Sports Photography

Paulw · 25-02-2008 12:33PM

Unfortunately, I won't be around. I'll still be away on my holidays in the US.

Tinytony · 18-03-2008 05:24PM

For someone starting out Sports photography as a hobby, could you use a bridge camera to begin with or would the shutter speeds not be fast enough?

My budget at the moment would be €400 max so just wondering if i could get a higher end Bridge camera in this price range that would do the job starting out and allow me to get some good pics, probably just a local club matches and the odd point to point (race meeting) to start with?

Calina · 18-03-2008 05:32PM

I know someone who started with a bridge camera with the kite stuff. TBH, I wouldn't really recommend it.

A lot depends on what you want to shoot. Give us a few more details and *maybe* we might get a yes but I'd be leaning towards recommending a 350D for around 350E or so and then looking at adding a reasonable zoom - the cheap and cheerful Sigma 70-300 DG APO for example.

whyulittle · 18-03-2008 07:46PM

The shutter lag on a bridge camera will frustrate you no end. You'll think you have got a great shot, but when you go back and review it, you'll have got the action from two seconds later!

Paulw · 18-03-2008 07:53PM

I doubt a bridge camera can capture the action properly. That's not saying it won't work though. I've never tried.

You really need a fast response from the camera - the time between pressing the shutter button and the image being taken. Even with a slow fps camera you can capture the moment, if you anticipate it well. But with a bridge and non-SLR cameras, you would also have to factor in the time between you pressing the button and the shutter opening.

You would be better off buying a lower spec, or 2nd hand SLR and going from there.

Tinytony · 19-03-2008 09:07AM

Cheers guys, I was thinking as much regarding the shutter and response times. I'll have a few tough decisions to make so! I was hoping I'd be able to combine a camera that would take decent action shots and one that would be portable enough to still be able to take hill walking etc without the need to carry along lens etc.

I really don't want to spend upwards of €500 on a piece of kit that might end up just gathering dust on the shelf! I might look into a the 2nd hand option for an SLR or just go for a mid-range bridge camera to start with and then upgrade to a decent SLR set up at a later date if I like it. Cheers guys.

youllneverknow · 15-06-2010 04:36PM

wouldnt mind getting into the old bohs game might pop down with the granda and take a few next time

golfman · 22-11-2010 06:24PM

Just a quick question regarding the sports photography, are you taking 1 exposure at a time or are you generally firing off bursts in continous mode?

In 1 football match for example, roughly how many exposures are you taking?

Paulw · 22-11-2010 07:38PM

Personally, I shoot in short bursts.

As for how many frames per game, it really depends. Anything from 300-800 frames.

PCPhoto · 22-11-2010 09:12PM

golfman wrote: »

Just a quick question regarding the sports photography, are you taking 1 exposure at a time or are you generally firing off bursts in continous mode?

In 1 football match for example, roughly how many exposures are you taking?

for me - depends on what I'm shooting.... in general,

most fast moving sports .... I will have the shutter half-pressed tracking the subject ... waiting until I anticipate the shot... then ...shutter down and ....click...click....click...click...click. (10 frames per sec)

I have had situations when battery is almost dead - need to get a selection of images .... dont shoot bursts.... random clicks .... when I see a pic coming.

I try to keep below 200images per game - unless its an international.

NakedDex · 23-11-2010 02:34PM

Not the most exciting, or technically accomplished, but one of my favourites from the day in question. Brings some good memories of that game back.
47C2B89128B3413A9A107E139C99DE5B-0000334359-0002042648-00640L-BC8192E8D43F4840B3F7F992B59ADE06.jpg

47C2B89128B3413A9A107E139C99DE5B-0000334359-0002042648-00640L-BC8192E8D43F4840B3F7F992B59ADE06.jpg

TTWNF · 04-02-2013 04:52PM

hey just wanted to revive this thread! i'm interested in sports photography myself... just wondering how to get into events without insurance or a press pass? i'm not bothered about the bigger sporting occasions, just want to practice at any sports that will let me in! I was out in Punchestown yesterday but couldn't get near any of the fences so had to concentrate on the parade ring...

Corkbah · 04-02-2013 06:03PM

TTWNF wrote: »

hey just wanted to revive this thread! i'm interested in sports photography myself... just wondering how to get into events without insurance or a press pass? i'm not bothered about the bigger sporting occasions, just want to practice at any sports that will let me in! I was out in Punchestown yesterday but couldn't get near any of the fences so had to concentrate on the parade ring...

are you working for someone ?

generally the people taking the photos in the best positions are those working and usually under pressure to get the images out to the newspapers/magazines/websites/agencies that are paying them to be there.

the main reasons why those positions are for working media are:

1) they know what is and is not allowed and they understand the risks of breaking the rules will result in getting banned and damaging their own name and the name of the person they are working for.
2) if everyone who wanted access was allowed into the best positions there would inevitably be disputes/fights amongst photographers as to "who was there first" and "he/she got in my way even though I told them I was behind them"
3) if everyone was allowed access there would be huge health and safety issues - limited numbers are often allowed for insurance reasons...can you imagine 50photographers trying to get into the winners circle ...flashes going off (because there would always be one person who thinks its ok to use a flash !!) ... could spook the animal.

no offence intended but often people not familiar with protocol of events get in the way of those working which results in bosses getting upset and angry...because "some guy/girl got in the way".

I'm sure even with the best of intentions ...someone would get in the way of someone else that they havent seen.

without insurance or a press card ... best way to get access is to work for an agency - let them pay for the insurance....but you have to be good before you can work with an agency, that means have all the right gear and knowledge, practice on lower level and eventually master the art of sport photography.... only the extremely hard working and the gifted survive at the top....which one do you think you are ?

Paulw · 04-02-2013 06:12PM

TTWNF wrote: »

just wondering how to get into events without insurance or a press pass? i'm not bothered about the bigger sporting occasions, just want to practice at any sports that will let me in!

Find your nearest local club/organisation and ask them if you can take photos.

Insurance is important for a number of reasons, but mostly to protect others (hence the Public Liability insurance), so that if someone does get injured by you or your gear, you don't end up in court and paying large fees.

Horse racing will not let you in, unless you are fully accredited (working for an agency or paper).

TTWNF · 04-02-2013 06:15PM

Corkbah wrote: »

are you working for someone ?

generally the people taking the photos in the best positions are those working and usually under pressure to get the images out to the newspapers/magazines/websites/agencies that are paying them to be there.

the main reasons why those positions are for working media are:

1) they know what is and is not allowed and they understand the risks of breaking the rules will result in getting banned and damaging their own name and the name of the person they are working for.
2) if everyone who wanted access was allowed into the best positions there would inevitably be disputes/fights amongst photographers as to "who was there first" and "he/she got in my way even though I told them I was behind them"
3) if everyone was allowed access there would be huge health and safety issues - limited numbers are often allowed for insurance reasons...can you imagine 50photographers trying to get into the winners circle ...flashes going off (because there would always be one person who thinks its ok to use a flash !!) ... could spook the animal.

no offence intended but often people not familiar with protocol of events get in the way of those working which results in bosses getting upset and angry...because "some guy/girl got in the way".

I'm sure even with the best of intentions ...someone would get in the way of someone else that they havent seen.

No i'm not working for anyone... i get what you say about getting in the way & it being a free for all if everybody was allowed in. For example there was only a couple of photographers working at Punchestown yesterday, the Healy's & one or two others. Any more it could get a bit messy alright in the ring after each race. BTW they all used Flash yesterday....no horses spooked

TTWNF · 04-02-2013 06:19PM

Paulw wrote: »

Find your nearest local club/organisation and ask them if you can take photos.

Insurance is important for a number of reasons, but mostly to protect others (hence the Public Liability insurance), so that if someone does get injured by you or your gear, you don't end up in court and paying large fees.

Horse racing will not let you in, unless you are fully accredited (working for an agency or paper).

Thanks Paulw for the advice... i will contact clubs/organisations & go from there ! I am happy to do any event...just want practice!

Ballyman · 04-02-2013 07:13PM

TTWNF wrote: »

No i'm not working for anyone... i get what you say about getting in the way & it being a free for all if everybody was allowed in. For example there was only a couple of photographers working at Punchestown yesterday, the Healy's & one or two others. Any more it could get a bit messy alright in the ring after each race. BTW they all used Flash yesterday....no horses spooked

Go over to Naas - There is public access to the last two fences on the road into the track. There is always a good few people at the second last fence (the last fence is where the working photographers will be) and you will get plenty of practice there.

The next meeting at Naas is on Feb 10th and 24th.

TTWNF · 04-02-2013 07:16PM

Ballyman wrote: »

Go over to Naas - There is public access to the last two fences on the road into the track. There is always a good few people at the second last fence (the last fence is where the working photographers will be) and you will get plenty of practice there.

The next meeting at Naas is on Feb 10th and 24th.

nice one Ballyman... info much appreciated!

snooples17 · 27-07-2013 12:34AM

sorry to revive an old thead but go to any point to point and you can take pictures no problem, not the season for it for another few months though but the same for pony racing and plenty of that going on at beaches during the summer. Pony racing is only on the flat though but can still make for good pics

And i find it very strange that any pro used a flash around a horse, its one of the cardinal rules around horses, being a horse owner myself

TTWNF · 27-07-2013 09:25PM

snooples17 wrote: »

sorry to revive an old thead but go to any point to point and you can take pictures no problem, not the season for it for another few months though but the same for pony racing and plenty of that going on at beaches during the summer. Pony racing is only on the flat though but can still make for good pics

And i find it very strange that any pro used a flash around a horse, its one of the cardinal rules around horses, being a horse owner myself

all the big race meeting i see the pros using flash for the presentations etc... deffo

TTWNF · 27-07-2013 09:30PM

also just wondering if you guys use back button focusing for sports.... just switched over recently after being advised to do so by a pro but missed a few shots that i normally would of got so it too minds about it now!

also anyone care to give me some C&C on my sports photos?

http://oneshotbeary.com/2013/07/11/st-james-gate-v-mk-dons/

http://oneshotbeary.com/2013/06/15/selection-of-sports-photos-from-the-last-few-months/

i love sports photography and am doing my best to do more of it for practice so if anyone know of any games where its ok to rock up to with a camera please holla at me!

Also PaulW, i'm a big fan of your work & if you ever need an assistant :-)

Paulw · 27-07-2013 11:37PM

TTWNF wrote: »

also just wondering if you guys use back button focusing for sports.... just switched over recently after being advised to do so by a pro but missed a few shots that i normally would of got so it too minds about it now!

Some do, some don't. It's a matter of personal choice. I don't, as such, but I have been playing with it more and more. I can see advantages and disadvantages to it, but again, it's a matter of choice.

TTWNF wrote: »

also anyone care to give me some C&C on my sports photos?

Some good and some average shots there. Watch your point of focus in your images. Some are not focused on the main character in the shot.

TTWNF wrote: »

i love sports photography and am doing my best to do more of it for practice so if anyone know of any games where its ok to rock up to with a camera please holla at me!

Getting access to events is getting harder and harder. Just keep shooting your local events and take it from there. Make contacts with the clubs and local papers. Just keep at it, and show the best of your work.

TTWNF wrote: »

Also PaulW, i'm a big fan of your work & if you ever need an assistant :-)

Cheers. Join the queue.

kensutz · 28-07-2013 04:48PM

TTWNF wrote: »

also anyone care to give me some C&C on my sports photos?

Watch your horizons. I probably walked past you a few times at the cricket match.

mikka631 · 28-07-2013 05:03PM

I find Back Button Focus mode very handy when using AI Servo mode and continuous shooting. You can keep the button pressed and just fire away with the shutter release button.

Would love some C&C on these two images if you don't mind

dinneenp · 07-08-2013 01:58PM

STUNNING sports photos from The Red Bull Illume Image Quest- link

secman · 07-08-2013 02:06PM

Red Bull ... stunning shots........... well worth throwing a green eye over them !

ismisebernard · 04-06-2018 10:07PM

Hi all, i read this thread a couple months back and had hoped to get to put some of the tips into action but only really got the chance at the weekend.
I shoot with a Canon 70D and with the kit lens 18-55

I got to a local American football game and snapped for the second half , in all i took about 230 photos and was there for about 1hr 20 mins. It was a bit of a funny one , as i was always at max zoom as the play, for the most part, was far away from me, as there was the sideline, then a cordone area for spectators had to stand behind.

Of all the snaps i took i cropped tight, as suggested and to make them web ready i ran them through VSCO to bump a bit of preset colour through them.

ismisebernard · 05-06-2018 05:30PM

Sorry i was unable to post a link as i didnt have the required amount of posts,

the album is here https://www.flickr.com/photos/bernardkenealy/sets/72157697585074735

Any feed back is most welcome

ED E · 05-06-2018 07:20PM

A fair few are "smudgey" as if they're a photo taken of a monitor, I dont use VSCO but it looks like it mangled them. Shooting on a decent body then meatgrinding them through a phone app isn't the workflow I'd aim for.

I'm not sure all of Pauls comments sunk in. Why shoot at ISO 100 & 1/250-300 when you could drop to 200 or 400 and shoot much faster (Paul said 1/400 or higher)?

2018-06-03 05.05.48 1 by Bernard Kenealy, on Flickr
1/250, at 1/600 that ball would be sharp (or very close to).

Your 55 is an 88 effective but for sports like that some longer glass would certainly help.

For most sports events, a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens (Canon, Nikon, Oly, Sigma) is what you really want.

ismisebernard · 05-06-2018 08:44PM

ED E wrote: »

A fair few are "smudgey" as if they're a photo taken of a monitor, I dont use VSCO but it looks like it mangled them. Shooting on a decent body then meatgrinding them through a phone app isn't the workflow I'd aim for.

I'm not sure all of Pauls comments sunk in. Why shoot at ISO 100 & 1/250-300 when you could drop to 200 or 400 and shoot much faster (Paul said 1/400 or higher)?

1/250, at 1/600 that ball would be sharp (or very close to).

Your 55 is an 88 effective but for sports like that some longer glass would certainly help.

Thanks for the comment Ed E

VSCO isn't ideal, and i appreciate that but i guess the handiness for me is transferring the image straight to the phone and using whatever tools i have at hand to edit, and it was VSCO that i used on that. I do have Lightroom CC but VSCO was the handiest and quickest at the time, but fair point , they do look smudgy.

I just dont have a laptop / software set up to edit images. The only software that will run on my laptop is GIMP and i just havent managed to find my around it.

ISO i had set to auto, and yes, defo will look at the shutter speed and play around with it more the next time.

Yeah i wanted to see what kind of images i could get on the kit lens first before making a splash or investment but yeah appreciate it would give me more reach

Sports Photography

Comments