BJW

I've been getting some decent sports/action shots as a novice volunteer photographer for a local high school ice hockey team. But now the Coach has asked me to do some team photos. I won't assume that because I got the hang of shooting the players moving at high speed that I can do just as well when they're standing still. So, before I get out on the ice and fall on my ass or face, as the case might be (literally and figuratively) I'd be grateful for some friendly tips to make sure I get some decent images.

I use a Nikon D500 with a Tamron 70-200 mm f/2.8 for the action shots. But here are some details:

I'll be shooting about 35 teenage team members as a group. The venue will be at a professional NHL arena, on the ice. Excellent overhead lighting with ice reflecting from below. Team will be wearing red and white jerseys. (Home jerseys are white background with red lettering; away jerseys are the reverse.) The subjects will probably be in two rows--sitting in front, standing behind.

Any comments on the following would be appreciated:

1) What type lense to use? Any lense filters?
2) White Balance?
3) Settings? (Shutter speed? Aperture? ISO?) (Would like to blur the background of ads and empty seating section.)
4) What AF setting other than single spot metering should I use to get all the faces sharp?
5) Any ideas other than standard two rows sitting and standing for a more intresting composition?

Thanks.
BJ

rmm0605 Loc: Atlanta GA

I don't think you should be terrified! You have a steady light, which is much better than the light you have when you are photographing the team in motion. The 70-200 might work, but you probably need a wider angle on the D500 (crop sensor). So have a lens that covers the 35mm focal length and you should be fine. Take a couple of test shots to make sure the reflected light doesn't wash out the image. To make sure the ice stays "white," add 1.5-2.0 exposure stops. Otherwise, I think you can trust your camera to do a good job.

SnappyHappy Loc: Chapin, SC “The Capitol of Lake Murray”

I would pose the team in four rows to narrow the shot and bring out some individual player features. Multiple rows will mean you need to stop down to keep everyone sharp. Since you want to blow out the background set the shot up with the camera as near the team and background as far behind the team as your composition allows. The rest of your settings depend on your light at the time of the shot.

BJW

Great suggestions. Keep 'em coming. Thanks so much.

djtravels Loc: Georgia boy now

How about have them pose in short rows, 45 degree angle body position, instead of shoulder to shoulder?
You can get more folks in a tighter group.

DwsPV Loc: South Africa

I have not shot any ice hockey, but have done a few team shots of outdoor hockey - all outdoors so no lighting issues. I am not sure what your light will be like, but what I would do is the following IF IT WERE ME...


Shoot in RAW - I always do.....
Position: You say you want the background to be blurred? Move the group as far away from the background as you can. Somewhere between the goal and center line with half or more of the stadium behind them.
Lens: I would use my 24-70 f/2.8, set it at about 50mm (75mm on your crop) Make sure to leave space around the two sides. Sometimes lens distortion could distort the players at the edges, so I always give myself 1 meter or 3 feet left and right.
Settings: Aperture Priority with Aperture at f/7.1. It is important that you get a good fast shutter speed obviously, so you may need to push up ISO, or just set ISO to Auto. You can go as far as f/4 if you need a faster shutter.
AF: AF-S (although I see the D500 has group AF - not sure what that gives you)
Metering: Center weighted or Spot, not Matrix. The ice may cause the players to be too dark in Matrix. (I would stick to Center weighted). If the white ice blows out, who cares, it's just ice and has nothing you want to show.
White Balance: Auto - if shooting in RAW you have the ability to adjust in post far better than with jpg.

Posing: I would stick to traditional full-on flat shoulder to shoulder. Why? Assuming they're in team gear, numbers/ names would want to be seen. If helmets are in the shot, seated players could have them on their laps.
Standing players: Left of center helmet in left hand, right of center, helmet in right hand.
If you have a row in front with one knee on the ground - put the helmet down and one hand on helmet, other arm on knee - again in a left/right combo.

Where to focus? 3 rows - focus on center player in middle row. 4 rows - center player in 2nd row. (This applies too if you have front row on knees, 2nd row seated and rows 3 and 4 standing.

Take as many photos as you can. People tend to have eyes wandering, itchy noses etc at just the wrong time.

I see you classify yourself as novice - if camera settings may your big concern, I usually tell people to just put everything on AUTO and make sure you get the shot rather than stress up. Your settings are not displayed on the photo anyway........

The above advice would be my approach. Also just Google and see what others have done before..

Good luck and post the outcome if you can!

KGOldWolf

The camera and your technique will be fine. If you want meaningful photographs strike up a meaningful conversation with the players. See them as people, laugh together, ask their opinions. How does someone get to know you? Get to know them. I may sound pedantic but focus on them; photograph the players, not the team. They know you as the guy who takes pictures of them; bring the relationship to the next level and you will get memories.

djtravels Loc: Georgia boy now

This bit of help will get ya to a great photograph, not just an OK one.

PHRubin Loc: Nashville TN USA

I can say that on my Canon, the 70-300 is too long for most portraits. You seem to want a group shot which would require an even wider field of view. I doubt the 70-200 would be the best choice.

Robeng Loc: California

BJ,

I had to photograph the judicial staff during lunch time one day outside in front of the old courthouse in Silicon Valley. There were approximately 50 judges in all shape and sizes.
I used a Nikon 16mm-35mm lens for the shot on a Nikon D800. I shot the image off a stand.
I used cloudy white balance and shot it in both JPEG and Raw. My setting were ISO 100, shutter 125 at F/11. I had all the taller judges stand in the back row, and shorter judges in the front.
I split the group in half and had everyone angle their body so it wasn't straight on to the camera.

I know your situation is different, but I'm sure you can figure it out. I hope my info help a little.

Rob

BJW

Thanks all for your great comments and advice. All so incredibly educational and helpful.
BJ