les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

Full set of photos at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/les_stockton/albums/72157662522400997

20180110_18270601-Edit.jpg by Les Stockton, on Flickr

20180110_19175801-Edit.jpg by Les Stockton, on Flickr

20180110_20032901-Edit.jpg by Les Stockton, on Flickr

chuckrem Loc: Katy, Tx

Nice set!

Heather Iles Loc: UK, Somerset

Les, I have looked at your Flicker page and what a wonderful set of photos. What else can I say. I am stuck for words. No wonder I am never pleased with my action photos. I know that you earn your living practising your craft, but can you please give me an itsy bitsy tip of getting my action photos shaper?

Heather

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

I have several things that made my shots better over the years.

My tips, in no particular order of importance:
1. I try for a fast shutter speed to stop the action, but I still keep in mind a little bit of depth of field, so if I can, I'll try to get an aperture of at least f/4. Hopefully, I can get a shutter speed of 1/1000th at least. and if I can, then if I can get a better depth of field, I try to move the aperture up above 4.

2. Practice. Nothing helps more than shooting different sports and getting practice capturing the action. and of course, the more you shoot of a particular sport, the more you will learn the game and will be able to anticipate things before they happen; with that, you can know what is likely going to happen next, and get set to capture that, instead of trying to react to it (which rarely works because it happens too fast).

3. Better glass. I remember being told that I should get better lenses, instead of the cheap ones I started with. I looked at the price of the better ones and decided to stick with the cheap ones I was using. When I finally splurged and got a Canon L lens, I was immediately pleased and wished that I had made the change sooner. First off, the focus was more accurate with the L lens. The speed of the focus was so much faster, which made my action shots so cleaner.
The best lenses are still expensive to me, but when I can, I get one, even if I end up getting it on the used market. I have also toyed with the Sigma Art series lenses, because they are pretty good as well.

4. Location. I always try to get to a game early and figure out the best places to shoot from, and make sure I have good alternatives in case it gets crowded and the best spots are unavailable for some reason. Having good places to shoot from helps get the best shots.

Heather Iles Loc: UK, Somerset

Thanks Les for taking the time out of your busy schedule to respond, which is much appreciated.

Thanks for the tips which are very useful too. I will bear in mind F4 and 1/1000th. Also, your recommendation of a used lens such as a Sigma Art one. Oneone had recommended these art lenses, but didn't give me enough information, so I just dismissed them.

Thanks again.

Heather

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

Sigma also has what they call their "Sport" series, instead of the Art series. The Sport series have faster focus performance. As it is, I've not used one. I've used the Art and also the contemporary series and had pretty decent luck. I suspect the sport series would give me better results in some cases.

Heather Iles Loc: UK, Somerset

Thanks Les for the further information. I will check out a Sigma Sport Lens.

I am much obliged.

Heather

david vt Loc: Vermont

Thank you for the fun pictures, and the tips.

Since I started shooting sports this year (middle school level in gyms with lousy light), I have found myself watching what is posted here, from experts like you, and in print more to understand what I like/don’t like about the pictures and why. Learning a lot.

Thanks specifically for comments about the Sigma lens. I have a 16-80 f2.8/4 Nikon which I am not particularly thrilled with and was looking at a Sigma as a replacement for lens for smaller gyms (where the 70-200 just too much). This helps me think I am going in the the right direction

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

I should point out that if you can, go to a camera shop and check the lens out. Chances are, they have the lens and you can try it out in the store. That way, you'll get a feel for how sharp it is and how fast and accurate the focus is. Then, if you decide to order the lens online, you still can do that.