As
school starts back so do the fall sporting events. All the kiddos are
back in action and you are wanting to capture moments for their new
year...how can you get the best photos? Well, I thought I would share a
few tips. This is not in-depth or exhaustive by any means. I also found
some other great tips at the Digital Photography School online. I have referenced their great information before. Check it out for sure.
First
of all, I wish I could share images I captured in high school with you all.
I mean, the camera I used had a freaking floppy disc. Floppy disc. When
I wasn't using that I experimented with my mom’s old film camera. Half
of the photos were black with the film camera....The floppy
camera--you can only imagine the lag time after pressing the shutter
button. Bless it.
Thankfully
technology is a bit more advanced and there are great settings on point
and shoot cameras these days. One feature you might look for on your
camera is the sports setting or continuous shutter. This will allow you
to hold your shutter button down for any length of time for multiple
photos; this is helpful when you are following big action in an event.
Most point and shoots will automatically continually shoot while you
hold the shutter button in sports mode.
ISO
is something we have talked about before. Most of the time
photographing sporting events can lead you into low-light
situations...if you are able to increase your ISO do so. This will allow
make your camera more sensitive to light and capture a clearer subject.
Now
to actually finding the action. Unless you have great long lenses you
will have to get close to the action to get the most bang for your buck.
Do not use your point and shoot from the stands zoomed in as far as you
can and expect greatness. It will not happen. On that note, remember,
objects may be closer than they appear. I may or may not have had a
camera rammed into my face by a high school football player once.
Follow
the ball/action item with your camera as best you can. If you are
shooting events with flying objects, usually the action that happens at
the time the object is caught or lands. Of course the set up for the
pitch, throw, punt, kick is great too but even more, the ending action.
One
great tip I was reminded of thanks to the Digital Photography School
was to not forget the action on the sidelines or time-outs. Great
moments happen then too. Talks with the coach or teammates are just as
much a part of the memories as is the game/activity.
Do
not feel defeated if you are not happy with your photos from the first
game. By the end of the season you will have everything figured out in
addition to some great photos!
I
really wish I had some great examples to share. I don’t go to
many sporting events. Send us some photos you take this season so we can
show off your skills!
-Alison
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