US Open Trip

[rajawal1]

Hello,

In a couple of days, my wife and I will be travelling to new york to see a few matches of the US Open tennis :lol: .

Any of you guys have any experience on what camera equipments and bag that I can bring to the tennis court?

A few pointers on taking pictures of the players would be great also. (please see my sig for my equipment list).

I'm sorry if I'm posting this at the wrong folder :o, please let me know where to post it.

Thank you

[nicksan]

Look here:
http://www.usopen.org/en_US/about/security_information.html?promo=topnav

I went to the practice session on August 24th.
I had my small Domke shoulder bag with me. I had my 1D MKIII with the 24-105L mounted over my shoulder, and the 70-200 f2.8 IS, 300L f4IS, 1.4x TC, and 2x TC inside the bag. I purposely didn't have a white lens mounted because I didn't want to stand out.

They have a check point where they have a "box" where they fit bags in. If the bag fits, they allow the bag inside. They will also have you open your bag. There were three "checkers" there, but I assume there will be more checkers and more people. I chose the old "grandpa" looking man since I thought he would be easy on me. I was right. You may not have the luxury of choosing like I did.

Generally speaking, the assumption is that if it fits inside the "single compartment" 12" x 12" x 16" bag you will be OK. But I assume that it's up to the person checking your bag. I wouldn't say it's a gamble, but you do risk them denying entry. They have the right to do so if they deem you and/or your gear dangerous. Bare in mind that the security during the actual tournament will likely be tighter.

As for shooting, this was actually my first time as well. I had much more access than you probably will have in a formal tournament setting. I found that sitting by the umpire's chair on either side of the court yielded better results. Also, rather than trying to get everything in the frame, I find that tighter shots work better.

Your 70-200 is obviously the best bet. Do you have a 1.4x TC? If not, I guess you will have to make do with the 2x. Not sure where you are going to be seated...

Here's the gallery for my visit there...

http://nicksan.zenfolio.com/p999198410/

I only ended up using the 300L except for the last few B&W shots where I used my 24-105L.

On almost all of these shots I was in the front row, which would be the closest a spectator like myself can be to the players. A lot of the shots are cropped as well. For the Nadal shots, I was a good 20-30ft away, so I used my 1.4x TC for those and they are cropped as well.

Some tips:
I find backhand shots to be more aesthetically pleasing. It can also easily be shot in portrait orientation.
Forehand shots are more all over the place and I typically shot landscape orientation.
Serves don't make for interesting photos.
I told myself not to worry about getting everything in the frame. This is good advice for sure.
If you see the ball in the VF and you haven't pressed the shutter button yet, it's too late.
Anticipate the shots. Press the shutter early!
Mind your backgrounds! (Friggin' white towel on the court on the Nadal shots! LOL!)
1/1000 shutter speed is too slow to stop fast tennis action. 1/2000 would be better.
I never really used burst mode. I anticipated the action and shot 1-2 shots at a time, mostly just 1.
Watch out for blown out whites on player's jersey if he/she is wearing white.
Lighting was pretty constant so I was in M mode after having taken a reading. I would adjust accordingly based on lighting condition.

Just to give you an idea of what to expect...:D


Hello,

In a couple of days, my wife and I will be travelling to new york to see a few matches of the US Open tennis :lol: .

Any of you guys have any experience on what camera equipments and bag that I can bring to the tennis court?

A few pointers on taking pictures of the players would be great also. (please see my sig for my equipment list).

I'm sorry if I'm posting this at the wrong folder :o, please let me know where to post it.

Thank you

[rajawal1]

Alright.

Thanks for your input.