MBrady Loc: Jersey Shore, PA USA

Hello everyone! I am new to this site and photography. I just recently purchased a Canon T3I ( lens: EFS 18-55 and EFS 55-250) camera for taking photos of my daughter at allstar cheer competitions. They are held in Gymnasiums and Arenas. There is usually alot of light shining on the floor. (some dancing light and strobes to the music as well) I was told that I would need a lens with an f/2.8 due to the distance and the lighting of being indoors. I was wondering if anyone has any experience or can help with making the right choice on a lens and camera setup for these events.I will be shooting from a monopod during the event. Thank you very much in advance for you help and input. I look forward to your replys.

bjon79

If you have to shoot from the stands you may also need a strong flash.

MBrady Loc: Jersey Shore, PA USA

I have a speedlite 320ex. Is that a strong flash or do you recommend something else?

SQUIRL033 Loc: Chehalis, WA

you didn't say how far back you'd be, but i'd recommend a strong flash with a Better Beamer to extend the range and give you a good fill-flash light. the 320EX might do it, or you might need to try a 580EX. i expect you could rent one to see if it works...

MBrady Loc: Jersey Shore, PA USA

distance varies from event to event. I can move closer to the floor in most cases. Thank you for your help. I will look into the 580ex. Which lens would you recommend?

bjon79

Bring them both You will need the longer lens but may have opportunity to use the wide angel also, if only for variety. Practice on performances before you child is up. It will give you time to change your options.

JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA

Make SURE that the organizers of the event(s) allow FLASH photography - there's a very good chance that they may not. Something about the flash going off and blinding some kid at the top of a pyramid and all...

I'd plan on NOT using a flash. Crank your ISO up as high as you dare and take some test shots at good wide opening on the 18-55. It's not the best lens in the world for low-light indoor photography. Watch your focus points. At a wide opening, your depth of field will be low.

Shooting indoors without a flash is a matter of compromise. Or an expensive fast lens.

jbert Loc: Texas

Honestly,

After 6 years in Gymnasiums all over, the lighting is hardly ever enough to get a great shot unless you use a f2.8. I tried for years with an f4.0. It is so frustrating. The cost of a good f2.8 is on up there, so why not look at something like the Sony HX100V. I just bought one and sure wish it had been available in those 6 years. There are a lot of cameras in the $500.00 area that could do you justice for these competitions.

Deewheat

I cannot say this too loudly:

Do NOT EVER use a flash when doing this kind of photography!!!! The flash can distract and even, if the angle is just right, temporarily blind a performer and has the potential to cause serious injury. I have taken literally thousands of performance pics....mostly band, color guard, and winter guard, but the principle is the same. You never, ever use a flash.

The key to getting good performance pics is a fast shutter and knowing where to point the camera. Additionally, don't scrimp on your shots. If you shoot enough, not all of your pics will be good, but you WILL get good ones, and as you become accustomed to shooting competitions you will find that you hav fewer and fewer deletes. Shooting their routines during practices and at games will be a huge help toward looking at the exact right spot at the exact right time.

Any lighting or color issues can be addressed in post production, and there are hundreds of free and paid software offerings with which to do this.

Rodeo


Band


Hawk

Deewheat

These were shot with Rebel series Canons, and while I have a good selection of lenses, I use my 70X300 mm for almost everything.

LarryD Loc: Mojave Desert

I think that it's admirable that you want to chronicle these events... :thumbup:

Having a fast lens, such as a f2.8 (and I would highly recommend a good 70-200 f2.8 zoom) is handy, but not always what you want..

At f2.8 you have a very thin depth-of-field - possibly what you want if your only subject is your daughter, but for team and floor shots much of what you want in focus will be outside the depth of field..

You SHOULD have a good 580 flash - you SHOULD NOT use it during competition.. Stage your daughter and team before or after competition in their best poses/sets and use the flash then..

Action competition shots are the same set-up as for any sports/action event.. Shutter speed is king - but not so high that you can't get an acceptable f-stop.. 1/250 to 1/500 will stop all but the fastest motion - especially if you time for peak motion (the momentary pause before continuation) and are stable yourself .. set your camera at ISO 800 and AI servo focus - center point for individuals and all focus sensors for groups.

Check your meter levels before you start... learn how to use the motor drive........ You'll get some wall hangers for her and your room.. :thumbup:

dfranklin

Everyone is right you cannot use a flash at most events. I shoot in dark conditions a lot of the time. I use a Canon 70-200
2.8 and I can tell you that this lens is well worth the big bucks.
I've tried so many different combos over the years and found that this one rocks most sessions in low light, but it is heavy. Good luck with your shots, I'm sure they'll be wonderful

Archangel

Great photo of that hawk.

Deewheat

Thanks LOL. That little bad boy knew my vehicle....he and his mate had a nest that a friend was watching....and she said he would stay out of sight for hours, until I pulled up. Then he would immediately come close, even getting on the ground about ten feet away and showing off for me.

Over a week's time I probably got 80-90 really good shots of him, including these two.

Deewheat

OOPS!