Sports Photography Podcast - Goes Live

[dmwierz]

Group,

I've been meaning to get around to this for quite awhile, and as part of an early New Year's resolution, finally got around to recording and posting the first episode of a Sports Photography Podcast.

It's a pretty crude production, and I'll probably need to get a new microphone, but it's a start. Once Apple gets it approved, it'll be available via the iTunes Music Store, but right now, it needs to either be heard with a Quicktime plug-in in your browser, or downloaded via right click and then listened to on your PC.

In future episodes, I'll make the 'cast easier on the eyes, with images and video, but for now, just getting the thing set-up was challenging enough.

I've solicited input from a bunch of photographers regarding the content of this episode and ideas for future sessions, but I'd love to hear from anyone else about potential topics or comments on this episode.. The idea is, like most podcasts, each episode should be no longer than 10-15 minutes, and I'm shooting for the beginner-intermediate shooter.

Here's where the thing lives:

http://www.sportsphotographycast.com

Navigate to and click on the "Podcast" link in the header.

I'll also post show notes and links when I get a chance. You'll note the podcast is currently hosted on .Mac, but I will eventually find a permanent home for it, which is why I posted the permanent URL above. This won't change.

Anyway, Happy New Year to all!

Dennis

[Darsk47]

Dennis -

Thanks for doing this - I'm going to watch this for sure a bit later today.

The hotlink in your note above has a [/url] tag on the end of it so the browser fails when it tries to re-direct. A copy'n'paste of the URL gets to the site though.

Happy '08 to you !

Darcy

[dmwierz]

The hotlink in your note above has a [/url] tag on the end of it so the browser fails when it tries to re-direct. A copy'n'paste of the URL gets to the site though.

Darcy - thanks. Fixed.

[Zivnuska]

Great!!!!

:D

[jcpoulin]

Dennis...thanks for starting this. Looks to be able to grow. Topics that can be included
1) Equipment recommended
2) Experiences in field coverage..optimum angles for each sports/type of shot
3) Difficult lighting events: nights, indoors, snow/mid-day shooting
4) Marketing your work
5) Gaining access to events
6) On event vs delayed printing
7) Capturing the sport " off the field" , capturing events outside the lines on the field.

These are just some quick off the head topics, keep us abreast of the progress. Thanks for starting this.

[dmwierz]

JC - Good ideas. Thanks.

Dennis

[Aaagogo]

Woah Dennis,

awesome awesome awesome.

I'm looking forward to your production

Denis

[emtp563]

Great. I just downloaded it and I'm going to listen to it on my iphone later tonight. This is an excellent idea.

[Zivnuska]

Potential topics:

1. Friday night football--From Daylight to Twilight to Under the Lights. Ambient to Flash.

2. How to: Shooting in the gym (basketball, volleyball, wrestling)
a. ambient
b. a single flash
c. set-up for 2 alien bees (or equivalent) with equipment list

3. Capturing the ambiance of a sporting event (cheerleaders, coaches, refs, band, fans, etc.

4. Positioning the photographer

5. Ethics

[Clark]

Ok, I must be missing something, how do I download it?
I tried the subscribe thing. It launched iTunes and gave me an error.

[dmwierz]

Y'all:

From my first post:

Once Apple gets it approved, it'll be available via the iTunes Music Store, but right now, it needs to either be heard with a Quicktime plug-in in your browser, or downloaded via right click and then listened to on your PC.

It's gonna take a few days until Apple publishes it. For now, you can listen online (with a QuickTime plug-in for your browser, available here):

http://www.apple.com/quicktime/player/

To play it in the browser, go to the podcast episode, and click on the forward arrow, as in the image below.

You can also go to the down arrow on the far right side of the player bar once the episode has fully loaded and download it as a QuickTime file (as in the second screenshot below).

Once it's published in iTunes, it'll be much easier, but this is gonna take a few days.

[dmwierz]

I have no idea why this thread was moved, since it is really about sports photography, but to those just tuning in (on the Talk About Photography forum): Welcome.

[snapmando]

Dennis- A thanks to you and others, who are helping put this together.

I will for sure be one of many, listening to your pod casts.

I would like to learn any tips on,

Tracking Sport Movement
Positioning for shooting
Gaining access to events
Indoor and Outdoor Lighting tips

Dennis, Thank-you for this...
Happy New Year !!!

[dmwierz]

Snap - thanks for the ideas. Here's a list of topics I've compiled with the input of a bunch of folks:


What makes a good sports photograph?
Av, Tv, Manual or other mode?
Sideline and other photographer’s etiquette
AF and AE topics
Understanding AI Servo, focus point selection, parfocal lenses and other fun topics
Exposure
Using and understanding your histogram
Incident Vs. reflected light
Handheld light meters Vs. in-camera metering
How auto modes can be fooled
What’s it like shooting a “big-time” sporting event?
What are credentials, when are they needed, who gets them and how can I get them?
Transmitting live images
Major leagues and minor leagues
NCAA
High School
Captioning
How can I get started as a sports photographer?
How to shoot:
Baseball
Football
Soccer
Hockey
Basketball
Volleyball
Golf
Tennis
Wrestling/martial arts
Gymnastics
Swimming
Team and Individual portraits
Dwarf tossing
Getting paid for your work, or “When can/should I go pro?”
Shooting on spec
Day rates
Hourly
Freelance Vs. Employee
The Wires
Shooting for credit or credentials (AKA, shooting for free)
How and when should I use artificial lighting for sports photography?
On camera flash (and flash modifiers)
Speedlites
Strobes
Ghosting, and how to avoid it
Bounced Vs. Direct
Why is there a Wizard in my Pocket, and what is he doing there?
Shooting youth sports – Is it different than adult action, and if so, how?
Large event photography
Covering the local leagues
Team and Individual portraits
Equipment discussions:
Camera bodies
Lenses
Monopods
Carrying cases
How to shoot with multiple bodies
Computers
Essential software for sports photography
Photoshop (or equivalent)
Digital Asset Management software
Photo Mechanic
ACDsee
Bridge
Lightroom
Aperture
Image processing software
Genuine Fractals
Noise Ninja, et al
Sports photography post processing workflow hints and tips
The business side of shooting sports
Sales and Marketing
How to promote yourself and your work
Your image
Lone Wolf, Pack Leader, or Follower?
Finances, deductions, types of incorporation
Product offerings
Legal issues
Model releases – yes or no?
Youth Vs. NCAA Vs. Pro
Image rights
Photographing youth sports at public venues
Insurance
How not to be a “GWC”


This should keep me busy for a while. Not sure what the next episodes will be, but they probably will be discussing a "how-to" for a current sport like basketball and other indoor sports topics since it's that time of year.

Mr./Ms. Moderator - can you please move this back to the Sports forum? This is a VERY directed list of topics, and it would be very useful to have the input of people doing sports photography, and moving it here has ground all momentum to a halt that the post had developed the short time it resided over there. I've even been getting PM's and emails from people wanting to know what happened to the thread since the link has also been taken down in the Sport forum. Thanks.

Dennis

[Zivnuska]

I second the motion to move back to sports. Maybe even a 'sticky' in sports.

[mtonsbeek]

Definately a sticky on the sports page!
Great podcast Dennis! Really look forward to the next episodes.
Thanks for putting the time in.

Maarten

[snapmando]

With a list like that Dennis, this should get a Sticky and put on the Sports Page for Maximum Exposure.

This is the type of info, I'm looking for to take it to the next level. I never even thought about shooting Sports when I bought my first DSLR, till my Daughter started playing Hockey. She's progressed into the High School Level now, tips like these would help me get the most out of my photos and equipment.

Thanks again Dennis

Jim

[jmpsmash]

i suggest:

- deal with capturing action/emotion outside of the rally/play. stories can be told during these "in-between" moment.

i just listened to the first podcast. i enjoyed it very much. very well done and keep it going!

ps. what is a "GWC"?

[dmwierz]

Thanks. GWC=Guy/Gal With a Camera

[rsharper]

Dennis, this is great. I have just recently joined this forum but have learned alot from all the experience that you and others have shared. Have been playing with photography for about two years now and have just scratched the surface.
I have tried to purchase quality equip, using XT and XTI, 35 f/2.0, 70-200 f/2.8is, just recieved the 85 f/1.8 that so many have talked about. The lighting is terrible in gyms in my area.
Thanks for your advice
Scott

[jmpsmash]

Thanks. GWC=Guy/Gal With a Camera

ah... i want to know the answer to the "how not to be the GWC?" question then. :)

[dlpasco]

Thanks for doing this Dennis.

The location of this post is an interesting dilemma. Sports is in 'photo sharing' but there isn't really a place to discuss sports photography specifically. I agree that the best place is sports since the best threads in sports start with a shared photo and evolve into an interesting discussion on technique, access, etc. Maybe you could share a cool photo and then we could start discussing the podcast? ;) (don't ban me - this is said with tongue firmly in cheek!!)

[HuskiesD1]

Dennis,

You rock. I'll be listening.

[gmen]

Very interesting Dennis... just stumbled across this thread.

If you need a 'sounding' board at any point, don't hesitate to contact me... equally if you need any input on sports that are not traditionally 'American' in nature (e.g. bowls, cricket, speedway, football of the round ball variety, etc.), I'd be more than happy to offer my two penneth worth.

Also feel free to nab any relevant info from my old Q&A thread: http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=116971

Cheers!

---- Gavin

[dmwierz]

Gavin, et al - Thanks for he supportive words and offers of help - I'll keep y'all in mind.

The next podcast is going to be on indoor sports, including ambient light and strobes/flash challenges, and we'll be covering basketball and maybe hockey and wrestling. I'm also working on interviewing a prominent expert in the field so youse get to listen to somebody other than me ;)

Dennis

[photodrew]

Hi Dennis,

Great job on the podcast.

Will look for future podcasts.

BTW, Cadwell added it to the Sports shooting tutorial in the Sports section.

Thanks again for your extra effort.

[Darsk47]

This was great Dennis - thanks again. Looking forward to more.

Suggestion for future topic: post processing. What do you look for? What actions do you perform, order, settings....etc ?

Cheers -
Darcy

[tomd]

Dennis,
I just tried to download the podcast according to your instructions in post #11. The drop down menu I get after I click on the down arrow gives me the option to save as a "pro" Quicktime movie. Then I'm prompted to buy an upgrade version of Quicktime 7 to the PRO version. Am I doing something wrong?

[dmwierz]

Tom - You may need to have QT Pro.

Like I said, the best thing to do for now is to listen live on your PC, and then subscribe to the podcast when it's FINALLY listed in iTunes. Apple emailed me back and said it's taking them 1-2 weeks, and as of today, it's been one week.

[dekalbSTEEL]

I think you should do a video version, with example pics and stuff......

You've got time for that, right?:rolleyes:

[dmwierz]

Steel - I agree video would add something to the presentation, but this IS a podcast, not a multi-media deal, meant to be listened to more than viewed.

Having said that, I do intend on adding images and video to the next episodes. I'm shooting two HS basketball games, and the DePaul/Georgetown game today and tomorrow, and will take some shots of the set-ups and game positions while doing both these events, and incorporate these into the next episode.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Dennis

[Zivnuska]

When (approx) is the next episode? Days? Weeks?

[robgr85]

The idea is great, I can not open it too... I got linux system, and there is need to install extra software.

If I were You, I would consider more platform-flexible solution... why not to put Your podcast videos on Youtube? For sure it would gain popularity faster, and bring more traffic to Your site. Moreover youtube is platform independent, so it does not matter if You are working on linux, windows or mac. Your current page limits the amount of viewers, in most cases i would just go away, because I do not like to install extra soft just to see something. it allways takes some time and effort to do that. God bless some potn members recommended that, because I would leave it... without stopping :)

Cheers,

[dmwierz]

When (approx) is the next episode? Days? Weeks?

I like your enthusiasm. :D

I'm gonna guess by the end of this week, but I'm doing this in my "spare time" so I can't guarantee a delivery day. I'm writing the script as we speak and will use some shots and videos from games tonight and tomorrow as illustrations. Then I need to edit and produce the thing.

I hope to make this 'cast once a week, but more realistically it's probably not quite gonna make this release schedule. We'll see.

Dennis

[dmwierz]

Rob, et al -

Well, I understand your interest, and as a Mac guy, certainly can see your perspective as an "alternative" OS user, but frankly, this is a not-for-profit endeavor that I'm doing to try and help some folks. The more I try to make it viewable by every potential OS, the harder it's gonna be to produce it.

Besides, this isn't intended to be a downloadable video medium or really even to be viewed online. It's meant to be a podcast, which means viewable on portable devices and/or via iTunes.

Someday it might evolve into a regular video thing that can be downloaded more easily, but right now it's being done on a shoestring budget (as in, I have no money) squeezed into an already busy shooting schedule.

And I'm not doing this to drive more visitors to my site - I'm doing to try and help people understand sports photography. It's not a commercial effort. Trust me, if I get the time, the equipment and the $$$ to host it at a higher level, I will. For now, though, it is what it is. If you can view it online, this is a good temporary option. If you can download it, feel free to do so. If neither of these options works for you, wait for the iTunes Music Store release (any day now?) and if this third option (which is the preferred long-term option IMO) still doesn't work, then all I can say is "sorry about that - stay tuned for future developments".

Dennis

[robgr85]

If you can view it online, this is a good temporary option. If you can download it, feel free to do so.

Unfortunately, there is no quicktime/itunes software for linux os... I can not download or view it at this time. I will have to bookmark it, and try to open it on my friends PC later.

Cheers,
Rob

P.S. I do not know the technical background of producing Your podcast is, but probably it would be possible to post it also on Youtube (you can upload there files in formats like: s .WMV, .AVI, .MOV (quick time video), .MPG)... and even more people would recieve great tips from You...

[Croasdail]

Dennis - what a great resource. You do a great job on this. Video would be nice, but your naration does a good job explaining. It does presume some level of knowledge as you use a lot of photo jargon... so primer wouldn't be bad option if you have the time. But it is great for me just as a mental refresher. I do so much out of habit now I need to be reminded why, and look for ways to improve. Cheers!

[dmwierz]

Unfortunately, there is no quicktime/itunes software for linux os... I can not download or view it at this time. I will have to bookmark it, and try to open it on my friends PC later.

Cheers,
Rob

P.S. I do not know the technical background of producing Your podcast is, but probably it would be possible to post it also on Youtube (you can upload there files in formats like: s .WMV, .AVI, .MOV (quick time video), .MPG)... and even more people would recieve great tips from You...

Rob: This doesn't work?:

http://heroinewarrior.com/quicktime.php3

Also, many media players will play QT files, even some that run under Linux, no? And don't some of these have browser plug-ins that enable online viewing? I don't know, just thinking "out loud"

[chrisvl]

Dennis, just found this. And yes it should be moved back to sports and made a sticky.
I will download and listen later.

[dmwierz]

Okay, you asked for it, you got it.

By popular demand, the latest revision of the Sports Photography Podcast is now available at:

Sports Photography Podcast Episode 2 - Indoor Sports Photograpy Challenges (http://www.sportsphotographycast.com)


Navigate to the "Podcast" link in the header and go to episode 2.

Here's a summary of the 'cast:

Shooting indoor sports has many interesting challenges. In this video podcast, we’ll be discussing what some of these challenges are and how you can overcome them.

Topics of discussion include large aperture lenses, high-ISO shooting, noise reduction, Custom White Balance and light color cycling

This 15+ minute video podcast covers a lot of the topics currently being discussed on this forum, and includes a few examples and videos. It's a bit larger than the last episode since it's video format. Hopefully you've got a broadband connection.

Apple still hasn't approved this podcast for the iTunes Music Store, even after more than two weeks, so as before, the only way to view the 'cast is online (or download it to your desktop if you have QuickTime Pro).

I'm open for comments, suggestions, etc.

Enjoy!

Dennis

[mdm]

Marked this spot. Thanks.

[jmpsmash]

wow. heading off to download it now. much appreciate your effort Dennis.

[jmpsmash]

listened to it earlier. very nicely formatted, planned and executed! good job!

looking forward to the next one.

[Zivnuska]

Can't wait for #3! The whole strobe issue is so important for winter indoor sports.

[VinnyC01]

Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy the idea. I have let our photo-teacher in my school know about the podcasts, as they are relative and easily understandable. I also have passed them along to photographers that shoot for me and/or have in an interest in photographing sports (parents). Well done!

[dmwierz]

I've been busy shooting a lot, but am trying to get the next episode online. FWIW, the podcast is now listed in the iTunes Music store so you can subscribe and automatically get the latest episode when it's uploaded.

Dennis

[tomd]

the podcast is now listed in the iTunes Music store so you can subscribe and automatically get the latest episode when it's uploaded.

Dennis

great! I'll go onto itunes tonight. thanks:D

[mestes]

its on itunes but when u try to get them u get an error

[dmwierz]

There's an error in the RSS feed URL and I seem to be stuck in geek limbo. If anyone understands this stuff, feel free to drop me a line.

Meanwhile, I'll work on it.

[BradT0517]

Just wondering, but is there any idea on whether or not Dennis has decided to stop the cast, or is he just pretty busy.

[dmwierz]

Brad,

I'm on sort of a hiatus...been so busy the last few months, and just started a new job - haven't had much time. I hope to get back to it soon, though.

Dennis

[BradT0517]

Dennis,

Thanks for the update, I was assuming that this was the case as I hadn't read anywhere that you quit updating the cast or such. I wish you luck with your new job.

Brad