First post here ( hockey )

[Banded Drake]

I am trying to get into sports photography and got the chance to shoot at a Memphis Riverkings game .

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a298/DebiT/ShawnsPictures/web2-1.jpg


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a298/DebiT/ShawnsPictures/web4-1.jpg


http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a298/DebiT/ShawnsPictures/web6.jpg


I am shooting a Canon 20d , and a borrowed 200mm f2.8 IS in . Any C/C is welcome , i can handle it LOL

[Banded Drake]

No one? Thanks anyway .

[Freff]

Hi Banded Drake and welcome to the forum. Unfortunately I'm not the best to comment on the images, I have never shot this type of sport. Perhaps if you were a bit more specific on what you want from your post. As far as the images go, you seem to have managed to catch the action ok, but I think your white balance is off a bit according to my monitor. Shooting wide open at a higher speed and backed off the ISO may have helped. Again, this is not my field, and I'm sure someone will come alone soon and put us both right. Sometimes it takes a while for the right person to get here, so hold on. Good luck.:) ;)

[Banded Drake]

Thanks Freff ,

I was just looking for anyone to look at these and see where i can improve . This is my forst attempt at any sport , i see what you mean about the WB , i wanst shooting RAW and think that i might have to the next time i go .

Thanks for your reply ...... BD

[Tareq]

If i can have a RAW file of the first shot then i can tell you what you need to improve even i am not into sports and i never shooted indoors sports before, but it is not difficult to know what settings needed from many many shots of sports i saw all over the web and ofcourse some gears can help such as: 1DmkII, 300 f2.8L or 400f2.8L or 85 f1.8 for indoors and so.
if you wouldn't mind i hope if you can send me the RAW of first shot and see later what you need.
it is all with settings: Shutter speed, Aperture, ISO, so if you can control these well then i am sure all your shots will be stunning.

[Banded Drake]

I wasmt shooting RAW with these , but i can tell you the settings ,
They were shot with a Canon 20d , iso 1600 , 2.8, wb auto . The lighting is real bad and i do not have a external flash to use. Thanks for your help .

...... BD

[superdiver]

I think you have done everything right here. They could be better, but I think its more of a practice thing. finding the right spots to shoot from and the best angles. Hockey is VERY hard to shoot and these are pretty good. So dont be discouraged. It will only get better.

The things I notice are 1)I would like a little more "peack action", IOW getting the puck and player a little closer, 2)tighter cropping which will be enable by doing the first better, 3)closer to the action shots (again, finding the right place to shoot) and for me I like more stopage, less blurr. that comes from a higher shutter speed wich is dependant on the available light and you speed of glass.

BUT, like I said, great start...I wish mine had been anywhere NEAR this good!

[Alan Dye]

First let me say "Welcome"!

I also use a 20D and I think you could improve your pics with a few adjustments.

Use a Custom White Balance. Shoot a clear section of the ice before the game. That'll help to start.

You didn't mention what mode. I usually use Tv with ISO 1600 with a speed of 350-750. Depending on the quality of the light, I add 1/3-1/2 exposure compensation.

You can also try all manual settings. Plus try to shoot a little tighter. Fill the frame with the action/player, Not the ice.

Then make the final adjustments in PP and use a noise reduction program. Most here Like Noise Ninja or Noiseware. Both work well.

Oh, and Keep posting the results. There are many who'll be glad to make comments.

Good Luck!!

[Banded Drake]

Thanks Superdiver and Alan ,

I will try to get closer and see what happens , i was shooting in manual mode and the shutter speed was 640 ( sorry i forgot to say that ) . I think i am going to go to the next game and see what i can do . Gotta start somewhere huh ?

Thanks again ... BD

[superdiver]

I have heard of people getting in the penalty box and have seen some great shot from there....

[naqs]

I would like to see some tighter crops maybe... in general the backs of people aren't usually that interesting, so try to avoid that, also try to capture the players emotion faces stuff like that. The white balance doesn't look too bad to me but I'm not entirely sure with these laptop monitors, Your lighting seems to be fine though and there isn't much subject blur at all

[Banded Drake]

I have heard of people getting in the penalty box and have seen some great shot from there....


they wont let anyone in the box although i would love to get in there . I should be able to get seats on the glass next go around , the crouds arent that big there .

Thanks naqs ill keep all of that in mind next shoot , and see what i can come up with .


... Shawn

[crawford]

Just saw your post as I put up one of my own. Your photo's are looking good. I would recommend using RAW as you get a lot of control back home on correcting the WB of your images.