Advice needed - My first Golf outing shoot

Hi All,

I consider myself a noob when it comes to sports photography so any advice (as obvious you may think it is) will be much appreciated.

I've been asked to attend a living funeral for my friends father where they'll be holding a charity golf tournament. He's asked me take some action photos of his friends and family and get them printed on site and distributed.

The working components of this project I've put together are:

Equipment & Gear:

1. On Course Equipment. I'll be bringing my 20D, extra CF cards, batteries, monopod (or should I bring the tripod?). Lens choice? I'm planning on bringing a 70-200IS and an 85 1.8. I can also rent lenses if needed, so if theres any other lenses you guys can recommend, please let me know. What about a flash for fill? I'll probably be standing a bit of a distance away, so unsure if the flash would actually make a difference or not.

2. Clubhouse Print and Processing Center. Bringing my laptop, paper cutter, etc.. but I'll need to purchase a decent printer. Need recommendations here too, will need to print about 100 5x7's and a dozen 8x10's or larger.

Photo Tips & Technique:

Most of my photography has been still life and scenery. The extent of my sports photography knowledge ends at low speed autox panning. So ALL and ANY advice here would be GREATLY appreciated!

I'll be shooting jpeg to avoid costly processing time, and in manual mode so I can control exposure BUT, I havent shot in jpeg mode in the longest time. I've used RAW as my crutch due to the pp flexibility. If things go awry during a practice shoot and I dont feel confident on game day, I'll go RAW.

Would like tips on where to stand, where within the swing to snap the best photos - I know that snapping during the backswing is a major no-no. Wondering what people would consider good bokeh on golf shots, would like to get the person (people) in the shot pretty sharp, but would like the back ground a bit blurry. Been researching other golf shots and they all appear to have minimal background bluriness.

I'll try to take some pics this weekend at the local gc, but unsure if they'll let me on.

Oh, I forgot about one thing.. the costs associated with this project. I'm doing all the work for free, but they will be picking up the cost for a new printer (which I'll be keeping), paper, ink, lens rental fee (if needed), etc. Is there anything else I need to consider purchasing or bringing to make this event a success?

So.. thank you all in advance for any help you can swing my way!

bkw
I shoot most of my golf shots with a 400mm and 70-200, shoot from the left side of the tee, I prefer to be kneeling down a shooting up, this way you can get the face and much easier to control the shadows under the visors or caps they wear. Choose a tee box that has good back ground clump of trees, bushes, flowering plants, etc. I preffer dark green trees or bushes this way you can isolate the golfer. As far as camera settings I shoot @ f4 iso 200 ambient meter reading for shutter, this on a nice sunny day.
Attached are a couple examples I took this past weekend from LPGA Ginn Open in Orlando, FL rounds 3 and 4

Hope this helps
gromeo

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haven't shot golf. but, i play golf. unless these guys are pros give yourself LOTS of distance. 200 may be too short even on your 20d. golf balls move fast and impact to you or your camera will feel below avg. if you do get something longer, you should be far enough away that the shutter will not be heard by the golfer. i.e. prolly safe to shoot while they are swinging. just ask them when they approach the tee. take a shot and see if they can hear it. if there's any breeze/wind, it'll prolly mute the sound of the shutter. ALWAYS be on your toes. know exactly where you are. where people are aiming. pay close attention to what's going on. if someone yells FORE! duck and cover (your head or camera, you choose which).

good luck. enjoy the new printer.

i really like you first shot gromeo. nice pp.

If it's a charity outing, I wouldn't worry too much about shutter noise, it's not like they're playing for money. Are you going to be walking the course with one foresome, or just stationed at one hole to capture everyone? I would get there early and get some shots at the driving range and on the practice tee to get comfortable and work on composition. You might find this will make the golfers more comfortable with your presence, as well.

I think I'll walk backwards from the 18th hole and take at least two or three pictures of each participant. Once I get everyone, I'll go tag along with the guest of honor and try to take as many candid shots as possible (without annoying him).

While I would love to sit at one hole and take pics of everyone who passes by, that would leave very little post processing and print time.

I'll try to get out sometime this weekend to play a round and snap some photos (no tripod). Will try to see what settings I'd need to use to get a nice crisp shot.

Keep em comin! Thanks all!

Golf is enjoyed because of who you're with.

Get the candids, above all else.

You'll get the most facial expression on putts, either long putts made or short misses.

Short misses are easier to get.