HELP!, crash course golf and Tennis

[liam5100]

My editor is sending me to shoot golf and tennis, niether of which I have any experience with.

I am looking for any advice, equipment, angles, positions. And more importantly etiquite, I know there are "manners" to shooting golf, I just have NO idea what they are.

And with tennis, is it like volleyball, will they allow court access?

Thanks in advance.

[elysium]

Golf - longest lenses and TC if you have. You will want a fast shutter to stop all motion.

Realy why you will want the longest lens is shutter noise and keeping away from golfers. you can get ahead with a 400mm & TC and not have to worry about being hit by the ball.

Speak to the organisers before, if not make sure you boss does so you can get the best allowances.

[liam5100]

Golf - longest lenses and TC if you have. You will want a fast shutter to stop all motion.

Realy why you will want the longest lens is shutter noise and keeping away from golfers. you can get ahead with a 400mm & TC and not have to worry about being hit by the ball.


Thanks, I know how to stop the motion, what are considered "good" golf shots, in their swing? looking.. do they get mad if your down the fairway taking pictures? The only problem I see is the weather its forcast to be very cloudy and overcast. I'll use my 400 2.8, but I probably cant afford to lose the stop of light with the tc.

[liam5100]

And the mk III's have a "quiet shutter" funtion, would that be usefull here?

[elysium]

Thanks, I know how to stop the motion, what are considered "good" golf shots, in their swing? looking.. do they get mad if your down the fairway taking pictures? The only problem I see is the weather its forcast to be very cloudy and overcast. I'll use my 400 2.8, but I probably cant afford to lose the stop of light with the tc.
Shutter speed - maybe 1/1000 or faster. As fast as you can go. Not seen many golf shots with motion. Your choice on that.

Start out and see what you can get away with. Bump up ISO if needs be.

Jump onto google images and search for some golf photos. There are more than enough.

[elysium]

And the mk III's have a "quiet shutter" funtion, would that be usefull here?
Dont bother, 400mm will put you far enough to click away. You may want to stick to JPEG for the day as PP will not be essential.

Use your FPS to your advantage to cover the whole swing.

[liam5100]

Thanks, I always shoot movement at least 1/1000. I prefer higher. I just remember some stories about Tiger getting pissed at photographers. I dont even really play golf, so Im just trying to gather all the info.

Is it appropriate to stay to walk ways, paths, or is it ok to actually duck into the tree's, fairways whatever to get shots?

[elysium]

Thanks, I always shoot movement at least 1/1000. I prefer higher. I just remember some stories about Tiger getting pissed at photographers. I dont even really play golf, so Im just trying to gather all the info.

Is it appropriate to stay to walk ways, paths, or is it ok to actually duck into the tree's, fairways whatever to get shots?
That I would not be able to tell you. Check with the event organisers or once again, get your boss involved.

[liam5100]

That I would not be able to tell you. Check with the event organisers or once again, get your boss involved.

I'm fully credentialed for "full access", its more the manners issue, that I'm concerned with. Like football, I dont snap flashes up close in players eyes, not because its restricted, but because its the right thing manners wise..

What about Tennis??

[elysium]

I'm fully credentialed for "full access", its more the manners issue, that I'm concerned with. Like football, I dont snap flashes up close in players eyes, not because its restricted, but because its the right thing manners wise..

What about Tennis??
Same thing. Speak to the organisers, they will tell you the vantage points and if there is time, give you a tour.

Usually for golf tournaments, there are staged platforms for photographers to use, I know the did for the Masters.

[RiSK]

What about Tennis??

While I've not shot tennis, my brother has for the college paper he shoots for. He was able to shoot with a low ISO and a quick shutter speed with a 70-200 f/4L; and had a lot of serve shots. Hey, you know at least when that's going to happen. Aside from that, a few good return shots, and you're golden. Seems relatively easy.

[dekalbSTEEL]

What level of golf are you shooting, high school, college?

The last time I played golf a high school team was playing a match on the back nine and a guy I believed to be with the local paper just came walking out onto the course down the cart path (carefully) to catch up to where the team was. Just check in with the pro shop at the course when you get there, let them know what your assignment is. They will probably be more than happy to help you out ( Anything to promote a dying game)

[T2000]

If you are talking about ATP level tennis, you can't use a flash during the action.
But it's fine for the trophy presentation and other after match stuff. They also frown on blasting the shutter during a service motion when you are courtside. A simple "click" should get you what you want anyway...

Check this out

http://tennisphotographers.com/Conduct.htm

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