Basketball practice, new angle - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

12/14/2006 10:01:07 PM · #1

Took some shoots up high tonight at my sons basketball practice.
Once again a lot of the shots were out of focus, but man what a difference from up high.

You can really see the looks on there faces when it matters most.
Arms don't seem to be in the way of there faces near as much.
Even though I still had a lot of out of focus ones, it was a bit easier to focus from up high then when I was at the side line and they were running up and down the court.

They have there first game coming up at this gym in one week and I am thinking that I will shoot most of the game from up high.

I am guessing not every gym is going to have a spot up high like this that I can shoot from.

Would love to hear your thoughts on shooting at this angle and any other thoughts you have on this photo.

Going to see if I can remove the arm in the lower left corner later on and the light spot in the floor.

Message edited by author 2006-12-14 22:02:48.

Cutter

Nikon D700

12/14/2006 10:52:08 PM · #2

Good idea on angle. it would be easier to track because relative to your camera position, the bodies in motion aren't moving so laterally as they are from a traditional sideline shot. You are right about the facial expressions. Actually, it is really just a higher angle of the facial captures the pros shoot from underneath the basket. Point is, it shows the face not the profile.

In regards to the picture. The DOF is good and the focus on the main subject is nicely executed. Since your objectives were to capture a new angle and emotion, I can't see how you could have done much better.

The only negative element is the blue protective covering. Try to capture either a lot more of the hoop or just the rim....or at the very least try to get the basket parallel with the edge of the image by rotating your shooting angle just slightly.

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

12/14/2006 11:06:12 PM · #3

Originally posted by Cutter:

The only negative element is the blue protective covering. Try to capture either a lot more of the hoop or just the rim....or at the very least try to get the basket parallel with the edge of the image by rotating your shooting angle just slightly.

I see what you mean on the blue covering and getting it parallel with the edge.
Very helpful, thanks..

This is a walking track that goes around the court so I can try a few different shooting spots.

I should have maybe added the original photo I took.

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

12/14/2006 11:16:03 PM · #4

I shot some from the same angle at a game I covered on Tuesday night. I do not try to include the basket from this angle though...

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

12/15/2006 07:49:27 AM · #5

Originally posted by jmsetzler:

I shot some from the same angle at a game I covered on Tuesday night. I do not try to include the basket from this angle though...

Wow, nice shots!
I really like your shots without the basket.
I was really trying to include the basket in just about every shot thinking it would show what they are doing, but of coarse you can tell there playing basketball even without the basket in the photo.

You two have given me some great input and ideas to try next time.

Thanks so much for the replies..

jmsetzler

Sony Alpha a6000

12/15/2006 11:58:24 AM · #6

Originally posted by lakota:

Originally posted by jmsetzler:
I shot some from the same angle at a game I covered on Tuesday night. I do not try to include the basket from this angle though...

Wow, nice shots!
I really like your shots without the basket.
I was really trying to include the basket in just about every shot thinking it would show what they are doing, but of coarse you can tell there playing basketball even without the basket in the photo.

You two have given me some great input and ideas to try next time.

Thanks so much for the replies..

In sports photography, specifically basketball, the basket itself is almost secondary to what is going on. It's very difficult to get great shots that include the basket IMO. As with any sports photos, the elements you need to create the action shot are action, faces, and the ball. When the action, faces, and the ball aren't at the basket, don't worry about it :)