Sending images from a Sports Ground....

[keevilp]

I am looking for some advice if possible......

I presently shoot Rugby League on a Freelance Basis. Most of my work goes to an Australian monthly magazine - which means that I dont need to take the laptop to the ground.

My workflow is basically:

1) Shoot at the ground
2) Download into Photo Mechanic
3) Edit via CS4
4) Send appx 20 images to magazine, as required.

I have now been asked to be the Club Photographer for a Football League Championship club side and will need to use a laptop at the ground.

Equipment wise I will be using the following:

1) Dell Precision M60 laptop
2) Canon 40D Body
3) Canon 100-400 IS Lens
4) Photo Mechanic
5) Adobe CS4

I am not a Full Time Photographer - So appreciate I need to upgrade some of my equipment - when Ive saved some pennies! :) - and first on my list is a 300mm f2.8

As far as shooting from the ground is concerned - What is the best equipment to use to enable "uploads" at the ground?

Would you use something as simple as a Vodafone Dongle or would I need something a little more.

Best Wishes

Cheers

Paul

[dmwierz]

Paul,

Your question is a bit vague. Are you asking about which hardware you need to allow you to transmit your images live from the sidelines? If so, this will depend on your cellular service and your computer (I have no idea what a Dell M60 is).

I know many people who transmit with USB dongles, many who have wireless cards that plug into slots in their laptops, some who use their cell phone as a wireless modem, etc. I'd look for whichever of these options are compatible with your cell service and which give the best speed.

Does this help?

[DC Fan]

A Vodaphone Dongle would be a useful choice. Also, look for a EV-DO 3G setup that can let you use a phone as a modem.

Similar tethering and EV-DO card setups can work well and be available in remote places with no WiFi.

[keevilp]

Apologies for the vagueness.

The Dell M60 is a laptop which has an internal wireless card - so can pick up nearby networks. However, I will not automatically be granted permission to use those networks.

I do have a Vodafone USB Dongle which will allow me to use the internet at the ground via the Vodafone Network (and therefore upload images). However, this does appear slow.

I just wondered whether there were any other alternatives that I was not aware of.

Cheers

Paul

[The Moose]

How much time do you have to get set up for this? Championship doesn't start for another four weeks and I can't imagine a pre-season match being of such importance. Over here in Australia we have Telstra on the "Next G" network which is faster than 3G and a lot of the pros are using Telstra's USB Next G service to send their photos at half time and full time. Do any companies over there advertise a service as faster than 3G? I would say 3G can do the job if you know how to manage yourself as quick as possible. Prepare in the days/weeks beforehand however you can by doing everything but actually sending the photos or whatever.

By the way, which Championship club are you shooting for? I'm currently wearing my Middlesbrough shirt from last season, Premier League badges and all, not anymore :(

[jamesb84]

Paul,

If you want to send me a message via PM, then go for it...

I shot for the last year for a small agency doing Championship and Premier League last year, and will be doing the same again this year!

My workflow is:

1. Import a card into Photo Mechanic
2. Select the ones I want
3. Open in Photoshop
4. Crop and edit photos
5. Re-open in Photo Mechanic
6. Caption
7. Upload through Photo Mechanic

I use an Orange USB Modem, which does 3G+ speeds. It's a good speed for what I use. However, a number of championship clubs are now putting WiFi in, so we all get the benefit of that! Speed varies but they're always faster than your USB.

PM me and i'll give you some more advice etc.

I also have a nice 300L f/2.8 if you get the pennies in!!

James.