tim1970 wrote in post #16725747
Decided to try some youth volleyball.
The lighting in the gym was absolutely horrible, all of these shots were between 10K, and 16K ISO, and I probably still didn't get my shutter speed fast enough for some shots.
Since this was young girls, there was no action at the net, so I concentrated on their serves. I will have several more opportunities to do this, so any pointers would be appreciated. I can pretty much shoot from any spot I wish... ...
Welcome to the world of volleyball photography. The world needs more volleyball and photographers to shoot it! I hope your daughter is among those playing and that both she and you will continue.
You are off to a good start. The images are sharp, level and of reasonable quality given those high ISOs that you refer to.
You've asked for some pointers, so let me give you a few ideas that you can try your next time out. Later on, you can check at my blog for a more extensive discussion of How to Photograph Volleyball.
http://zivnuska.zenfolio.com …-to-photograph-volleyball
First, your pics are all of the serve. When you shoot the serve, try the shot sooner when the ball has just left the left hand of the player. Since the ball will be much closer, you will be able to shoot much tighter and get a very nice image of the player's face framed by her arms and the ball. It can be a full body shot but try a few in landscape orientation from the waist up. If you move a bit more to camera right, you'll be able to look more into the player's eyes. It looks as though that would help photos 2 and 3 where you have the more cluttered background. Since you indicate you can move around, that will allow you some latitude in choosing what appears in that background.
Second, since you indicate there isn't much net play, add shots of the return of serve to your repertoire. Pick out a player from the back row who you think is likely to return the serve. Position yourself on a 45 degree angle (or more) where you have a decent sight line, get low (kneel or sit), and have your focus (servo focus) already on the returning player as the serve is hit. As the ball crosses the net, it will become obvious to you in the viewfinder if the return is going to be made by the player you've chosen or not. The timing of shutter release will take a bit of practice but will come quickly. Don't wait for the ball to arrive, shoot a bit too early. It is OK to fire a 2 or 3 frame burst as you work on your timing.
Third, get some shots of the setter of the team on camera right. The setter for the team on camera left will typically face away from you so don't bother. Don't try to shoot the return and the set on consecutive hits--it's too hard (at least initially). Position yourself to shoot directly into the setter's eyes. She will be facing 90 degrees to the net (or close to it). Shoot in portrait orientation.
Work on those 3 shots for a while and post your results. Be patient with yourself. As the team learns the game and becomes more proficient, they will be more predictable and your skills will improve along with them. Your equipment is great. The 5D III is excellent in the poor light of most gyms and your 70-200 will be ideal for many shots. Start off with a SS of 1/640. I like a faster SS but in terrible light, that may be all you can get. Start at 1/640 and then adjust later if needed. Shoot in Manual if the light is reasonably uniform in the gym (sometimes it isn't). See if ISO 12,800 at f/2.8 gives you reasonable results at 1/640 seconds or faster. RAW.
Keep shooting and posting!
Phil
http://zivnuska.zenfolio.com/blog
http://zivnuska.zenfolio.com …-to-photograph-volleyball
.
