ice rink photography with 30D

[newcan-c]

Hello all:

I am an inexperienced photographer wanting to become experienced. Just bought a new 30D (w/ 28-135mm 3.5-4.5 lens) and am beginning to learn how to use it.

Last week I took some shots of my 4 yr. old on the ice rink. He barely moves so I'm not looking to take fast motion (i.e. sports) photos. The shots I did take were quite yellow. The flash was going off even though he was at quite a distance. In other words - the flash was useless.

Reading the manual tells me that I should perhaps play with the WB and/or the temp. settings. Does anyone have some suggestions for me on how I can take better shots on the ice rink.

Thanks

Chris

[stathunter]

Welcome but seems like you have a lot to learn. No worries you can do it. First take the camera off of the green setting and move it to AV or another setting. Read the manual about what the settings do and play with it. Also have your white balance on auto. Have fun!

[PhotosGuy]

Ice Hockey- Tips? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2603419)

[newcan-c]

Thankyou for your prompt advice (every little bit helps) and encouragement!

[DavidEB]

Hey Frank, I'm flattered.

[PhotosGuy]

Hey Frank, I'm flattered. I steal links from everyone! :D

[snapzz]

I cover a fair bit of competitive figure skating so may be able to help here.

Using Manual setting.
Firstly as most rinks are evenly lit (subject to all the lights working) switch camera to manual. Set the aperture to its widest setting. Set the ISO to about 1000 but may have to change this depending on the available light. Then set shutter speed to 250th or above BUT make sure you are OVEREXPOSING by about one stop. The reason is the ice "fools" the on board meter into thinking its brighter than it is.

Using Av setting.
If you are not confident using manual settings then select Av and open aperture to widest setting. Again make sure you set hight ISO to about 1000 (may have to go higher or possibly lower if light is good).Shutter speed will take care of its self but if it drops too low you may get movement blur.

In either mode set WB to auto and don't bother with flash as it will only detract from the image unless you know how to use it as a fill in. Finally set focus to AI Servo for moving subjects.

You may need to just fiddle about with the settings until you find you have it right and exposure is correct. Due to how the rinks lights recycle you may get a cast on some images. This is unavoidable but may not be noticeable if your lucky.

Hope this helps.

[newcan-c]

Thanks Graham:

I will definitely try your suggestions. I'm on my way to learning photography/ yay!!!