Strobed HS VolleyBall

The HS season is upon us. This is from a scrimmage match this weekend. First time using strobs for VB and used this match to demonstrate to the coaches and AD that they flash will not effect the game. The AD approved and when I talked to one assistant coach I got the cool answer of, "what strobe?".

Any way, I've found I have to work on getting my timing back, I had very few ball on hand/arm. And I screwed up on my settings and let too much ambient light in so I got some ghosting on the ball and and hands. I made a small adjustment between the sets, but was still not enough. Looking forward to a busy Fall Sports season.

Anyway, all shot with a 1DIII and Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS. Strobes were setup as high as the could go on the bleachers attached to the end hand rails (two AB's 1600's) set on 3/4 power.

Settings typically as SS: 1/200, f/3.5 and ISO from 200-400.

1.

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …wrphotography/6​018032256/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …wrphotography/6​017482081/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …wrphotography/6​018031414/

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …wrphotography/6​018031282/

Hey we have the same set up! (1D3 + Sigma 70-200 OS), nice!

I am very unfamiliar with working with strobes, in a tournament setting it's not practical so I don't shoot with them. Their upside is clear from your shots. I can't tell if I like the first or second one best, the second one has a brighter background thus it seems less like it has been flashed or strobed, but I like the composition on the first one.

So excited for volleyball season =).

Some questions on the strobes, if I may....

Did you bounce them? Or are they direct?

Photo # 3 has a shadow on the floor, and a definite "dark side" to their faces. It is good, but it makes me wonder if only one strobe fired for that one, or perhaps one was more strong than the other?

Can you describe the strobe position in relation to the court? You said high on the bleachers- are the bleachers on the side of the court, or the ends? Both aimed at the same side of the net?

Thanks for any guidance you can provide. Your shots are great!

sfinkernagel wrote in post #12896808
Some questions on the strobes, if I may....

Did you bounce them? Or are they direct?

For Volleyball I have them direct.

sfinkernagel wrote in post #12896808
Photo # 3 has a shadow on the floor, and a definite "dark side" to their faces. It is good, but it makes me wonder if only one strobe fired for that one, or perhaps one was more strong than the other?

I do believe both strobes fired. It could be that a fan was blocking the strobe on the left , or the issue is, both strobes are located on one side of the court, and due to the angle of the shot, you're able to see more of the 'dark' side of the face...if that makes sense.

sfinkernagel wrote in post #12896808
Can you describe the strobe position in relation to the court? You said high on the bleachers- are the bleachers on the side of the court, or the ends? Both aimed at the same side of the net?

Thanks for any guidance you can provide. Your shots are great!

The setup I used is not the best for VB, but it is the only way I can setup at this gym. Each strobe is mounted on the hand rail at the very top of the bleachers and are pointed towards the net. They are basically at the baseline of the basketball court. Ideally they would need to be more towards the center court line, say between the VB baseline and the net and then would be pointed straight down towards the court. Unfortunately, I have no way in securing them at this position at this gym. Hope that makes sense.