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Going to shoot at HS Track event
Mar 9, 2012 19:47:28   #
woodsliv Loc: Tehachapi,CA
 
Someone just asked me if I would shoot pictures of her son in action at the High School Track event. I have a Nikon D3100 with a Nikon DX 18-55mm, and a 55-300mm.
He will be running in 4 events …the 4x100 relay, 100m dash, 110m hurdles and the 200m dash.
Which lens should I use and how should I set the camera. I have tried shooting any action shots yet.
Thanks

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Mar 9, 2012 21:01:29   #
dirtpusher Loc: tulsa oklahoma
 
look these over
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Mar 10, 2012 03:14:56   #
BigDaveMT Loc: Plentywood, MT
 
Find out whicn leg of tne relay he will run, that will determine where to set up. The exchanges are a good place to capture the action.

With the other races, you'll want to set up as close to facing the finish line as possible. Catch him coming over the final hurdle and leaning for the tape at the finish.

You'll want to shoot with the fastest shutter speed possible with the big zoom. To capture the runner's full body, shoot in portrait orientation.

If you're lucky, your runner will be in a heat other than the first, so you can practice on the prior races and make adjustments for his race. You could also get a second opportunity to shoot him if he makes the finals.

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Mar 10, 2012 08:09:08   #
DavidT Loc: Maryland
 
One addition tip...you might want to pre-set your exposure (AE lock) and focal point (manual focus). Timing is everything. If you have to wait for the auto focusing (even if it's a fraction of a second), you can miss your intended shot. And, you might not always want the focused subject in the center of the frame. For example, you might want your intended subject to be on the far-right side of the frame with the other runners behind him/her.

Shooting hurdles is easier since you can easily pre-focus on the hurdle, and wait for the moment when he/she is right over it (assuming he/she doesn't hit it!)

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Mar 10, 2012 08:39:58   #
PNagy Loc: Missouri City, Texas
 
woodsliv wrote:
Someone just asked me if I would shoot pictures of her son in action at the High School Track event. I have a Nikon D3100 with a Nikon DX 18-55mm, and a 55-300mm.
He will be running in 4 events …the 4x100 relay, 100m dash, 110m hurdles and the 200m dash.
Which lens should I use and how should I set the camera. I have tried shooting any action shots yet.
Thanks


I shoot with Canon, but the same general rules apply.

1. Shoot with your 55-300mm lens.

2. Set to shutter speed priority: 1/320 - 1/400 sec. will blur all human action.

3. Set the ISO to 200. Take a practice shot. If way too dark, increase it. If only slightly dark, increase the exposure compensation.

5. The camera will set the aperture for you. Resist the advice of some to do everything manually, because the action is too fast. If you do this, you will miss the most dramatic moments.

6. Set your focus for center point. At least part of the person you are shooting should be in this, therefore the camera will not be left focusing on the background.

7. It goes without saying that you will shoot in burst mode. When it is time to shoot, fire off 3-10 shots in a row. Your camera shoots 6-8 frames a second, so it has plenty of speed to deal with your gig. Begin shooting a moment before you anticipate a good shot, and continue a moment afterward.

I have shot a few track events and many basketball, football, and baseball games. It is easier in track to have shots of all the key moments, because the action is more predictable. Live long, prosper, and shoot well.

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Mar 10, 2012 10:43:26   #
senad55verizon.net Loc: Milford, NJ
 
It's all about putting yourself in the right place at the right time.

Be sure you have permission to be on the field, where you need to be, during the event.

Good luck!!

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Mar 10, 2012 11:27:25   #
woodsliv Loc: Tehachapi,CA
 
I just found out that what she really want is for me to video all 4 events. She wants to know What it will cost here to do it and but them on a DVD. The event is 100 miles RT and about 2 1/2 hours shot time, so that would be about 5 hours of my time. At $5.00 a gal for gas. My Trailblazer gets about 20 MPG.
Any suggestions on how much to charge.

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Mar 10, 2012 11:46:40   #
dasloaf
 
check out the sports photography section of the board

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Mar 10, 2012 12:22:53   #
SteveR Loc: Michigan
 
One of the sites that gave tips on shooting track meets said to focus on the top of the hurdle or high bar. Since your athlete is not doing the high jump, you don't have to worry about the high bar. If there were more than one heat, I would suggest getting pics at the start as well as going over a hurdle. Actually, since he's in two dashes, you might get pics in one at the start (the 100) and in one you can take from the finish line down the track and get all the runners about half-way (maybe in the 200) and then from the side at the finish. I agree with one of the other posters to set your camera to multiple bursts.

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Mar 10, 2012 13:22:36   #
BigDaveMT Loc: Plentywood, MT
 
Tom,

According to the IRS website, they currently allow the deduction of 55.5¢ per mile for business purposes for cars, vans, pickups and panel trucks. So you can either charge her the $25 for what you figure it will cost for gas or the $55.50 in mileage which will cover wear & tear & other expenses to operate your vehicle, not just gas.

As to your hourly rate, how valuable is your time and is this woman a close friend or just an acquaintance? Is she hot & single? LOL

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