Don't rely on poor field lighting (example)

[ChunkyDA]

Your shots will improve if you manage your lighting with a flash. In this series only one (third) is close to properly exposed. Your meter won't read the flicker so you will be underexposed most of the time.
1/640
f 2.8
ISO 1600

[rick_reno]

can you adjust them in PP?

[aliengin]

I am guessing you shot JPEG?

[ChunkyDA]

Why bother trying to fix the colors and boost exposure just to increase the noise. The series are RAW as is this one shot today with the 580EXII.
ISO 400
f3.2
1/250
I'd much rather fix colors with the ETTL flash than poor ambient.

[elrey2375]

I'd rather fix neither LOL. I don't personally care for sports shot with flash, that's just me. If it's that dark, I need to be doing something else.

[Fligi7]

Why is your camera exposing all over the place if you have all of those settings dialed in on manual mode?

[ChunkyDA]

Originally Posted by Fligi7

Why is your camera exposing all over the place if you have all of those settings dialed in on manual mode?

Because the lights are cycling with the alternate current at a rate you can't see but the fast shutter speed captures the difference.

[Zivnuska]

I believe Dave's point is that the 'flicker/cycling' of lights can make for uneven exposures even with constant settings in the camera. [Dave, speak up please if I'm wrong on that.]

Those effects get greater as the number of lights illuminating the subject decrease and the quantity of ambient light gets less. An additional factor is the number and intensity of the shadows present on the subject. This can be very profound in high school football end zones at night when there are no lights beyond the 15 yard line or so.

Both of those issues affect the decision to shoot ambient or with flash. If there are numerous light sources and the light levels are even, I feel comfortable shooting high ISO ambient. As light sources become fewer and shadows become noticeable, I shoot flashed. Those shadows are readily visible to the naked eye once you know what to look for. Notice the number and intensity of shadows in Dave's good example. Good ambient exposures will be difficult in that environment.

Some dislike the look of flashed and that is a valid concern. It is nice to be able to shoot a burst of images ambient. Noisy images, dull colors, light cycling, and the need to get light inside a helmet can also be valid. The complete photographer will master both techniques and use the one that is most appropriate.

Here are two shots of the same player in the same game using different techniques

Ambient in the center of the field where the lighting is low, but even.
.


Flashed image close to the goal line.
.

Each has pros and cons. Learn when to use each of them.

Don't repeat my mistake here when I tried to shoot (ISO 6400 f/2.8 1/640sec) ambient (near the end zone) when I should have used flash. The white pants of the defender are burned out white (over exposed) and yet there is no light in the helmet of the runner. Yeeech. The strong shadows should have tipped me off to the problem but I screwed up.
.

Same runner (later) in a flashed image
.



Phil

[ChunkyDA]

You got it right on Phil. Another thing about the flash is that sometimes gloves, cold weather gear, and shoes have retro reflector material that really blast the flash back at you. Check out the glove on the OOF player on the left.

[sportsimagery]

Although ambient is best sometimes you just don't have it to work with, in which case you're going to need some flash or accept high noise/motion blur. It's quite obvious when flash is being used in these situations, but if you're capturing peak action and you luck out with an image that's framed well, it's less of an issue.

[Joe Cyr]

One word of caution. I lost a flash using it to cover soccer when it was struck by the ball. Only been hit a couple of times, but that one was the most costly. Snapped the flash right off the camera.

[kompressor]

I hate the light cycling as much as the next sports shooter, but I've never really seen strobed outdoor sports that look natural. They always remind me of a point-and-shoot picture.

[EmaginePixel]

Originally Posted by kompressor

I've never really seen strobed outdoor sports that look natural. They always remind me of a point-and-shoot picture.

Really? You need a good off-shoe rig and some skilz.

This player would be a shadow

1.

2.

3.

Here, with a wall in the back, you'll see my strobe... no point and shoot will achieve this at 153mm out and 1/500 shutter speed.

4.

[ChunkyDA]

There is something about these shots that really looks like a cut-and-paste job. The reflection from the uniforms, harsh line between player and background... Especially this one for example, look at #27's leading foot. To me this screams cut-and-paste. You can certainly see that it is not with the shadows and all, but perhaps it is only in the web-sized files oversharpened and noise reduction combination. And shouldn't there be some lighting difference between the subject and #33 wandering around in back?

Originally Posted by mellofelow

Really? You need a good off-shoe rig and some skilz.

This player would be a shadow

1.

2.

3.

Here, with a wall in the back, you'll see my strobe... no point and shoot will achieve this at 153mm out and 1/500 shutter speed.

4.

[kompressor]

^^ Those look great mello. Was hoping someone would show some great strobed shots in response and you delivered.

Are you using the strobe clamped below cam on monopod? Just curious. Most times this method leaves a lot to be desired. Looks like you are getting just the right amount of fill, no specs, shadows are still cast by overhead lighting.

Great shots. Maybe I'll have to rethink my stance.