Help Needed: I have been asked by a friend if I would go to his son’s soccer game and see if I can capture any action photos. I have never done this, explained this to my friend and he...

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Dec 20, 2018 08:17:55 #

rappar Loc: Kingston Ontario

I have been asked by a friend if I would go to his son’s soccer game and see if I can capture any action photos.

I have never done this, explained this to my friend and he is fine with that. My interests lie in landscape and pictures as I walk around the places I visit. However…

I have the use of a Sony FE 4.5-5.6 100-400 GM OSS lens. For that matter, I also have the 2X tele converter from Sony that goes with this lens.

I am a complete novice when it comes to this type of shot but want to view it as a learning experience so
1. I assume I should use a monopod if possible
2. Are there other settings on my A7iii I should check so that I have as good a chance as possible? Burst mode?
3. For this, do I forget the tele converter?
4. I, given this is Canada, expect this to be indoors so I have no idea of lighting and, to be honest, do not own a flash for this camera.

As I say, this is completely out of my usual type of shot so ANY suggestions or hints would be welcome.

Thanks,
Ron

Dec 20, 2018 08:45:51 #

tommy2 Loc: Fort Worth, Texas

I shoot my grandson's football game action occasionally and can only give my experience with a different camera and lens but here goes for a couple of your questions:
Loose the tele converter - it slows down my camera anyway.
Use a monopod - stay out of the stands - they vibrate during a great play.
Use "burst mode".
Good luck, you might be embarking on a new fun experience - I enjoy the differences from shooting static subjects.
P.S. I've found that it is best to find a spot as close to the sideline (so hopefully no one will be able to get in front of your lens) as possible and stay there. There will always be a good chance the play will be in a good place to get a shot or two. I use a very good 100mm f/2.8 lens (macro/portrait lens) and crop if needed. Working the zoom just takes up time.

Dec 20, 2018 08:48:40 #

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I guess the first thing you should do is to visit the place to have an idea of the illumination there. Chances are excellent you will have to use a high ISO setting since the lens you have is not fast enough and you will need a wide aperture with a high enough shutter speed although you should make some images at a slow shutter speed or panning to simulate motion. I know nothing about the distance you are going to be from your subjects so I cannot make any comments on that. A monopod is a good idea although if the lens you are going to use has image stabilization that will help to keep camera in hands.
A custom WB for the light where you are going to be shooting will guarantee a perfect WB. It is not always possible to set a good WB in post even shooting RAW. Using AF in continuous servo will guarantee good shots.
Good luck.

Dec 20, 2018 08:50:46 #

berchman Loc: South Central PA

rappar wrote:

I have been asked by a friend if I would go to his... (show quote)

I have not done this kind of photography, but general knowledge tells me:
4. Go to the arena days ahead of time and see what exposure the lighting requires. You will need a shutter speed of 1/1000 to stop the action.
3. Not only forget the teleconverter, but even without the teleconverter your lens is too slow. You need a lens capable of f/2.8 in order to both stop the action and expose properly indoors. You might be able to get away with your slow lens by using a high ISO.
1. With that high of a shutter speed you don't need a monopod.
2. Burst mode can't hurt as it's very difficult to time your shot to get the peak of an action.

I would first practice at another soccer game.

Dec 20, 2018 09:28:24 #

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I think Berchman hit the nail on the head. Take his suggestions about practicing prior to the actual event. I have photographed my grandkids' sporting events indoors - volleyball, basketball and baseball & soccer outdoors. It's challenging, but not really too difficult. Practicing is the key, being familiar with the Sony's autofocus system and positioning yourself are the other important factors. Once you have become familiar with the technical aspects, I think you'll enjoy the shoot. It's really fun!!
Good luck,
Mark

berchman wrote:

I have not done this kind of photography, but gene... (show quote)

Dec 21, 2018 08:06:46 #

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

NO FLASH. Everybody else will hate you!
Get the action - if the shot is a little dark you can bring it up in post-processing.

Dec 21, 2018 08:18:54 #

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

Not only will they hate you, it is not allowed at HS indoor sporting events.
Mark

CPR wrote:

NO FLASH. Everybody else will hate you!
Get the action - if the shot is a little dark you can bring it up in post-processing.

Dec 21, 2018 09:27:34 #

Ed Walker Loc: Eclectic, Alabama U.S.A.

I would suggest going to some practices before going to the actual game. Practice on practices.

Dec 21, 2018 09:42:20 #

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Remember the feet! My second outing for action was soccer which is, of course, played with the feet. Being so used to focusing on faces, I cut off most of their feet! Ahhh, de agony of defeet!

Dec 21, 2018 09:43:05 #

PWL46 Loc: Michigan

All of the above is very good advice. Practice at a no-pressure situation. Shooting from the stands is not very good. Talk to the coach (or have the players parents) and see if you can get some type of pass or authorization to be on or near the action. Anticipate the action and shoot a little bit before something happens. In burst mode, you then should get the exact moment that the foot hits the ball - or other things. It is amazing how fast the kids move in these games! Fast shutter speed, moderate to small aperture and burst mode should get you many quality images.

Dec 21, 2018 10:56:32 #

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

One more suggestion. Attempt to include the ball in the action.
Happy shooting!
Mark

rappar wrote:

I have been asked by a friend if I would go to his... (show quote)

Dec 21, 2018 11:09:12 #

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

rappar wrote:

I have been asked by a friend if I would go to his... (show quote)

Yes, a monopod with a good tilt head would be very nice and yes, use burst mode ! Forget the teleconverter and use the Sony Clear Image Zoom - IF - necessary - no light loss.

..

Dec 21, 2018 11:09:44 #

nikondoug

I have done this in the past, I was a sports photographer for over 18yrs. First off, you will not need the mono pod or a flash. Flash is a no no, it can blind the players when playing. You want to go to the event early, walk up and down the field during practice, checking WB, increase your ISO to stop action and this will be your setting. No need for a Tele converter. I made enough money doing this to put two of my kids through collage and also paid for their weddings. There is good money in this type of photography. Enjoy

Dec 21, 2018 11:12:55 #

imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

berchman wrote:

1. With that high of a shutter speed you don't need a monopod.
.

You do not need it to quell camera blurr - but you do NEED it to help manage the size and weight of the lens !

..

Dec 21, 2018 12:49:58 #

amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

imagemeister wrote:

You do not need it to quell camera blurr - but you do NEED it to help manage the size and weight of the lens !

..

I agree!

Try hand-holding a DSLR with a 100-400mm on it for a couple hours. You'll want a monopod! (I shoot some 6 and 8 hour and even longer events and usually use a tripod with a gimbal head.)

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