Total Noob

[JoePhotoOnline]

Hi folks, how are ya?

I've been a local photographer here in my small town for a while now, doing mostly studio stuff. This year, the studio is sending me out to the High School football games to get photos of the kids.

I'm using a 40D and a Sigma 70-200mm 2.8 lens. I think the range (combined with the crop factor) will be fine because they don't play on a regulation size field (I think it something like 87 yards).

I don't want to go out there looking like an idiot, so could you guys give me some pointers about where I am supposed to stand and such. Are there things I should know that aren't common sense? Also, if anyone would like to, could you post some pics of your results with the HS games. Some inspiration would be nice.

Thank you all, have a good one.

-Joe

[J.Napier]

Joe,
Welcome to the forum, there are lots of examples here already and if you do a search it may help refine your questions somewhat for us to answer as well as give you some ideas. Thanks for posting and we look forward to seeing some of your work.
Thats odd that its not a regulation field,what part of the country are you in? Will these be night games under the lights? I ask becuse you mention it is not a regulation field. Are these sanctioned games by the state...somewhat irrelevent here but just curious.
I personally try to stay 30-35 yards down field from the L of S when shooting with a 70-200 your postion may very with your equipment and you have to consider the team and coachs standing on the side lines.
Also 10 -15 yards behind the L of S will get some nice results. You will get a feel for it as the game progress's. For good shots you will have to wait for the acton to come to you with the reach that you have more than likely. Shots on the opiste side of the feild will not be very appeling after a big crop.
Anyway, look forward to seeing some shots from you.

[SwiftFootTim]

There was another thread recently in this forum discussing High School Football shooting. It had some great advice in it from many that shoot football. I would suggest finding that thread, but some basic tips are kneel down to the players level. Don't shoot directly from the line of scrimmage, use a shutter speed faster than 1/250 etc.

[matonanjin]

Whatever you do, do it with a lot of authority. Act exactly like you know what you are doing. Even if you are doing something wrong the other photographers will think you know something they don't.:lol:

[wyofizz]

maton,
I hope you were kidding.