Finally used flash in gym - Basketball

a couple more:

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Is the flash location, essentially, directly behind where you shoot.

No, I'm on the end of the court and the flash is off to the right on the sideline

Based on the pictures, The shots could've been achieved without the flash as well.

PogiGreg wrote in post #2349991
Based on the pictures, The shots could've been achieved without the flash as well.

Yes it does seem to have alot of nice large windows

BradT0517 wrote in post #2350401
Yes it does seem to have alot of nice large windows

Unfortunately the gym is very dark... when the sun has set, there's no light coming into it, and when the sun hasn't set, they close the curtains.

I tried bouncing a WL Ultrazap800 from the track on the second level of the gym where I typically shoot. It worked out fairly well with one on each side of the court. The problem was balancing them to keep contrast. If you use only one, the background gets blacked out and looks fake. When I tried using direct flash during warmups at lower power, the players let me know that it was bright and distracting. I wouldn't have thought from 16-20 feet up and another 15 back from the court.

freeflydrew wrote in post #2351276
Unfortunately the gym is very dark... when the sun has set, there's no light coming into it, and when the sun hasn't set, they close the curtains.

I see you have a Sigma 28-70mm F/2.8. Have you shot with that lens. I just ordered the Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8, and when I get close behind the backboard, It should make for some good shots.

PogiGreg wrote in post #2354843
I see you have a Sigma 28-70mm F/2.8. Have you shot with that lens. I just ordered the Sigma 24-70mm F/2.8, and when I get close behind the backboard, It should make for some good shots.

That's what I'm shooting with

DanteCaspian wrote in post #2324452
I always assumed that it would bother or distract players on the cort, so I never ventured to try! Looks good.

HUGE misconception with using lites at sporting events, esp if they are off-camera in a strobe-like setup.

Now, on-camera flash...if you're using it as fill, should be fine. I wouldn't try to shoot at ISO 200 with on-camera flash. Obnoxious! Not just on the look of the photos from the straight-on flash, but overpowered flash right in the faces...not good.

EVERY single NBA, and NHL game, and most NCAA basketball/volleyball games are shot with strobes.

The cheapest solution would be to mount 2 cheap flashes (Vivitar 285's, Nikon SB-24/26's) to the top of the bleacher railing with some super clamps. String them together with some zipcord, set them on 1/4 power and shoot away [Single shot please, no motor drive]. Start at ISO 640-800, 1/250-500, f/3.5-f/5.0 You can get this setup going for like $250

You'll be amazed at the results. Then after you get a lot more money, pickup up some PocketWizards and get rid of the zipcord used to trigger the lites.

Here are some ugly photos, a quickie diagram, and a shopping list of gear I threw together a few years ago to assist people getting started: http://brianjacksonpho​to.com/grip/

good luck