Questions from others

I shoot a lot of HS sports, both for print sales and for a small local newspaper. I often have people come up to me and ask questions about settings. If it's half time or during a timeout I try to help. Typically (but not always), they have an entry level camera and lens that is just not up to the job of indoor sport shooting. I try to be positive with suggestions and ask if they have anything other than the f/4-5.6 lens on the camera. Usually met with wide eyes and "What does that mean?"

How can I be more heplful without sounding like a "know-it-all, my camera is better than yours" guy?

I've run into this same thing. It actually crossed my mind to start a small sports photography for dummies class. It might be an easy way to get the people to leave you alone plus bring in a little extra money.

I don't think you should have to play down the fact that you do know more and that quite likely your gear is better. Most people understand that, that's why they are asking you! You don't have to play equals or be buddies or a peer in this respect. You do know more about the topic, so own it! If you have information to share, they will appreciate it. If they think you sound like a know it all, they won't ask you again. Big deal! If they say, "what does that mean?" then you simply say that the camera needs to take very fast picture to capture the action... and that in order for that particular camera to get up to that speed it needs to a) be very sensitive to light (ISO) b) have the lens opening as wide as it can to let the most light in so it can snap very fast. These sorts of things are not accurately captured with fully automatic or "sports mode" shooting, that's why they are not seeing results they want. The reason why their photos turn out dark/blurry is because the lens is closing down so it can "see" farther (at which point I demonstrate a triangle/field & depth of view with my hands... hey, if I can understand it that simply, they can, too.

I actually really liked the Rebel EOS online tutorials... not sure if I can post a link here or not??

Anyway, my point is, don't play down your knowledge. Anyone who is offended or intimidated by it should just suck it up. lol

I usually just take their camera and set it up for them. Word gets around that you're a good guy, and people buy stuff from people they like.

It is all about how you phrase your suggestions. I deal with the same thing every now then. Sometimes, no matter how gentle and careful you are with your wording, the other guys takes it as if you are showing off your gear when you suggest that their lens just can't cut it.

What gets me is when the other guy tries to tell me how I am doing it all wrong.

As others have said, don't down play critical information. If their gear isn't quite up to the challenge that's info they need; as long as you're not being mean or condescending in your explanation, they'll appreciate the help

Maybe it's the 400 over the shoulder, but I never get asked my settings...the "wanna trade", "that's huge", and "look at the size of that lens" comments are at ever single game, but never been asked settings (and they never even bother to compliment the body, geez, sure compliment the big white lens but the big black body gets nothing, I see what's going on!) Maybe they just don't think they even come close so they don't bother, only one kind of asked, but he told me straight out he's a "parent with money" and had bought it without knowing how to use it - set it up for him the best his camera would allow and let it be, he did not in turn buy any images so guess I had the settings right for "good enough" images.

If you wanna give advice be nice about it, but don't give away the farm either - they include a manual for a reason and you're not there to give photography lessons.

whuband wrote in post #11942796
I usually just take their camera and set it up for them. Word gets around that you're a good guy, and people buy stuff from people they like.

That has been my response in the past. Nikons have the worst menu system if you haven't read the manual-not very intuitive.

Eric: I do tell them what everyone told me: You need speed and speed cost $$$. You are not going to get much with ISO 1600 and f/5.6 in a gym where the light is 1/400 f/2.8 at ISO 3200. Just a fact.

Mike: I agree, I'll help as much as I can for a parent I know. But sometimes I get a complete stranger asking and, well ......sometimes I'm too busy to help a poacher. I'm always nice about it. But, I am trying to earn here not give away lessons.

Depends how cute she is.