Canon EOS-7D

01/05/2005 10:26:15 PM · #22

The tricky thing about shooting swimming is that the swimmers generally have their faces in the water. Be ready to shoot when you think they're going to pop up to breathe! :)

01/05/2005 10:29:51 PM · #23

Originally posted by moswyn:

The tricky thing about shooting swimming is that the swimmers generally have their faces in the water. Be ready to shoot when you think they're going to pop up to breathe! :)

Hopefully I will be able to get a few on the blocks and perhaps diving in. It is a pretty tricky sport to photograph though. Maybe if i get the underwater case for my camera, I can just sit at the bottom of the pool, taking pictures lol :p

01/08/2005 01:05:03 AM · #24

Day one of my three days of passes is complete. Will post photos later. I am going back tmr so will most likely post during the week.