67skylark27 Loc: Fort Atkinson, WI

Here's a couple more! I have some great coach ones, will have to dig those up.

67skylark27 Loc: Fort Atkinson, WI

Thanks Jules, I just might go shoot a game at the high school tonight and visit with
the parents again, they are so appreciative when I come and shoot. Makes it fun
and it's a great game to watch and take in.

67skylark27 Loc: Fort Atkinson, WI

Last thing to add, and it's probably the most important. Set your camera up
to use back button focus (BBF) and practice with it until it's natural. Usually
just takes about an hour of shooting. Separating the shutter button from
focus will instantly increase your keeper rate. Why? Because you are in charge
of the focus with your thumb, and whether you want it to refocus, or hold.
This comes into play when another play sticks a hand out and blocks who
you are trying to get a crisp picture of - focus will hunt around and you will
miss the shot. If you are shooting bench players, you can set the focus
and leave it there and just wait for the jubilation. They are all in a line, distance
from you stays the same and focus doesn't need to change, so it eliminates
the chance you shoot over their head, the camera focuses on the fans 20'
farther away and you miss the shot (and don't know you missed it until later.)
BBF and auto ISO are the two most impactful things I added early on to help
with action shots.

tshift Loc: Overland Park, KS.

One thing about volleyball, the girl's are so emotional. I love the excitement and the energy they project. Keep it up and post more when you can. Thanks

Tom

pnittoly Loc: Mountainside, New Jersey

These are among the best I have seen posted here. Thanks for sharing and for the helpful hints and suggestions. I have no experience with Volleyball but have a 50mm 1.8 - not enough reach ? Paul

Jules Karney Loc: Las Vegas, Nevada

Great advice. I always use bbf it's a great tool once you get the hang of it.

67skylark27 Loc: Fort Atkinson, WI

On a crop sensor the 50 is good but you will want to be close. For club season the seating is right on the court and it's perfect. Stand right behind the players bench, or next to the scorer's table. I sit between the coach and scorer quite often, right on the floor. Usually after I have some report with the coach.

67skylark27 Loc: Fort Atkinson, WI

When you get good lighting, shoot non stop!

67skylark27 Loc: Fort Atkinson, WI

Here's some more. Looking back on these, this was an epic season for
these girls!!!

tshift Loc: Overland Park, KS.

These are wonderful, you have it down. You should click on (store original) box when you load up photos. Thanks and please post more.

Tom

pnittoly Loc: Mountainside, New Jersey

Thanks again for the advice. I use bbf with a crop sensor camera and will give it a try. Paul

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

Thank you 67skylark27 for sharing your journey in the volleyball arena... I'm certain many here appreciate the time/efforts you have invested in detailing what seems to work well for you... As such you are certainly to be commended...

Loved many of your epic captures!

Food for thought, there are so many variables in the image equations far beyond kit and how to best approach a genre... Thus it is likely (virtually) impossible to standardize a globally effective methodology in shooting "sports". That said, white balance is one pivotal parameter that can make or break the perceived merit of an image... To this end post processing may become an important element in the mix... Many of those who have to pay the bills with their photographic endeavors have become believers in shooting "White Cards" or "Color Targets" under the same precise illumination conditions of the event which they have accepted as a contract assignment... However hobbyist can often simply use the White Balance Tool in Camera Raw to take a reading off a "white volleyball" or a player's white jersey... The takeaway here is Auto White Balance may not be your friend under artificial illumination... this also speaks to the critical importance of shooting in RAW... experience is a brutal teacher...

Again many thanks for sharing your journey 67skylark27...
I wish you all the best for your future endeavors...

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

67skylark27 Loc: Fort Atkinson, WI

Here are just a couple more to show some different angles and subjects. This is college
level and I am sitting seven rows up, shooting with a D750 and Tamron G2 70-200.
f2.8 and 1/640th. Normally I move around for good angles but for this match I stayed
put. ISO's ended up 2800 to 4000. Very quick edits in Lightroom as I was traveling
back and forth to West Virginia and wanted to get them to my daughter right after
the game. I had 50 keepers, these four have good variety.

67skylark27 Loc: Fort Atkinson, WI

#3 added:

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-615155-1.html#10601985