Baseball shots...

[Mchu86]

Not sure if this is in the right forum, but I'll give it a try :).

So I requested to shoot some sports, instead of the lectures and discussions I've had in the past, for my school newspaper and the editor assigned me to shoot a baseball game this Sunday. Not my favorite choice of sports, but hey, something finally exciting! I would've preferred basketball but a fellow photographer already grabbed it :(. But anyways, I want to have really good shots to impress my editors so I can shoot sports more often like basketball, soccer, etc. So I want to ask you guys for some tips on shooting baseball. I know the rules so I can figure out some climax moments. I've browsed some Sports Illustrated photos to get an idea of some photos. I want to achieve something similar to those. I know it's going to be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to capture as good images as Sports Illustrated, but I'm sure as heck going to try! Any tips on perhaps where I should position myself, when to shoot, etc. By the way, I have a Canon Digital Rebel and 70-200 f/2.8L. Thanks everyone!

Michael

[jerseycowboy]

As a baseball fan, I think you should position yourself similar to where the press boxes are on the field. Probably just next to, or in the dugout, either even with one of the bases or possible closer to home plate.

Behind home plate will get you the angles you want on the pitcher, while coming from the dugout of further into the outfield will get you the batter. Keep in mind that you have righties and lefties in pitchers and batters that will face you or away from you depending on which side of the field you're on. Though the right shot from the back of a pitcher can be better than from the front.

[fslshooter]

I shoot minor league baseball. Here's what I would do if I were you. Get to the venue early and check out the position of the sun -- it's difficult to get anything decent shooting into the sun. The game will last about 3 hours. If it's bright sunshine start @ ISO 200 - 400 and f5.6 - f2.8. Unless you're very comfortable processing RAW, shoot in your best JPG mode. Read your histogram from time to time and make adjustments as necessary. If it gets dark and the lights come on you'll probably be out of business if you can't shoot at or above 1/350 -- I prefer 1/500 minimum.

One nice thing about shooting baseball is that you can pre focus for most shots. For left handed pitchers your best position is on their left -- first base line. Vice versa for righties. If possible gain field access and between innings get shots of the pitcher when he warms up -- just behind the catcher and to his right or left depending on whether the pitcher is a lefty or righty are your best positions. Try to get the shot when his pitching arm is coming forward with the ball in his hand, or just as he releases the ball or immediately after -- all three are good.

For batters the first base line, sunlight permitting, is the best place to be and between first base and home if possble. Pre focus and watch the batter's eyes/reflexes. You'll soon learn when he's going to swing. Your best results will be when he swings and makes contact. Keep shooting if he gets a hit -- batters coming out of the box make nice pix.

When there's a runner on base be prepared for action at the base ahead of him -- especially when there's less than two outs. Your best angle for a shot of a play at second base is on the third base line between third base and home -- again sunlight permitting. Another good base runner shot is just as he rounds second base when he's headed for third -- lots of action. You probably can't pre focus for this shot. Both baselines are good positions for this shot and about half way between the base and home plate.

One of the best action shots is a play at the plate but they're rare and difficult to get. I've had my best luck shooting from first base line and at 200mm near or just beyond first base is a good position for you to be. Make sure you pre focus for this shot.

If someone hits a home run, there'll be a lot of high fives -- some make good pix. Pre focus at or just behind home plate -- fist base line is your best position for the shot.

Good luck -- and have fun!

[Mchu86]

Thank you! Great tips! I'll definitely be using them on Sunday!