Q&A Session with Gmen: Sports Photography

Simon Harrison wrote:
Thanks for the reply Gavin.

I tried the custom WB method at the weekend and frankly got some pretty strange results. I think I ended up with a 2000K difference between the CWB and the cameras own AWB. The CWB ended up being much too warm. I really haven't worked out what I did wrong, but I think it was probably down to the muppit holding the camera . The shots I've posted over the in the sports section were corrected to the cameras AWB setting and were much more accurate. I think I'll stick with AWB and maybe shoot a grey card as a reference in between races - if nothing else it'll help me sort the pics when I get back home!

Thanks again.

Simon.

The answer might be a colour temperature meter. Time to reach for the cheque book again

---- Gavin

For some information on the use of Pocket Wizards to control remote cameras and flashes, please visit this thread:

http://www.photography​-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=135571

More questions are invited... I'll do my best to answer them

Also, here are a couple of very useful links:

http://www.sportsshoot​er.com/news/1355

http://www.sportsshoot​er.com/news/1367

----- Gavin

Just added a review of the Think Tank Airport Security bag over in the Accessories & Storage forum:

http://www.photography​-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=137973

It won't be the bag for everyone, but will certainly be of interest to some.

---- Gavin

Speaking of....

I started looking for a backpack type bag for my gear. I found a waterproof one that I like since I live in a rainforest and all, and spend alot of time on the water...


Any other suggestions?

Very much depends on exactly what gear you want to hold... and how much protection you really need? Do you want it to float for example?

---- Gavin

Yes, I need it to float...as I am in boats and skiffs and kayaks alot. PLUS I actually do live in a rain forest where last year we had 195 inches of rain...no kidding...and thats not even the record...LOL


So I do need a water proof carrier and something I can lug around sorta easily...

I dont have a tone of gear, only 4 lenses so far and only two larger ones, but I can see getting a really big boy one of these days...

Super, you might want to look into Pelican cases ... not sure if they float but they are waterproof (so they say.) I have three in different sizes. I think there is a thread somewhere that asked people to post their bags/cases that you might be able to find.

Lowepro Dryzone springs to mind:

http://www.lowepro.com …terproof/DryZon​e_200.aspx

Waterproof and floating.

The Peli cases are superb... but not that easy to carry. The Dryzone is a regular backpack style dooberry.

---- Gavin

Hi Dwight... I love my Peli case, just wish I could carry it more than 100 yards

Just to let you know I've posted a response to your thread over in 'Cornering the Pros' regarding online galleries and print sales etc....

---- Gavin

Just uploaded a random gallery of stock boxing images from 2005 to PhotoShelter... which may or may not be of interest

http://www.photoshelte​r.com/gallery-show/G0000qkHtrr90vAg

---- Gavin

Gavin
Your gear is obviously worth a considerable amount.

Can you give us any advice on insurance. My home insurance only covers me for £1000 out of the home.

I want all my gear covered on a new for old basis & at a reasonable cost.

Hi Rob,

I'm currently shopping around for a new insurer (renewal time is looming). I'll post here when I've got it sorted.

---- Gavin

Look on the bright side. That would be 2390 inches of snow!

okay - I am the process of finalizing details of two projects for the next year - one an 8 month project covering the renaicense of a local stock car track that was shuttered 3 years ago. The second opportunity will be the 18 moneth coverage of a local university that is starting it's first baseball team in it's history. I will be covering it from its' birth, hiring of its first manager\coach, recruiting of the team, the 4 million dollar renovation of a historic ball park, the teams first season from its first game through to the the end of it's first season. I have ideas for both, each offer it's own unique opportunities... but I am looking for advice as both of these are one of opportunities that there will be no redue chances. Again, any ideas how you approach each of these projects would be great. It is my chance to contribute to a little bit of history - albeit a very small piece. Cheers.

Sounds like a chance for a good brainstorming session to me... I'll post some thoughts later on tonight... over a glass or two of beer.

---- Gavin