First Roller Derby Bout 2: Boston Massacre Vs. Pitsburgh Steel Hurtin'

Bout 2 of my first roller derby. This was the "rated" or "league" match. I guess these teams are both rated pretty high world wide. The game was VERY exciting, and came down to the last "jam", where Boston won 105 - 104 in the last seconds of the game.

1.

Very nice. I shoot Derby a lot. It is addicting.

sempaidavid wrote in post #12087017
Very nice. I shoot Derby a lot. It is addicting.

+1

If your first derby looks this good, I can't wait to see what you've got coming the rest of the season. I think a lot of the addiction comes from trying to get the technical part right to get good results. The other part is tattoo'd women who could kick your ass

It kinda reminds me of a human version of watching a midget sprint car race combined with a demolition derby.

bsmotril wrote in post #12087668
+1

If your first derby looks this good, I can't wait to see what you've got coming the rest of the season. I think a lot of the addiction comes from trying to get the technical part right to get good results. The other part is tattoo'd women who could kick your ass

It kinda reminds me of a human version of watching a midget sprint car race combined with a demolition derby.

Thanks BS. I actually did a lot of reading and searching, and your posts kept coming up. I feel like I probably have the technical aspects down (focusing, panning, flash/camera settings), but I need to learn the game better in order to get the action shots.

Rest of the photos can be found here: http://www.coppatoppho​tos.com/p190534116

I have found that if you watch the blockers eyes you can see when a big hit is coming. Also I always sit near turn 3 as fast jammers will be breaking through by turn two and the action will be coming right towards me.

Also, I got a phone number at this bout

sempaidavid wrote in post #12087766
I have found that if you watch the blockers eyes you can see when a big hit is coming. Also I always sit near turn 3 as fast jammers will be breaking through by turn two and the action will be coming right towards me.

This is my favorite spot as well with quick moving packs. But with slower or less experienced teams, sitting near the exit of turn 2 is a good spot. If you have Jammers who like to hit the opposing jammer, this is also a good spot for getting that contact off the start line as they come together into that first apex.

I like the apex between turns 3 and 4 best. You have a good angle down the back straight and into the corner entry where the skaters are at max lean and bunching up for the apex. It is also a good spot for shutter dragging the pack through the corner. Every team has their own personality and big hitters. I learn who those skaters are and try to follow those blockers with the lens and start "clicking" when I anticipate the hit coming. If you can attend one of the big weekend long tournaments, it is a great opportunity to experiment with track position and technique.

Those look great, especially where you used the shutter-dragging! I think 1,3,6 are the best in my opinion. And props on pulling a # out there haha

GREAT shot in #1! You've captured a great setup/execution of the jammer's pivot & blocker clearing the inside line for her to get through! And not only is she through, she's jumping the arc too!

And yes... they're ranked up there for the US league:

http://derbynewsnetwor​k.com/power_rankings/2​011/03

I'm addicted to shooting derby as well. I'm hoping my media pass request goes through for Rollercon that's happening out here this year. And tomorrow night I have a home bout to shoot for the Fabulous Sin City Roller Girls: Tommy Gun Terrors vs Hoover Damned I'm just torn between using strobes or not since it's a hit or miss with the Riviera having all their lights turned on...

Some previous bouts I've shot: http://jcbosworth.smug​mug.com/Sports/Roller-Derby

I like these, and the shutter drags are great.

I'm hoping to do the trails for the England team next weekend, now if only somebody would pay me to go to the world cup in Canada.

bsmotril wrote in post #12087668
+1

If your first derby looks this good, I can't wait to see what you've got coming the rest of the season. I think a lot of the addiction comes from trying to get the technical part right to get good results. The other part is tattoo'd women who could kick your ass

It kinda reminds me of a human version of watching a midget sprint car race combined with a demolition derby.

true story
and great first bout Coppatop85
can't wait to see what you get in future bouts as well