High School Wrestling - 29 November

[SBK]

Back again this season shooting some High School wrestling. Learned a lot last year and over the summer, hopefully you see some improvements in these shots.

I posted at couple of these (in as-shot form) on a "what lens to use for wrestling" thread a little while back. These were all shot with my trusty EF 100mm f/2.0, which some figured was too long for such work. I like tight shots for the most part, I like conveying the feel I get when shooting from the edge of the mat. This season I'm shooting with a 30D, which I find to provide much better noise handling than my previous 350D.

C&C always welcome, thanks for any tips or feedback as I still consider myself a beginner level photog. EXIF data should be intact in the images for those using Firefox/FxIF, most are as described here:

Body: 30D
Lens: Canon EF 100mm f/2.0
Aperture: f/2.0 - f/2.2
Shutter: 1/320s
ISO: 1600

http://www.relentlesstech.com/images/1129-01.jpg

http://www.relentlesstech.com/images/1129-02.jpg

http://www.relentlesstech.com/images/1129-03.jpg

http://www.relentlesstech.com/images/1129-04.jpg

http://www.relentlesstech.com/images/1129-05.jpg

http://www.relentlesstech.com/images/1129-06.jpg

Focus in this shot is intentionally on the coach. I really like the coach/athelete interaction, and try to capture some images that include the coaches either in direct interaction or as the focal point of the shot. They appreciate the shots and I appreciate their coaching efforts, so it works out nicely.

http://www.relentlesstech.com/images/1129-07.jpg

[cargo123]

I think the shots came out great. You have facial expression of the athletes which is hard to capture in this sport since they are moving fast. I prefer the up-close shots in wrestling vs the whole Matt, so I think you used the right lens. I used a 70-200 last year for most of the wrestling pictures I made an attempt of. The shots are pretty crisp at 1/320th. Nice job.

[Croasdail]

See my other comments in your other post. Much better faces in this one. Good work. Hopefully this will give people a second look and perhaps even comment. Cheers.

[ronmayhew]

Great photos!

Thanks for sharing.

[SBK]

Thanks all for the feedback/comments. I have been shooting wrestling without a flash, mostly to avoid distracting the boys, and because to date the refs have been very accomodating regarding my typical shooting position at the edge of the mat.

That said, it's clear that some of these could probably benefit from a touch of fill flash. For the other wrestling shooters out there, what have been your experiences in this situation? I've seen some nice shots here using a flash, but I don't want to wear out my welcome. The 100/2 is pretty fast, and the 30D handles ISO1600 pretty well, so I just adjust in the RAW processing step as necessary. What's your advice?

[superdiver]

These are VERY good. You dont see many good wrestling pictures, so good for you!

[silvex]

Nice shots! BTW they look like they are in real pain...not like the BS wrestling you see on TV...

[MDJAK]

I've been shooting high school wrestling for about five years, almost always with a flash.

I don't understand why people think the flash is distracting/annoying or any other thing. The wrestlers are so into the match, I guarantee they don't even realize you're using a flash or taking pictures.

Act like a pro when you're there and you'll be treated as such. The refs have never said a word to me about sitting on the edge of the mat.

There's usually a couple of newpaper photographers at the matches I go to. (I've actually been lucky enough to get my shots in the paper a few times over the past five years) They always use flash.

At times, I've borrowed a flash and set it up as a remote on the side of the room.

I supply the coach of our team free pics and he could care less if I had strobes set up around the room.

mark

[MDJAK]

Sorry, I forgot to tell you your shots are very good.

mark

[Ize]

SBK - I think your pictures are great! Very clean and crisp. Nice job. As far as using flash, it really depends on the high school tournament. I've been to some where there is so much going on so close to the mat that a flash wouldn't even be noticed. Other tournaments are so dark (where flash would really help) and so intense that a flash would definitely be an unwelcome distraction.

The coach shots add a lot of personalization. I have tried to get the referee's calls to show action, but the coach adds another dimension. Well done. Please post more.

[tmonatr]

Where's Hulk Hogan? I didn't even see Dick the Bruiser. HaHa! Great shots.

[cargo123]

I supply the coach of our team free pics and he could care less if I had strobes set up around the room.

mark[/quote]

I made this shot for one of the refs who is usually at our home matches. I check with him on the do's and don't's. For example, he doesn't care if I use flash, but he doesn't want me moving to different parts of the matt during the match. It scored some points as he is one of the directors for the state officials association.

[plater]

SBK,
Your shots are great. It's all about facial expressions. As far as using a flash I have never been told not to at wrestling. This includes Div. I meets. I shot the Iowa vs North Carolina State meet in Iowa City and was able to use flash, though the lighting in Carver Hawkey is super some fill flash was nice at times.
Bruce

[SBK]

Thanks all for the feedback on my flash question. I'll bring my little 430ex next time and a bounce card just for fill effect and see how that goes. Should be interesting - more stuff to experiment with!