LeeinNC Loc: Morganton, NC

I've just been signed on with the local newspaper, and my first assignment is a pro wrestling benefit for someone injured in an auto accident. I don't follow wrestling. I plan on a high ISO (3200?) and a fast shutter. Doubt if I can use flash, but not sure. Probably will have decent available light. Any suggestions to assure my editor will be pleased?

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

How close can you get to the ring and at what height? You going to be shooting through the ropes? What kind of lighting (color temp) in the arena? I'd contact the arena in advance to get press credentials and find out where they will allow you to shoot from.

I haven't shot a wrestling match, but volleyball and basketball. I'm thinking the light in the ring might be brighter than the normal HS gym, so it might be a plus. I go with my D500, which has good low light performance with a frame speed at 10fps, equipped with my Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8, but pack a 24-70mm f/2.8 and 10-20mm f/3.5. I usually shoot manual, back button focus, center weighted focus (25 points), but sometimes go to single point, center weighted metering, f/4, auto ISO from 100-3200. As far a shutter speed goes, start with 1/800, but don't think you always want to freeze action. A little blur of hands or feet lends a feeling of action, but you almost always want the face, especially the eyes to be sharp.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

if you are having plenty of light, why so high on the iso. Wresteling is no so fast, an 800 may be ok for shutter. you will need a fast lens, 1.4 or 2.8 just in case the light is low. Raise iso only high enough to get good light.

What lens will you use and how close can you get...,...makes a big difference. What camera also. With that info, you will get better suggestions.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

It sounds to me like you’re covering the event more so than the wrestling itself. Yes you’ll want some good wrestling shots, but take some time and pay attention to what’s happening outside the ring.

Wallen Loc: Middle Earth

Since your not into that, perhaps shooting burst may help you capture the best moments. Vary your shots. Some motion blur can also be a good thing to show the action.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

Leitz Loc: Solms

Be truthful and tell the editor he needs to hire a photographer for the job.

Pablo8 Loc: Nottingham UK.

Had to smile at your reply. Took a number of UK bouts featuring the likes of Jackie Pallo...Mick McManus...Bomber...The Royal Brothers ...Others too numerous to name. My favourite (For his comedy antics) was Les Kellet. Almost saw / photographed Kendo Nagasaki unmasked in the ring. Happy days earning a few bob from the magazines. Chatting to the guys in the dressing room, learning a few myths about 'Fight-Fixing' or not.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Your biggest concern will be lighting. If it is LED or halogen, there will be flicker at any shutter speed shorter than 1/125 sec. You'll need to make sure your flicker reduction mode is turned on in the camera.

You'll want to shoot at the lowest ISO that can give you a shutter speed of at least 1/500 sec AND an aperture smaller than F4-F5.6. A fast lens is only going to help in that it has a more robust motor and it will acquire and track focus better than a consumer zoom. Shooting at F2.8 will result in extremely shallow depth of field, especially if you are close.

If your camera doesn't have a flicker reduction feature, then rent one that does. Also use a camera that has good low-light performance at high ISO, like a D4, D5, D750, D810, D850 (Nikon) or a 5DMk III or Mk IV.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Yes, I have an idea. Before signing on with the local newspaper, did they ask to see a sample of your work? Do you feel at home behind the lens? How many different lighting conditions have you shot in? Do you have a Portfolio? Have you shot at iso 3200 before? What were your results?

Suggestion, Learn your trade inside and out before signing on for any professional work. You must feel comfortable in your own skin before jumping into the deep end.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

What did you do before this job??

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I had the privilege of shooting at my grandson’s wrestling match a few years ago. All the action is mat level, obviously, so you want to be low and close for some shots to grab the intensity. Pro wrestling moves faster than high school, so I would suggest a high ISO. A monopod might be helpful.

khorinek

As a photojournalist I will give you my 2 cents worth. Don't over think the assignment. I've seen too many freelance photogs worry about getting the perfect shot and forget why they were there in the first place. I've shot Professional Wrestling in the past. My experience was, they put the "media" in one place and they cannot move about, we had to shoot from a platform, which is usually several feet away from the ring. So, take a long lens, (70-200) minimum. Shoot in bursts, my preference is to shoot in Shutter priority around 1/800 or faster. Don't worry about your aperture setting because you want the wrestlers in focus not so much the background, (it your aperture goes to f/2.8 that's ok). I use Auto ISO unless you think your images are coming out dark, then bump your ISO up or move your Exposure Compensation up from 1/3 to 1 full stop. Face shots are what sells. Get shots of funny looks on their faces or someone flying through the air. As a photojournalist always remember the 5 W's, Who, What, When,Where and Why in your story or cutline. Good luck, and have fun.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Many things to consider. Shoot bursts. Be sure you’re stopped down enough to get decent DoF. 1/500 sec shutter would be good, maybe down to 1/200 if there’s little motion. Concentrate on facial expressions. Manual mode might be good if lighting is consistent, set and forget.

LeeinNC Loc: Morganton, NC

Thanks to all who gave me CC. I've been a photographer since 1967 and covered Georgetown University basketball games in the '70s. I'm now reassured that all will go well. I had mulled over the concept of covering the event as opposed to just the matches. Flicker reduction will definitely be switched on.
As to the other remarks...I believe any editor worth his or her salt would be insane to hire a PHOTOGRAPHER without seeing his/her portfolio. Once again, thanks to my fellow Hoggers.
I had to smile to myself upon reading "the 5 W's". I have not forgot my high school Journalism class!