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09/23/2008 12:49:28 AM · #1 |
Well I was asked to do a football team this season ( pee wee football)
So i went out for my first game Sat. to "play" and to show the parents and coaches what i could do..
I got some good shots, they were impressed and I find out tomorrow if I get the gig or not.. here's my question.. I don't have a zoom lens.. yet.. so i'm working with the kit lens.. worked better than the 50mm
any suggestions on getting better shots with that lens with less um... with better focusing/better anything? here's a few shots
[thumb]724063[/thumb] [thumb]724064[/thumb] [thumb]724065[/thumb] [thumb]724066[/thumb] |
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09/23/2008 12:55:29 AM · #2 |
| You don't say what your shutter speed is, but don't go below 1/200 or 1/250. If you do, you will get motion blur (which is what this looks like, rather than a lack of focus). |
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09/23/2008 12:57:23 AM · #3 |
okay I am camera illertater.. I play with the setting but not sure what does what.. or what's called what.. I know.. i know I need to learn these things.. how do I tell you what I had it set on?
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09/23/2008 12:59:15 AM · #4 |
| my ISO was at 100, is the shutter the -2..1..0..1..+2 ? is so I have it at the .2 |
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09/23/2008 12:59:19 AM · #5 |
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09/23/2008 01:08:07 AM · #6 |
| oka so i looked it up the ..1..2 is the apature right? so what is the shutter and how do i set it on a rebel? |
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09/23/2008 01:08:30 AM · #7 |
| I know I know I'm an idot with a camera.. |
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09/23/2008 01:08:46 AM · #8 |
Bump the ISO up just a tad for those daylight shots and adjust your shutter and your photos will be more in focus. It would really be better to get a bit of a longer lens too. :)
ETA .. when I started I used a (used) 55-200mm lens and it worked pretty darn good for a starter lens!
Message edited by author 2008-09-23 01:09:51. |
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09/23/2008 01:12:06 AM · #9 |
Have you read the manual yet?
To be having that camera without any knowledge of the basics seems like a waste of a good camera to me.
Why not start with setting it on auto, then read up about settings.
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09/23/2008 01:16:33 AM · #10 |
because i'm just one of those people that don't get it when i read it in a book.. trust me on this I learn from playing.. I was a band nerd in school and was first/second chair for 3 of the 4 years i played.. and couldn't read a lick of sheet music..
I wanted a nice camera, my husband bought me this one.. I really want a 5D cause of the the saturation it pulls in pictures, but i'm no where ready for one... |
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09/23/2008 01:21:52 AM · #11 |
| Hey, I have the same camera you have, if you see to the righ, next to the screen you have four commands, the Iso, is the one in the top, when you click on it, it going to give you different options, starting from 100, 200. etc, there you can choose the one you need ;) |
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09/23/2008 03:30:10 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by Photomom1981:
my ISO was at 100, is the shutter the -2..1..0..1..+2 ? is so I have it at the .2 |
I assume you refer to what you see in the viewfinder.
No, that indicates if the overall exposure (shutter speed and aperture) is what the camera thinks it should be, or below or above that. There should be a point beneath those numbers. I personally usually put it at on -0.33, which is one hop to the left of the 0.
The shutter speed is the number to the left of these -2 ... +2 numbers. |
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09/23/2008 07:13:35 AM · #13 |
Honestly, all of this talk of ISO and shutter speed is just going to make you more confused. Beyond that, there is no custom setting that is going to be perfect for every game or shot. My suggestions would be to turn the scroll wheel thingy until the running person is selected. This will let you camera select what it feels are the best settings for "fast action" shots, and it's usually pretty close.
After that, start reading all of the threads that  Man_Called_Horsedirected you to, and try to google search "The virtual camera." It's a neat tool that will show you what changing things like aperture will actually visually do to your photo. It's a good starting place for someone who learns better by seeing than reading.
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09/23/2008 07:56:26 AM · #14 |
Not sure if it has been mentioned, but make sure your focus is set on AI servo and use the burst mode. Take advantage of the rapid fire your camera has so you minimize the chance of missing something.
AI Servo is located in your menu of features. scroll around until you find it and set it on that.
The burst mode is set by the little button by your right thumb(right of the LCD) set it on the pic of 3 little picture frames.
ALso a monopod will help.
Practice. |
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09/23/2008 11:52:32 AM · #15 |
Originally posted by LVicari:
Not sure if it has been mentioned, but make sure your focus is set on AI servo and use the burst mode. |
The above is included in
Originally posted by Jaker:
My suggestions would be to turn the scroll wheel thingy until the running person is selected. This will let you camera select what it feels are the best settings for "fast action" shots, and it's usually pretty close. |
So I think Jaker's tip is indeed a good way to get started. |
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09/23/2008 12:05:04 PM · #16 |
By reading the manual while playing with each setting I think you'll get more than just playing and not having a clue.
Also, a good book on the basics would help as well as there is a link between ISO, aperture and shutter speed. You change one, you need to change one of the other ones.
Also, playing in shutter priority might help you as well. Just set the shutter speed to 1/500 and let the camera do the rest. This won't generate a perfect shot in every situation as the aperture chosen may be too wide open.
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09/23/2008 12:10:44 PM · #17 |
Let me understand this correctly, you are trying to get a gig shooting sports, with a kit lens, and you dont even understand how your camera works?
Perhaps you could refer them to a professional photographer in the area and you could see about playing assistant while you learn.
/me walks away from the computer shaking his head.
Matt
Edit to add
To be really truthful there isnt a photo you have posted that I'd even show to a client. The blur, the focus issues, the lack of faces, the exposure issues.
Message edited by author 2008-09-23 12:12:46.
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09/23/2008 12:33:29 PM · #18 |
When I first got my SLR I did a 5 week one evening a week course at a local arts center to get to grips with the settings, I found it very useful as you took your own camera along, well worth the small amount of money it cost.
Other than that, you could try the sports mode on your camera if you aren't sure of the other settings.
Or as others have suggested, use tv mode (shutter priority) set the ISO to between 400 and 800 (or auto ISO if the 400d has that) and a shutter speed of at least 1/500 and make sure you get the correct exposure. If it's too dark then set the ISO higher.
Also, ignore really unhelpful comments like the previous post as they don't help anyone!!
eta: You don't need a 5d to shoot great shots, the 400d will be fine. If you can stretch to it you can pick up a 70-300mm lens for less than a couple of hundred dollars
Message edited by author 2008-09-23 12:36:33. |
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09/23/2008 01:01:49 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by bobonacus:
Also, ignore really unhelpful comments like the previous post as they don't help anyone!!
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How is suggesting that the OP find a professional to mentor them while they at least learn how to operate their camera not helpful?
While many people(including myself) when they get a new camera, get all happy about getting asked to shoot things when they have a fancy camera, you really should have a complete understanding about your camera and the required equipment before undertaking paying jobs. Expectations of the clients can be very low or as high as the sky and you better be ready to provide them, or have alot of frustration for the photographer and the client.
Matt
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09/23/2008 01:33:52 PM · #20 |
Originally posted by bobonacus:
Other than that, you could try the sports mode on your camera if you aren't sure of the other settings.
Also, ignore really unhelpful comments like the previous post as they don't help anyone!!
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I am on the band wagon with Matto.
First of all, sports photography is an art within itself.
Look at any sports magazine, or newspaper, and I will guarentee you that "sports mode" is not used.
It's about knowing the sport, anticipation, tack sharp focus, and usable back ground. Sports is about story telling through action and emotion, the victory and the defeat of the game. It is not about backsides, or scoreboards, or the number on the jersey, or the ball used, or the bench sat on.
It is the athlete, the coach, the manager, the fan, the atmosphere, the field of play.
Matto is a highly respected photographer, knows what the hell he is talking about, and I support his responce 100%.
Message edited by author 2008-09-23 13:36:05.
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09/23/2008 02:18:44 PM · #21 |
it's much easier to ask (and waste peoples time) in a thread than to read the manual.
you get an instant answer and don't have to go through pages and read indexes and Ohyeah...really difficult instructions...
just turn the thingy!
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09/23/2008 02:19:07 PM · #22 |
In addition to all you have read so far, practice practice practice.
Take pictures of moving objects to improve your ability to pan with the action. Those kids do not hold still. And, as much improved as the newer cameras are, there is still a lot the photographer can do to improve the outcome.
The camera is just a tool, in the same way a paint brush can paint the Mona Lisa, or a paint by number scene. It's up to you, as to which it will produce.
Listen to Matto and a Man_Called_Horse.
You have a steep learning curve ahead of you. I wish you well. |
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09/23/2008 04:08:38 PM · #23 |
Originally posted by Man_Called_Horse:
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Matto is a highly respected photographer, knows what the hell he is talking about, and I support his responce 100%. |
I had to laugh when I read that line, its not one I ever thought I'd read, nor at this point do I 100% agree with. I do know that being in my third year shooting professionally I have learned a few things along the way. Many by mentors and critics. I can assure you I am much harder on myself and my work then most anyone will ever be. I probably toss as many photos that parents would snatch up then I keep. However I have high standards for my work, when I put something out there to sell it should be something I'd be proud to put my name on.
The hardest thing about photography or life in general is trying to pull yourself away from something you created and looking at it objectively. I can assure you I have learned far more from the harshest critics of my work than I ever will from someone patting me on the behind telling me good job, when it obviously isnt. That is one huge downfall of this place, there are hundreds willing to pat you on the back and tell you your stuff rocks, but there are very few with the balls to put what they really think of your work in the forums. And that is what is needed to push people to really improve.
If you really want to learn how to shoot, first you must do it wrong, then figure out how to do it right. I have shot more frames for myself learning then I have for clients, editors, or friends. Its not uncommon to find me 2 nights a week still working on my chosen craft, not for money but to keep sharp and learn. At this point I'm comfortable beginning to call myself a decent to good sports photographer, but I have a long way to go to being proficient or great. Someday I hope to be, and who will I have to thank for that, my critics or the back slappers. Stop and think about that and I think you will know the answer.
Matt
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09/23/2008 04:58:00 PM · #24 |
I agree with the advice given here, but why is that in soooo many cases when someone asks a very newbie question, they are brow-beat??? Ok, maybe she should read the manual...but it is evident that she doesn't know ISO, etc...so why not give her advice at her level? If she still doesn't know the 'points' how is following a 'professional' going to help her pictures.
Not too long ago there was another thread in which a 16 yr old was asking about printing the 'free' senior pictures she was taking for her friends. Well she got bashed so much in that thread that I see she hasn't posted in over 1 mth.
I hope her enthousiasm wasn't crushed.
Just like I hope Photomom's isnt |
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09/23/2008 05:06:25 PM · #25 |
Originally posted by dassilem:
I agree with the advice given here, but why is that in soooo many cases when someone asks a very newbie question, they are brow-beat??? Ok, maybe she should read the manual...but it is evident that she doesn't know ISO, etc...so why not give her advice at her level? If she still doesn't know the 'points' how is following a 'professional' going to help her pictures.
Not too long ago there was another thread in which a 16 yr old was asking about printing the 'free' senior pictures she was taking for her friends. Well she got bashed so much in that thread that I see she hasn't posted in over 1 mth.
I hope her enthousiasm wasn't crushed.
Just like I hope Photomom's isnt |
Ever had a mentor or worked with a professional photog? I can assure you following around and listening and working with a professional will teach you more then you could ever want to know about shooting whatever it is they shoot, weddings, portraits, sports, or whatever. I worked with a local pro when I started working with the paper and I can assure you he was tough on me and my work, and I learned ISO, SS, Aperture, composition, cropping, exposure, flash, lighting and lots of other things. He also asked me questions I had to find the answers too, you know research and reading. But I also at the same time learned what it took to cover the assignment and more, to make sure I had my safe shots and then got creative, so that if I didnt get anything the rest of the game I had what the paper could run. The easiest way to get an answer is to ask a question, but the easiest way to learn something is to do it. The answer will get you nothing, learning will get you where you need to be.
Matt
Edit to add, I still pester that photog, and a few others I know online about things. I hope I never stop learning because when I do the drive to do what I do will be gone, and it will simply be a job. I am happy to admit now that I do get many compliments from the same people who were critical of my work. Makes me realize the hard work is worth it and you can obtain it, however there are no easy answers on the internet to magically become a good ________ Photographer.
Message edited by author 2008-09-23 17:10:36.
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