How can I get started shooting action shots?

[FlipsidE]

Ok, let's say I have everything I need already (lens, body, monopod, flash, etc.), what can I do to get some starter practice in shooting action? I actually want to try my hand at Wakeboard photography. The wakeboard season should start up around here in about April, and I'd like to get some practice beforehand.

I don't have any kids. Nor am I close friends with anyone who has kids in that play any kind of sports. So, I can't really walk in with them and snap off some shots. I'm afraid it might come across as a little creepy for a 27 year old guy who knows no one in high school to walk into a high school sporting event with a camera bag on his back.

Most of the beginner action shots I've seen around here are from folks whose kids are playing some kind of sporting event. They tag along and shoot a few shots.

W/out any kind of reputation, I think it might be a bit odd to try to pull up to a football game at my old high school alma mater and start shootin from the stands.

Any good ways of gettin started? Should I possibly call the school first to see if if I can get onto the field or something? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

FlipsidE

[drisley]

Flipside, I know exactly what you are talking about. I worry about this all the time.
I think shooting an outdoor event like football shouldn't be a problem, but an indoor school sporting event would seem a little weird if you didn't know anybody.

Well, this week I had this dilemma solved for me by the city.
The city just passed a bylaw outlawing ALL photo/video equipment in any city recreation centres, arenas and pools where children are present. Even if you are a parent you are not allowed a camera into any of these venues! :shock:
And get this, even at school events (plays, etc), parents are ONLY allowed to take pictures of their own kid. They are now allowed to have any other kids in the picture! The teachers actually check!
Sure, there are some freaks out there, but this is the very definition of paranoia! It sort of reminds me of the "fear" cartoon in the movie "Bowling for Columbine".

Btw, I think your last idea about calling the school might be a good one.
The other thing that seems to help is having someone else with you. I always feel more comfortable if I have a friend along rather than being by myself.

[Scottes]

I shoot birds. (Did you know that?) :-) It will take a much longer lens than the kit lens, though.

Next weekend I'm planning on going to a dog agility trial. It's indoors, so I don't know how I'll do, but I also want to shoot more action shots and I like dogs so it's a natural. KartGirlsMom gave me this link to search on trials around the US: http://www.dogeventsonline.com/

Bummer - nothing coming up in SC though.

Keep an eye out for various events that might interest you. Dog agility also makes me think of horse jumping and other such stuff. I know ScottBergerPhoto shoots RC planes and has made quite a hit with some of the fliers to boot. Mountain biking, BMXing, and such stuff are options. College sports might be an option - they should certainly be safer for you than kids' sports.


If you can find something interesting then find a local club. Tell them what you're doing, ask permission, and then bring prints of the cool shots the next time. If someone is particularly helpful then bring them an 8x10 or something. Pass out a web link so people can check the pics out - they'll be a lot more helpful the next time.


I do have to add that you probably going to want something longer & faster than the 18-55 though. Have you thought about a 70-200 f/4?

[FlipsidE]

Scotties,

You shoot birds? NO WAY! LOL j/k.

I plan to have a 100-400L before I try action photography. I know for a fact that I can't do much with my current setup at all. So, I'll be saving up for thise $1400 lens before I even think about setting foot in/on a baseball field, football field, or basketball court. Honestly, though, I'm not a huge fan of animal photography, so I'm not sure I'm going to want to go that route. I really appreciate the info and advice though!

FlipsidE

[FlipsidE]

Drisley,

Going with someone else is a great idea. Unfortunately, my tight knit group of friends consist of all married guys/girls that have multiple kids, have just had their first kid, or are pregnant with their first kid, so getting any of my friends to head out to a high school football game with me would be rather difficult. I'm not dating anyone at the moment, so I am able to find a good bit more time to get out and do these types of things.

Secondly, where do you live? Which city just outlawed photography indoors for recreational kids stuff?

FlipsidE

[Persian-Rice]

Try to get involved into sports photography. Take shots of those local house league hockey games etc etc. It's fairly difficult this time of year because most things move indoor.

Drisley lives in Manitoba, Winnipeg maybe? I think? lol
North America is really going to hell isn't it? next thing you know people turn around, see their own shadow and call the police telling them their shadow was following them around and they want a restraining order...........

[Vegas Poboy]

Depending on the sports in your area, I would go to the basketball courts, mens football or soccer. Since your just looking for practice the men sports will give you faster action & less drama from looking like a perve with a camera. Another is try shooting @ cars this helps a great deal while learning panning. Go to the local race track & shoot from the stands. Don't get discourage when you first look @ your results it will come in time.

[drisley]

Drisley,
Going with someone else is a great idea. Unfortunately, my tight knit group of friends consist of all married guys/girls that have multiple kids, have just had their first kid, or are pregnant with their first kid, so getting any of my friends to head out to a high school football game with me would be rather difficult. I'm not dating anyone at the moment, so I am able to find a good bit more time to get out and do these types of things.
FlipsidE

Flipside, I am in exactly the same boat as you. All friends are married with kids, etc. Too bad we didnt live in the same town.
I went to a highschool football game with a friend this summer, and we stood on the sidelines, and I took pictures. I felt way more comfortable than I would have by myselft. However, again, that was a very rare situation that I had someone with me.

This summer at an outdoor festival a bunch of people complained because they saw a man taking photographs, and they thought he was paying to much attention to the kids. Well, the police seized him (which would be totally embarrasing), took him in for questioning, and after a short while they discovered that it was all just innocent. Unfortunately the papers already got wind of the story, and published the story (without a name). :shock:

[stevo12886]

Not saying i'm an expert at all, but maybe go to the local dog park...if anyone is playing with their dog ask if you could take some pictures, and maybe explane your situation? Just a thought.

[IndyJeff]

Go to a game and when it is over approach the coach and tell him your a photographer who would like to try your hand at sports photography. Ask him if the team has a webpage and if they need photos for it. Most coaches will jump at the chance to get a team photographer.
If they don't have a webpage ask him if the have a computer class or club. Maybe between the school newspaper, a computer class and you, a webpage can be put together for the schools teams. It is a win win situation for everyone involved. The journalism students get another outlet for their articles, the computer class/club gets a chance to create and maintain a webpage, you get to shoot sports and the team and parents get a webpage to look at after the games.


The easy way to do things like this is the direct way, approach the coach.

[Riff Raff]

I've shot Roller Derby and a skateboard contest before. Nothing unusual about multiple shooters at those events. Come to think of it, I think Roller Derby season is just starting up in Austin.