Flash for indoor sports (Preferred)?

[Merciez]

I recently applied to be a freelance photographer for a high school sports website. I submitted a link to some recent photos I had taken of basketball and wrestling. Some of my work can be seen in a recent thread here on the forums: http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=283019

I am yet to shoot with a flash since I personally do not like the shadows generated and general appearance of sports photos when shot with a high powered flash.

The response I received from the website was as follows:

We regret to inform you that your application has not been accepted at this time for the following reason(s): -Need To See Night Football Sample Images - preferably taken with high-powered flash -Need To See Indoor Basketball Sample Images - preferably taken with high-powered flash/strobes -High-Powered Flash Required

So my questions to the POTN members; am I in the minority in regards to my dislike for shooting with a flash at indoor sporting events?

Are pictures that much better when using a flash?

Thanks for your time.

[zachthephotoguy]

No i would agree i hate using flash in general, unless i have to. The only time i even think to use strobes is for glamor type photography. My nifty fifty is my best indoor friend.

[Hurricane_777]

Strobes = Yes

Onboard or Hot Shoe = Yuck

:)

[dshootist]

I've seen youth sports photogs use strobes for indoor sports, but have also seen people work without them rather effectively as well (look at Volleybrad's images for volleyball; excellent work). my two cents involves talking with other sports photogs to see what is widely accepted in your area. If you've got quality images that were taken without flash/strobes show 'em to prove they weren't needed. Sometimes it takes a little pushing to get what you're after. Present a good case and see where it leads. Good luck!:D

[psurrette]

I agree with dsshootist, While use of strobes at bball is common not so much at other indoor events at the HS level. Show them what you can do with your skills without using strobes or flash.

[Damian75]

I agree I hate shooting with flash for sports that said there is a big difference between shooting with a hi powered flash on the camera and shooting in a rink or court that has strobes set up. On camera flash is a huge distraction to the players and will get you thrown out of some places.

[MJPhotos24]

We regret to inform you that your application has not been accepted at this time for the following reason(s): -Need To See Night Football Sample Images - preferably taken with high-powered flash -Need To See Indoor Basketball Sample Images - preferably taken with high-powered flash/strobes -High-Powered Flash Required

That really makes me question whoever sent that, as anyone working at ANY level of sports knows that flash is a no-no...strobes are ok, but not flash. I would seriously question this and tell them that 99% of schools/teams do NOT allow flash, only strobes as they are less distracting. I coach varsity and if you came in with a flash poppin I'd call a timeout just to throw you in a snow bank :)

[g2kev]

I think you are talking about maxprep sports. I too have submitted sample pics of my work. My work was rejected becase of to much noise ( I shot them @ 3200 ISO)

I shot a California Central Section high scholl basketball game tonight and talked with a maxprep sports photographer who was also shooting the game. He says they pretty much will reject any basketball pics not shot with strobes.

[zachthephotoguy]

I think you are talking about maxprep sports. I too have submitted sample pics of my work. My work was rejected becase of to much noise ( I shot them @ 3200 ISO)

I shot a California Central Section high scholl basketball game tonight and talked with a maxprep sports photographer who was also shooting the game. He says they pretty much will reject any basketball pics not shot with strobes.


How dark are these gyms? What glass do you usually shoot w/? Shooting at iso 3200 seems really dark, the only time i've ever shoot at 3200 was for a wrestling match where they turned most of the lights off for some reason.

[Gatorboy]

On-Camera flash sucks. However, moving your flash off-camera, onto railings, etc. and using Pocket Wizards to fire them can produce nice images -- similar to strobes and most people will be unaware they are even going off.

MaxPreps wants low ISO images to they can make larger-sized prints. That's there policy.

[Merciez]

Thanks for everyones response.

What are the typicall camera settings (SS/ISO) for using a strobe? I am assuming you are shooting in one shot mode and not bursts.

[Jim7226]

... I coach varsity and if you came in with a flash poppin I'd call a timeout just to throw you in a snow bank :)

Now that's funny!! :lol:

[kidpower]

I've never used flash at any sporting event that I have ever photographed (thousands). That includes those darkly lit gyms we have nightmares about. I suppose it's just a personal preference, but I prefer to capture images as I see them without introducing artificial light.

Besides that, flash irritates me (and many spectators as well). Last night at a sectional BB game many in the crowd were starting to lose it as they were bothered by these intermittent "shots" of flash. When I explained to them what was happening, they asked me why I wasn't using one. I simply told them I didn't need one.

Once again, just a personal preference.

[kidpower]

PS. - I'm not a strobe expert, but the guys I've seen use them effectively, usually can do it in a way that is non-distracting.

[Gatorboy]

I suppose it's just a personal preference, but I prefer to capture images as I see them without introducing artificial light.

Isn't the lighting in a gym artificial?

Unfortunately what you see with your eyes and what you can capture with your camera are two different things.

[kidpower]

Yeah, good point. Just personal preference, I guess.