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Thread started 11 Sep 2013 (Wednesday) 05:10
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High School Girls Volleyball - feedback wanted

 
V4her
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Sep 11, 2013 05:10 |  #1

My first freelance newspaper assignment this year was a preseason volleyball tournament. I had not covered VB for the paper before and was disappointed with my shot selection. Adequate for the paper, but not what I see here or expect of myself.

I started covering my old school for some additional practice.

Results from this week.

I still struggle with depth of field or specific focus shooting cross-net. I may end up with player killing the ball in focus, but defensive player not or vice-verse.

1.

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2.
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3.
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4.
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Rest of set here (external link)

Thank you.

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JeremyKPhoto
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Sep 11, 2013 05:17 |  #2

I think the shots all turned out great! I know gym conditions can be bad (never shot in them... but I have been in them a lot :P), but you managed to get great shots. It is really amazing how clean the images from the 5D3 can be at ISO 12,800.

AWESOME work!!!


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ChunkyDA
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Sep 11, 2013 06:17 |  #3

Your shots are pretty typical of HS volleyball. Your depth of field is too slim at f3.5 to get players facing each other in focus. The net sometimes confuses the camera focus. Even at 12,800 ISO the gym lights flicker and cause uneven colors. Points are scored when no one hits the ball so actual ball-face-action shots are not guaranteed. The ball moves around so if you don't know team tendencies you will not know where to look.
All I can say is the more you shoot the better you will do and if flash is allowed bounce a strobe off the ceiling if it is white. flash is not cheating.


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PhotoGeek
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Sep 11, 2013 09:00 |  #4

I'm going to say that these shots aren't bad, but they can be better. I've done lots of volleyball, and have learned a few things that I'll pass on. Also, look at threads started by Zivnuska for some great inspiration.

First, if you are not already doing so, I would shoot in RAW to give you more flexibility with the files. The lighting in your gym looks really bad, so some adjustments to WB, contrast, shadow recovery, and other aspects would likely help a great deal. I use Lightroom, and can zip through a card full pretty quickly. Second, shoot tight, and crop even tighter for impactful shots. Third, I always try to get the target's eyes and get them sharp, and get them touching the ball or within a fraction of touching the ball. There is nothing better than seeing the player's eyes as they are making the play. I never shoot the backside of a player that is my target subject. Fourth, shooting through the net is really tough if you want sharp players on the opposite side. Try Case 4 with the first slider a notch to the left. Once you get the player in focus, hold the button down to keep her in focus. Fifth, it is virtually impossible to get players on both sides of the net in focus, so don't even try. If you are shooting the hitter or blocker, get them in focus and let the opposite team player go soft. It really helps to isolate your subject and create a more impactful shot.

Here are a couple of comments on the shots you posted -

1. Not a bad shot, but could use some work in post.

2. The players that are facing you are out of focus, so this one would not be a keeper for me.

3. The peak action has passed, and this picture only tells a story of a missed block. It doesn't make the blockers look good.

4. Same as #3. You can often get a better image even with a missed block by getting a frame or two earlier where the ball is still in front of the hands. That's more flattering to your subject.

I've also looked at a few others from your gallery. Make sure all of your horizons are level. A number of them are loosely cropped and could benefit from tighter crops. I would dump any that are not exactly or very closely in focus as well as those where the peak action has passed unless you can capture a player's emotion following a play or during a celebration. Sometimes, a player in a ready position awaiting a serve can provide a good opportunity to show how intense they can be during play.

Finally, try to find shooting positions that give you a clean background so you can really isolate your player. Try shooting the serve return from the opposite end of the court with your 300 and shoot under the net. Here's one I shot last night from that position to give you an example:

IMAGE: http://www.jimlanter.us/Other-2/Legacy-vs-Argyle-9-10-13/i-fM5VvZV/0/L/LB%20v.%20Argyle%205-0213-L.jpg
(I should take my own advice on leveling the horizon!)

Good luck and keep shooting this difficult sport.

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Zivnuska
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Sep 12, 2013 02:53 as a reply to  @ PhotoGeek's post |  #5

What PhotoGeek said, +1.


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V4her
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Sep 12, 2013 20:58 as a reply to  @ Zivnuska's post |  #6

Thanks all.
I appreciate the comments and tips.


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High School Girls Volleyball - feedback wanted
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