Suggestion for 1st timers

Before you shoot a game, go to a few practices for that sport/team. This will get you familiar with the lighting and what to expect. You will aslo get an idea of where you should position yourself and which lens to use along with exposure. Then when you shoot a game that parents are expecting to see good shots of, you will be ready.

I tended to agree, knowing something about the sport you are shooting will give you an advantage.

Mike R wrote in post #4379208
Before you shoot a game, go to a few practices for that sport/team. This will get you familiar with the lighting and what to expect. You will aslo get an idea of where you should position yourself and which lens to use along with exposure. Then when you shoot a game that parents are expecting to see good shots of, you will be ready.

Well, I can't say I disagree! Knowing a sport before shooting it is HUGE. It amazes me when seeing photogs who know nothing about the sport and they have media passes (maybe this is a pro level thing more so than shooting little league or high school and the sorts). I think I'm becoming a bit "bitter" in that I notice a lot of photogs who know nothing about sports tying to become sports photographers...and I don't have nothing against one who is trying to learn, it's just that with any profession you have to take time to prepare but yet so many don't seem to do so! I'll help newbies in the areas I'm experienced in any time I can - but they have to make an effort.

As for arriving early and preparing....I'll give you an example I experience over the summer ALL the time...I shoot action and individual shots over the spring/summer for pro baseball, sometimes the players know I'm coming - other times they don't. Either way, the day I'm shooting their portraits I'm at the stadium at 3pm or earlier (usually noon/1pm) - mind you that players show up at 3pm or LATER usually. I look like a doofus but I'm out on the field checking the light, checking the angles, what background I want, where did the sun rise and where is it going to set, etc, etc. I have my bag (roller case) with me and I'm shooting pictures of it to test settings. When the players arrive and line up for portraits, there's no BS and testing - even though I tell the first player he's my test subject, I use that as a just in case situation...but since I've been there for three hours preparing, I know what to do.

The point is, prepare ahead of time - study the living hell out of a subject before you do it!! Don't go in with the attitude that "good enough" is good enough - it's not! You want to go in and make parents or your outlet (mag/company/newspaper​/etc.) go HOLY CRAP!!! I still remember the first time I made a card company go "THAT PHOTO IS AMAZING!!" It made me giggle like a school girl. haha (and yet they used the more basic of my portraits for the card - don't ask, cuz I can't explain it - still was nice to make them believe in my preparation that much and that it was a job well done).

So, in short - study your sport before you shoot it!!

Isn't that just common sense .. not just photography. The more you know , Better the results.

Mike R wrote in post #4379208
Before you shoot a game, go to a few practices for that sport/team. This will get you familiar with the lighting and what to expect. You will aslo get an idea of where you should position yourself and which lens to use along with exposure. Then when you shoot a game that parents are expecting to see good shots of, you will be ready.

What if they practice outdoors in a field but play indoors in a stadium?

cdifoto wrote in post #4380556
What if they practice outdoors in a field but play indoors in a stadium?

As MJPhotos24 said, arrive early, before the team. Most teams warm up before a game

Mike R wrote in post #4380957
As MJPhotos24 said, arrive early, before the team. Most teams warm up before a game

Yes, but that's not the same as futzing around at a practice.

MJPhotos24 wrote in post #4380130
I look like a doofus

Ain't that the truth! Janes you need to get a life...

Sledhed wrote in post #4381511
Ain't that the truth! Janes you need to get a life...

lol! Mike, I won't even comment.

I have also found it advantageous to meet with site management when you arrive early. Introducing yourself will make an impression on them. I've only shot a few places and have introduced myself to site management everytime. Not only did they remember me the next time, I got a free pizza out of the deal. I'm not saying go around and kiss butt, but a firm handshake goes a long way. Oh, I second pretty much everything that Mike (MJPhots24) says about sports.

asysin2leads wrote in post #4381697
Oh, I second pretty much everything that Mike (MJPhots24) says about sports.

we could start a Mike Janes fan club!! Serioulsy, he does know what he's talking about as do many here. It truly is a great place for help.

On another note, GO BUCS!!!!!! LSU goes down and a big win by Mizzou and we are that much closer. Still, unless we step it up from the last few games, it may not end as well as we'd like.

This has turned into a Mike Janes love fest. I know Mike, he's a good guy.

KIPAX wrote in post #4380555
Isn't that just common sense .. not just photography. The more you know , Better the results.

You'd think so...but we're living in a day of instant satisifaction - people don't want to take the time to do anything right, just get it done. I noticed this working in music to, bands didn't care about promoting and releasing a CD when it's right, they just wanted it out! It's definately not just photography related.

cdifoto wrote in post #4380556
What if they practice outdoors in a field but play indoors in a stadium?

Most teams DO have an initial warmup session...you can test some things there. And you can always go to the practice outdoors to learn the sport and then shoot the game indoors and arrive early to learn what settings you need for that light

asysin2leads wrote in post #4381697
I have also found it advantageous to meet with site management when you arrive early. Introducing yourself will make an impression on them. I've only shot a few places and have introduced myself to site management everytime. Not only did they remember me the next time, I got a free pizza out of the deal. I'm not saying go around and kiss butt, but a firm handshake goes a long way. Oh, I second pretty much everything that Mike (MJPhots24) says about sports.

I prefer to walk in and announce my presence with authority, I'm Mike Janes B***H!! After getting up off the sidewalk when security throws me out, it's a good idea to go introduce yourself more politely. New places usually go talk to the media guy quick and get going on what ya need to do (AD's, coaches, etc. for high school and other leagues). Just act professional and everything goes smooth...it's very easy to tell who's studied up and who hasn't usually.

namasste wrote in post #4383163
we could start a Mike Janes fan club!! Serioulsy, he does know what he's talking about as do many here. It truly is a great place for help.

On another note, GO BUCS!!!!!! LSU goes down and a big win by Mizzou and we are that much closer. Still, unless we step it up from the last few games, it may not end as well as we'd like.

Only fan club where I have to pay members to join. My buddy out here (a local sports writer) has a fan club, it's kind of weird and funny all at once.

College ball? I haven't followed college since playing it...more pros and only sparingly for me. Speaking of, maybe Da Bears should just snap the ball to Hester the rest of the game :P

Sledhed wrote in post #4383598
This has turned into a Mike Janes love fest. I know Mike, he's a good guy.

Personally, I think he's kinda a jerk! Oh yea, and I have a life - it's just in hibernation until spring training starts again. It'll awake in February, do some stretches, and head on a plane down to FL (or Arizona).

MJPhotos24 wrote in post #4383790
It'll awake in February, do some stretches, and head on a plane down to FL (or Arizona).

I made up my mind Mike, I'm heading to AZ, I have to go to the Cubbies ST again. Now I have to set the dates so I can let BA know.

Sledhed wrote in post #4383927
I made up my mind Mike, I'm heading to AZ, I have to go to the Cubbies ST again. Now I have to set the dates so I can let BA know.

I haven't had my mind made up for me yet...I guess it's time to make a phone call and see where I'm going. If it's the same as this year (which I'm hoping for) I'll be heading to FL, if they're not sending me down there off to AZ. Either way around Mid-March because that's when the MiLB games start and I need to get those guys...just have to find a substitute coach for a week and a half when I'm gone!