AVP Pro Beach Volleyball w/40D

[undcover]

I finally got my new 40D and used it for the first time at the AVP Beach Volleyball tournament in Santa Barbara, CA. For its first use, I must say I was blown away.

I shot in various modes (AV priority, TV priority and sports mode / AI Focus, AI Servo) to see what worked and what didn't. With my point and shoot I primarily used TV to shoot beach volleyball, but now I know why so many sports photographers use AV instead. The subject seems to jump off the screen (and this is just with the kit lens). All shots are resized only (uncropped/untouched)


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2838745816_1106af183b_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/2838745588_fae31b7f21_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3236/2838746604_b1c49150ae_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3106/2838745702_aa8decfbb0_o.jpg

On the downside, I really need to grasp some exposure problems I had. It was all over the place.

These two shots were taken simultaneously in high burst mode, yet the sand is considerably lighter in the first shot.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3220/2837913335_6b93179cee_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3094/2838745466_9b4d5e05cd_o.jpg



Here are two more shots taken seconds within each other yet the lighting looks totally different. I was in the exact same location.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3120/2838745984_f71eb41eb5_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/2838746112_f83ed0109b_o.jpg

I've read posts about people using AE Lock but that seems kinda tedious when shooting sports. How do you do it without missing shots?

[Jam71868]

nice shots.

What is it about volleyball that makes it necessary to wear so little? No complaints, I just don't get it.

[AdamLewis]

nice shots.

What is it about volleyball that makes it necessary to wear so little? No complaints, I just don't get it.

Theyre playing on a beach? In the middle of the day?

[Tigershark]

Nice shots

[wyofizz]

nice shots.

What is it about volleyball that makes it necessary to wear so little? No complaints, I just don't get it.


It makes it easier to dump the sand that they collect.

[Dan-o]

What is it about volleyball that makes it necessary to wear so little?

It is just a sport that started from people playing volleyball on the beach. What do you wear when you play at the beach?

[Jam71868]

It is just a sport that started from people playing volleyball on the beach. What do you wear when you play at the beach?


No... I understand that. But these things are less than normal bikini bottoms. Not a big deal, I didn't mean to make it one. I have always just wondered why simple bikini bottoms don't suffice.

Less sand collection might make sense.

[Dan-o]

But these things are less than normal bikini bottoms.

Yea, I agree. I'm sure it has to do with selling the sport with more sex appeal.

[FlyingPhotog]

<SNIP>

I've read posts about people using AE Lock but that seems kinda tedious when shooting sports. How do you do it without missing shots?

Now that the fashion reviewers are done, here's some things to think about:

At the beach, mid day with no clouds?

You've got arguably one of the most benign lighting scenarios you could possibly want so the word that works here is:

Manual

Not read the manual .. Shoot in manual.

Pick an ISO/Shuter/Aperture triad that yields the results you want, set 'em, forget 'em and shoot away.

The one thing you have to keep in the back of your mind is that as the day goes on, the light will change. Check your histogram from time to time and adjust if need be. Eventually, in order to hold action-freezing shutter speeds, you'll probably have to bump up your ISO.

[cdifoto]

What is it about volleyball that makes it necessary to wear so little? No complaints, I just don't get it.
Heat and the fact that sex sells.

[cdifoto]

On the downside, I really need to grasp some exposure problems I had. It was all over the place.
Get out of Av and into M. In broad daylight, you can generally lock in your settings once and concentrate on the action.

[undcover]

Get out of Av and into M. In broad daylight, you can generally lock in your settings once and concentrate on the action.

Since I'm using a zoom lens, doesn't the aperture automatically change as I zoom? Does that mean I have to manually change the shutter speed with every change of focal length?

If so, this is an even bigger reason for me to use a 70-200 f/4 lens!

[cdifoto]

Use the wide open aperture at full tele. You have enough light for it. That way it's constant.

[undcover]

Got it. Thanks!

[Dmab]

Great shots for a first time out with your new kit. Even better that you got to photograph the women's Olympic champs! I'm envious of that!

As you said, when you can swing it get a constant zoom (or a prime) meter on the faces in Spot, note the settings, switch to Manual and set it up! That way you'll be able to concentrate on capturing the shots!

Sounds like you got it by now, but I just like to hear myself talk (or type, I guess)

[PhotosGuy]

Good shots with the kit lens! but now I know why so many sports photographers use AV instead.
&
Here are two more shots taken seconds within each other yet the lighting looks totally different. You had a bright, cloudless day. I would have used M.
This shows how the subject can affect the exposure & why manual keeps me worry free:
Post #47 (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showpost.php?p=5191658&postcount=47)

For a good starting point, first set the f-stop & shutter speed you need for the effect you want. Then the other parameter: f-stop or shutter speed. Then adjust the ISO.
Need an exposure crutch? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=89123)