What have I learned this season

David Evertsen · December 21, 2008

Okay I thought I would post this and see what everyone has learned from this forum this year. I have really learned so much in the past 5 months it is amazing. So I will start and would like everyone to contribute what they have learned..

1. Shoot Portrait - Made it easier to avoid missing the ball, hands or feet.

2. Get tight - Look into their eyes see what they feel.

3. Get low during Football, even Lacrosse it works well get under the helmet and see what they feel.
Soccer does not work well for this unless at the endlines.

4. Get a pregame/event ritual, check your settings over and over . Cards, white Balance , ISO all the basics.

5. Backs and Butts don't sell, if you are on the wrong side of the plane deal with it.. Noone can tell a
story with backs and butts. They can't see the faces.

6. Did I say faces?? Faces are it, not dead space, we want to see emotion, passion, pain, production.

7. White Balance - Learn what you have and how to adjust, Lighting sucks most of the time and it does no
good to complain just learn what you have and adjust.

8. Overexpose the background if you have to.

9. 1/500 is the best for sports but the HS's around the country don't light for that.

10. I need to keep working to get better.. You never stop learning...

I am not a Wordsmith and will never claim to be.. What has everyone learned from the pros on the sports forum on DGRIN to make them better. I want to thank all those that post it really has made a huge differenece to me!! Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New year !! Thank you..

David Evertsen
www.phabulousphotos.com

MDalby · December 22, 2008

Nice post.

I learned, I have a lot to learn.

I also learned and agree with your #5. I have really tried to position myself on the right side of hte court so I can get the faces.

ian408 · December 22, 2008

Thank you!

KMCC · December 24, 2008

That's a good list.

#3 is often overlooked by casual shooters.

It's certainly not original with me, but I've heard it said that shooting up at an athlete (or any subject for that matter) will make him/her/it appear "heroic".

I typically shoot lacrosse and soccer using a small folding stool that keeps me low. For basketball, I'm always sitting on the floor at the baseline.

I shoot some football from a kneeling position, but I tend to move around so much that I don't always have time to get low.

Merry Christmas!

MDalby · December 24, 2008

KMCC wrote:

That's a good list.

For basketball, I'm always sitting on the floor at the baseline.

Merry Christmas!

Kent,

Where do you sit? I don't believe I am allowed to be under the hoop for taking pictures. I typically stand in the corner of the baseline and the coaches box.

MD

KMCC · December 24, 2008

MDalby wrote:

Kent,

Where do you sit? I don't believe I am allowed to be under the hoop for taking pictures. I typically stand in the corner of the baseline and the coaches box.

MD

Sometimes I'm just inside the corner, sometimes just on the outside of the lane, not so often just beneath the goal. I move around. Always 5 or so feet beyond the baseline so as not to get stepped on (too much).

jonh68 · December 24, 2008

3. Get low during Football, even Lacrosse it works well get under the helmet and see what they feel.
Soccer does not work well for this unless at the endlines.

I agree with this one but don't see how it doesn't apply to soccer as well. Same principles. Works for every sport just about.

nipprdog · December 24, 2008

jonh68 wrote:

I agree with this one but don't see how it doesn't apply to soccer as well. Same principles. Works for every sport just about.

I can't speak for Kent, but here is my guess. I shoot 75% from the end zone corner on my stool. The rest I shoot from the sidelines to get the midfielders and goalies. I prefer to do that from the side of the field where the parents are, since it provides a cleaner background. Depending upon attendance, sometimes I have to stand behind the parents.

And since we're passing on tips we've learned.......

I shoot from a stool like this(non camo

);

A tip I learned was to keep it attached to my belt loop with a carbiner and a zip-tie. When I have to move quickly, it moves with me.

KMCC · December 24, 2008

nipprdog wrote:

I shoot from a stool like this(non camo );

Now that is a high tech stool; and I like it. Mine is a bit more neanderthal in design

attorneyjay · December 24, 2008

Thanks for the Great Tips
Excellent tips. The little camping stool is also great for getting down low behind the baseball catcher (and also behind the backstop) when shooting the pitcher through his windup and delivery. Camera lens thrust between the chain links, of course, to get a clean shot.

What is the advantage of shooting sports in portrait mode? I've never tried it.

Jay

attorneyjay · December 24, 2008

Getting Down Low
3. Get low during Football, even Lacrosse it works well get under the helmet and see what they feel.
Soccer does not work well for this unless at the endlines.

I'm all for getting low for action shots. I do attempt this for basketball and wrestling, but I think my physical size and age make this quite uncomfortable after awhile. I can probably do something about my size if I really tried, but until then I may improvise somewhat.

Also, when sitting on the floor behind and to the side of the basket at basketball games I find that it limits my mobility such that the ref gets in my way more than he does if I am standing and thus able to move quickly and easily. Anyone feel the same way?

Finally, altho I think down low behind and to the side of the basket is the best location for shooting basketball, at HS games it is often the darkest location from which to shoot. If only people wanted to see the center court action I'd have some great lighting. :-)

Jay

David Evertsen · December 25, 2008

jonh68 wrote:

I agree with this one but don't see how it doesn't apply to soccer as well. Same principles. Works for every sport just about.

Well for me personally I move to much with soccer. I don't get the breaks between plays like football and lacrosse is fast but can still shoot low with those. It was a personal deal.
David
www.phabulousphotos.com

KCBearcat · December 25, 2008

nipprdog wrote:

I shoot from a stool like this(non camo );

A tip I learned was to keep it attached to my belt loop with a carbiner and a zip-tie. When I have to move quickly, it moves with me.

I shot from a stool like that before I broke it... I either need to get a sturdier one, or lose some weight... I think the weight will go first as I'm going to the Jim Evans umpire school next month in Kissimmee...

On the way home, I'm hoping for a press pass to the USA-MEX qualifier in Columbus, OH. I'll rent glass for that one...

As for something I've learned, know the limitations of your equipment and don't ask it to do something it can't.

jonh68 · December 26, 2008

David Evertsen wrote:

Well for me personally I move to much with soccer. I don't get the breaks between plays like football and lacrosse is fast but can still shoot low with those. It was a personal deal.
David
www.phabulousphotos.com

I can understand that. I have learned shooting something like soccer when the action is moving up and down the field, it's best to stay in one position for a little while. I know it's frustrating when you miss action on the other side, but when I move, I tend to miss the action where I was. I pick out the best spots in regards to light and then just set up camp at those spots.

KCBearcat · December 26, 2008

jonh68 wrote:

I can understand that. I have learned shooting something like soccer when the action is moving up and down the field, it's best to stay in one position for a little while. I know it's frustrating when you miss action on the other side, but when I move, I tend to miss the action where I was. I pick out the best spots in regards to light and then just set up camp ant those spots.

That's why, when I'm shooting a Wizards game, I only move during halftime, if I haven't gone to the press box for food. If that's the case, I just go right back to where I was...

That and the team doesn't like ya movin' around too much... get in the way of people who paid to get in...

jonh68 · December 27, 2008

KCBearcat wrote:

That's why, when I'm shooting a Wizards game, I only move during halftime, if I haven't gone to the press box for food. If that's the case, I just go right back to where I was...

That and the team doesn't like ya movin' around too much... get in the way of people who paid to get in...

Yep. Football is about the only sport that I will move with the progression of the ball if it's between the 20's. I will get in the endzone once inside the redzone. The sidelines are busy with activity when the ball moves up and down the field so it's not distracting to anyone. Moving around in soccer gets you noticed.

clemensphoto's · December 27, 2008

This years learning curve included:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
1. Use a zoom lens when taking portraits (as long as you have the space to do this that is); <o:p></o:p>

2. Getting low while taking football, but also try different angles (not just being low trying different heights for different effects). A portable chair would most defiantly help with these battered bones while getting low!<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
3. This wasn't discussed in the forum but, don't forget about the crowds, cheerleaders and the players on the sidelines while at games. They sell as well and most times are very humors or worthy of your time to take.<o:p></o:p>

4. White Balance/lighting changes from gym to gym so go early when shooting a different gym to find the right setting.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
5. One of the most important things that I learned is to use bedding for backdrops (thanks Nikolai) as an inexpensive alternative to Muslin.

6. Just to post questions, because others may have the same question.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>

Snowgirl · December 27, 2008

clemensphoto's wrote:

This years learning curve included:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
1. Use a zoom lens when taking portraits (as long as you have the space to do this that is); <o:p></o:p>

2. Getting low while taking football, but also try different angles (not just being low trying different heights for different effects). A portable chair would most defiantly help with these battered bones while getting low!<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
3. This wasn't discussed in the forum but, don't forget about the crowds, cheerleaders and the players on the sidelines while at games. They sell as well and most times are very humors or worthy of your time to take.<o:p></o:p>

4. White Balance/lighting changes from gym to gym so go early when shooting a different gym to find the right setting.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
5. One of the most important things that I learned is to use bedding for backdrops (thanks Nikolai) as an inexpensive alternative to Muslin.

6. Just to post questions, because others may have the same question.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>

I shoot horses - in show rings that is. Outdoor events aren't too bad for lighting (except high noon) but the indoor arenas, like gyms, are a nightmare!

I learned to shoot the crowd too. Some of my best sales have come from audience shots reacting to someone's ride.

I learned that I have to choose, sometimes, to have the rider OR the horse in focus because, unless it's a distance shot, it's very difficult to get them both.

I learned I need to learn more.<img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6029383/emoji/headscratch.gif" border="0" alt="" >

KCBearcat · December 27, 2008

jonh68 wrote:

Yep. Football is about the only sport that I will move with the progression of the ball if it's between the 20's. I will get in the endzone once inside the redzone. The sidelines are busy with activity when the ball moves up and down the field so it's not distracting to anyone. Moving around in soccer gets you noticed.

Yup... that and I carry too much of my stuff with me for moving around a lot.

kenyahudson · December 28, 2008

I made this list at the end of the 2007 season shooting football--my first shooting that sport. I didn't read it again until three games before the end of the 2008 football season so I'd forgotten some of these "lessons" until almost too late.

1. Always get press credentials before the day of the game/event. For two games, I tried to pick them up at will call only to find that my name was not on the list. I had to then telephone and track down the SID or assistant SID to get into the game which took 30 minutes to an hour. [Corollary: Always show up early even with a press pass in hand.]

2. Know the players. (1) Know when and where they play especially if they play on multiple units. (2) Identify graduating seniors early as they are the most likely to want and purchase images. (3) Become familiar enough that they stop playing to the camera. (4) Read newspaper scouting reports and other media reports about the game. [Re. no. 3, I went to several practices that year as well and didn't want them playing the camera during those practices.

3. Always have business cards in camera bags and pockets. (I ran out of business cards mid-season just as demand was highest.) Order in 500 allotments and re-order when I'm down to 150. (With football, there are so many more players and parents to consider compared to other sports.)

4. Always make requests for credentials early and in writing. (I kind of knew this from music photography, but circumstances reinforced the lesson for me this year.)

5. Don't be too wedded to the shot list. Take safety shots (e.g. in stance and in warm-ups) of players/coaches on the shot lists. Then, follow the action during games. (For two games, I stuck to the shot list for the entire first half and the stars of the game were not on those lists.)

6. Everybody likes to be photographed. Make sure I get shots of the non-glamorous positions like offensive line or special teams. In blow out games, keep shooting to get game photos of second- and third-string players.

7. Always get to the game at least 90 minutes before start time. Find the press area if there is one at field level. Do a walk through of the sidelines for holes and sudden drop-offs. Take test shots for metering and histogram review. Shoot warm-ups. Shoot band preparations and entry. Shoot team entry onto field (players and coaches).

8. Composition. Isolate the action with framing and depth of field. Think carefully about the structure and color of backgrounds. (Get some from villain's sideline with hero's fans/colors in background.) Ensure that I always have some shots in landscape orientation. Stand around shots are only valuable if they convey emotion or tell a story. Read the quarterback especially on defense.

9. Positioning. In general, get and stay low. Stay in the endzone when the ball is on the 30 or closer to the goal lines. In the endzone, cheat towards the middle. Between the 30 yard lines, take shots from both sidelines. Have the eye's of hero's players facing me at least 90% of the time.

10. Settings. Try not to go past 800 ISO. Keep a shutter speed of at least 1/400 in aperture mode. Use center point or just above center point focus.

Other. Rethink my workflow for greater efficiency. Back up all shots and then be ruthless in cut-downs. Learn to manage people especially in positioning for group shots. Be more assertive.

Additions from this year:
Evertsen no. 4
Evertsen no. 7
Evertsen no. 8.
Shoot tighter (Evertsen no. 2?)
Use manual exposure more often.

jonh68 · December 29, 2008

10. Settings. Try not to go past 800 ISO. Keep a shutter speed of at least 1/400 in aperture mode. Use center point or just above center point focus.

I agree with most everything except this. Cameras are getting better at ISO performance and 1600,3200, and 6400 are great. Using 800 can only be used when flash is used in most stadiums. Even then, it creates a dungeon effect and darkens out the backgrounds, making an unnatural look. This goes into personal taste so it's no biggie, but higher ISO over 800 is needed for pics without using flash.

What have I learned this season

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