| Author | Thread |
|
|
08/28/2010 11:56:52 PM · #1 |
I shot for my nephew's football game today.... it was my first time doing such a high activity sport....
I think I did pretty good for it being a first time.... but I want to do better next time.....
This is the images and the sun was my enemy.
Obviously I cant change game time.... so what can I do??? I thought about using a polarizer would that help?
Any advice would be wonderful!
This is not a paying gig... this is just a happy aunt supporting and loving her family.... but I am also trying to learn from it.....
Message edited by author 2010-08-29 12:57:26.
|
|
|
|
08/29/2010 01:35:51 AM · #2 |
It would be helpful to post what settings you were using. A good lens shade would be useful when shooting in the bright like that.
A polarizer would slow your shutter speed quite a bit (by a factor of 4, instead of shooting at f8 & 1000 it would be f8 & 250 with iso and light being the same.) In this case, where you were shooting in full high sunlight, you could probably get away with using a polarizer if you wanted. If your front lens element turns when you focus or zoom, a polarizer would be a problem because it would rotate out of it's preferred angle to the sun.
It looks like you were shooting pretty much open aperture in some of the shots with shallow DOF, which is good if you want to isolate one player's face from a group.
If you know where the action is going to be, for instance, the kickoff, go manual focus and prefocus on the ball on the tee. That way you can get a good well focused shot of the kick.
If you can get low or high angles, that helps to isolate the players from background buildings, trees ect.
Make sure that your lens is clean. Just a little smear of fingerprint, dust, or a smudge on the front element can cause the images to look lower in contrast and foggy if direct sunlight hits the smudge.
If you can get where the sun is behind you, it helps a lot, even if you have to get on the sidelines on the "wrong" side of the field.
You did pretty nicely for your first attempt. I didn't look through all of the images. I would suggest getting some individual candid reaction shots, esp if you can get close in on faces as things happen. Capture the emotion at the bench as the ball is dropped or a TD scored by either team. Those shots connect with people.
At the end of the game, try to get a few "best pals" shots of some of the players with their best buddy.
And my last suggestion is to keep your camera ready, but to still enjoy the whole event and not sweat it too much about "getting the shot". If it happens then that's wonderful, but we can't wish a great sports photo and just make it happen.
|
|
|
|
08/29/2010 01:58:18 AM · #3 |
Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:
It would be helpful to post what settings you were using. A good lens shade would be useful when shooting in the bright like that. |
by lens shade are you referring to a hood?
I changed my settings up a lot to see what worked best. I shot with AP priority and and bounced a lot between 5.6 and 8 depending on what I was going for.
I agree about the angles and such... this field was rough.... no high places to get.... and no matter where I was the "background" was horrible LOL
I didnt think about faces on the bench! great idea! thanks!! I did manage to get a few "buddy shots" one actually made me get teary cause it was a guy telling my nephew (who joined the team late) that he was glad to have him aboard....
I caught a few father/son moments that are heart warming... they are posted on that link yet.... his father is so proud... and was asked to be an assistant coach.... so this is a big deal for the whole family.
I saw you said a polarizer would slow me down... should I use a UV then? or none?
|
|
|
|
08/29/2010 09:38:20 AM · #4 |
You did a very nice job on those! I had a similar situation yesterday when I was shooting little league baseball -- everything was backlit. I'm thinking of changing my metering to center weighted next time it happens. (I'll have to switch back and forth because I don't center when taking pictures of the kids at the plate, but in sports, for the action shots like sliding, etc, it's easier to shoot centered.
|
|
|
|
08/29/2010 11:24:38 AM · #5 |
You're shooting everything from the side... If possible, shoot from behind the end zone and let the action come to you. Don't be afraid to zoom right in and get just pieces of faces + bodies...
R.
|
|
|
|
08/29/2010 11:37:44 AM · #6 |
Originally posted by JustCaree:
I shot with AP priority and and bounced a lot between 5.6 and 8 depending on what I was going for.
|
I would suggest shutter priority, with sports you want to stop the action so speed is important. I would do that as well as set up manual for certain situations then you can bounce between the two settings.
What lens were you using? You need a long lens for sports, even my 70-200 is short and I often use my 2x converter and depending on the sport it is still short.
As far as positioning with football you will probably want to pick a spot near the end zone and just sit, you will miss shots but I think it is better to grab 10 great shots then 50 snap shots. Get low, especially with sports with helmets. I would suggest sitting or laying on the ground and shoot from there.
Great sports shots have certain things in common regardless of the sport.
You want to see eyes, the ball and some form of action (catching, passing, etc...)
Check out the thread "So you want to shoot sports"  MattO has some really great tips there.
eta link to the sports thread.
Message edited by author 2010-08-29 11:41:04. |
|
|
|
08/29/2010 12:55:34 PM · #7 |
Thanks everyone! Great advice!
I am using my 55-250IS... its the longest lens I have and it will have to do.... cant afford a longer one... and since this isnt a paying gig... well LOL
Vawendy.... can you explain the metering to me?
|
|
Home -
Challenges -
Community -
League -
Photos -
Cameras -
Lenses -
Learn -
Help -
Terms of Use -
Privacy -
Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2025 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 08/06/2025 12:34:23 AM EDT.
