Drake Women's Soccer - Need Help

[ajsdad]

Folks, I am new to this hobby. My concern is as I move away from the little action figure, my photos are getting worse.

The Newest stream is posted over at FLICKR - Labed Drake Women v. Minn State. I could use all the help I can get. I think some of it may have to do with not understanding my light issues, as the the 19:00 start time is between sun and the lights on the fields kicking on 100% nonetheless, I am missing on crispness of my photos. Again, please help, what I am doing wrong?

Frustrated in Iowa.

www.flickr.com/ajsdadsphotos (http://www.flickr.com/ajsdadsphotos)

[bobbyz]

Can you post some pictures that you need help with?

[herbe_nelson]

first tip would be to up the iso and maybe shoot on manual.

A lot of them appear a bit too dark. Watch the exposure guide in the viewfinder when you are taking the shot. If it starts to move the arrow in the negative (-) area then up the iso or lower the shutter speed.

You are using a 75 or 70-300? You probably want to keep the aperture wide open to let in the max amount of light. Maybe try shooting one match on Av. What metering are you using? Evaluative?

Composition looks ok, but you could improve a fair bit. See if you can get closer next time, though I see the someone else is shooting with bigger glass on the sideline, so I can assume you were not hired for this game? ;)

The big thing is practice. Practice your af technique on things around the house eg birds or falling leaves from trees; maybe even cars on the street. Try to improve the metering for shots as well. Learn which shutter speed will give you a good exposure. Also, don't be afraid to up the iso. You want the shot don't you? Even if you shoot with iso 800 if the image is as dark as some of yours then when you up the exposure in post it'll be quite noisy still. Embrace the great high iso performance of current cameras.

hope this helps,

Nelson

[karinne]

I'm no expert by all mean but shots from the sidelines are always much better. They look more professional.

Of course, you probably need to get permission. And like herbe said, practice, practice, practice! If you (or allowed) go to their practices for some practice shots!

Hope this helps even a little. :)

[352McCoy]

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=142078&highlight=soccer+tips

ajsdad, try having a look at this thread, it may help answer some of your questions! Get closer to the field and anticipate the run of play. Sometimes you can get great perspectives in soccer by being at the end of a field. Good luck!

[ajsdad]

I appreciate the advice. I was allowed on the field for the men's game, and felt those pictures also on my photostream, but when I took my spot there last night, was told I needed to sit in the stands. I'll try again sneaking out to the field next time. I appreciate all the advice as I make the transition to shooting manual instead of the green square. Yes, the school has its own photographer, and I am just there as a fan.

Ed