Hogger help requested: Granddaughter who is a HS freshman has been asked to photograph football and possibly other sports teams and add some articles for campus newsletter. She is very...

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Hogger help requested

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Aug 30, 2013 18:38:42 #

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Granddaughter who is a HS freshman has been asked to photograph football and possibly other sports teams and add some articles for campus newsletter. She is very new to photography. Not sure if school will be providing equipment and or training. She is also quite excited about doing it as it would add to her first academic love, journalism. I admit being inadequate in the area of sports photography. Looking for some basic advice on how to help her succeed. Letting her down is just not a grandpa option. If anyone can help, I am thinking I need only to rely on my fellow hoggers. Looking forward to your responses.

Aug 30, 2013 18:42:18 #

geclevel Loc: Springville, Utah

If it is outdoors and sunny use a fast shutter to freeze the action.
If it is indoors or using stadium lighting a wide open aperture is a must to freeze the action. You will probably have to raise the ISO to get a fast shutter speed also.

I would have her go to a few games to learn some of the play. Knowing which way the action is going to flow helps get great shots.

Aug 30, 2013 18:59:08 #

St3v3M Loc: 35,000 feet

These articles may help -
http://digital-photography-school.com/8-tips-on-how-to-photograph-sports
http://photo.tutsplus.com/tutorials/shooting/8-tips-for-taking-sports-photos-like-a-pro
http://www.astropix.com/SPORTSPIX/NSC/NOTES.HTM
http://www.wikihow.com/Photograph-Sports
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/sports.htm
http://www.photographyblog.com/articles/10_tips_for_better_sports_photography
http://www.steephill.tv/photography/action-photography-tips.html

These videos may help -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHrtmPAONbc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I6RJthJLws
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7QHP3UI4S0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc_YkReqc70
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCZLsEnD1kY

And so many others!

Aug 30, 2013 18:59:39 #

craggycrossers Loc: Robin Hood Country, UK

sirlensalot wrote:

Granddaughter who is a HS freshman has been asked ... (show quote)

A couple of things to mention here ......

First, from a "sporting" viewpoint ....... in addition to "camera skills" any sports photographer is best served also by some knowledge of the sport - what's likely to happen in a given situation, and be ready for it. That knowledge gives one "timing", the ability to hit the shutter at the right time to catch the shot. It's a combination of knowledge and then some practice. Even down to being ready for what's likely to happen "at the final whistle", often the point of most exhilaration for the winner !

Second - as an Englishman - how does a "granddaughter" get to be a "freshman" ? !!

Aug 30, 2013 19:09:50 #

lighthouse Loc: No Fixed Abode

Not sure if school will provide equipment or training?
Until you know that, how can you know how to help?
Others gave the correct advice - learn the game, learn the sides best players and learn to read their plays.
When you know more about the equipment and training you may be able to help then.
Maybe teach her the exposure triangle and how it relates to depth of field and shutter speed.

sirlensalot wrote:

Granddaughter who is a HS freshman has been asked ... (show quote)

Aug 30, 2013 19:20:04 #

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Sirlens, she needs to find out a little info first. I'm sure there are several photographers covering the paper. She's been asked to do football. Some teams play under the "Friday night lights". Some play Saturday games during the weekend at midday since lights are very expensive to run.
If it's nights, that requires a whole different set of equipment. Most school papers own a 200mm, 2.8. That will be as fast as the most expensive of zooms.
She may request only day sports such as cross country or field hockey.
The night/indoor stuff is equipment heavy.
Let us know whict set of circumstances she has to work with, and we can be very specific with advise. Good luck. SS

Aug 30, 2013 21:22:51 #

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

I knew my fellow hoggers would pick up the ball and run with it! All great advice which I take with the greatest of appreciation. We will be meeting over the weekend for me to get more details and to share your advice. Guessing as a fresh"person" (good one, lol) she will be doing JV games. I believe they play Thursday evenings. The above advice will certainly provide a starting place and basis for success. My heartfelt thanks to each and every one.

Aug 30, 2013 21:23:04 #

Acountry330 Loc: Dothan,Ala USA

Get her a D-4 and 70-200 2.8. She will do just find because she is excited about doing it.

Aug 30, 2013 21:39:16 #

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

Acountry330 wrote:

Get her a D-4 and 70-200 2.8. She will do just find because she is excited about doing it.

Not funny! She is going to read this! LOL

Aug 30, 2013 22:56:46 #

busted_shutter

Her school have a camera/photography club? Good place to get started.

Aug 30, 2013 23:27:46 #

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

sirlensalot wrote:

Granddaughter who is a HS freshman has been asked ... (show quote)

A great deal depends on the school. What will she have available in terms of equipment and time? How about post processing? What quantity and quality will they expect from her?

Aug 30, 2013 23:45:43 #

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

_Rex wrote:

Her school have a camera/photography club? Good place to get started.

Great thought, but no. They did away with the program several years ago when they made the change from vocational type classes to computer oriented classes. The irony is after film, dslr's are pretty much little but computers. I guess the jokes on the taxpayers who funded it.

Aug 30, 2013 23:56:01 #

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Acountry330 wrote:

Get her a D-4 and 70-200 2.8. She will do just find because she is excited about doing it.

Actually the D3s would be faster for sports (9fps), and the 12+mp should be more than adequate for news journalism. You'll need a longer lens that the 70-200mm, though. Go for the 300mm f2.8, or 200-400mm. I know it's a chunk of change, but your baby will love you forever.

Aug 30, 2013 23:59:08 #

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

jerryc41 wrote:

A great deal depends on the school. What will she have available in terms of equipment and time? How about post processing? What quantity and quality will they expect from her?

Thanks jerryc41 - unknown at this time. She is meeting with teacher next Tuesday to hopefully get information on the details you mention. All good questions. Thank you.
She wanted grandpa to help her get the jump on moving forward before Tuesday. Classes begin tomorrow morning at our house. Lol
Thinking basic exposure, ISO not much else for first lesson. Then grab a few cameras and see if we can find a local outdoor sporting event. Maybe catch a practice of a local high school team if we get lucky. I can steer her thru basics, but honestly sports photography I an area I have never tried. Somehow, I think that will all change. Lol Have received very good advice so far.

Aug 31, 2013 00:04:20 #

sirlensalot Loc: Arizona

SteveR wrote:

Think the wife just hid the check book and sliced up the plastic, but they are great choices for sure. Thanks.

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