I've been asked to shoot a Golf Tournament...need help

so many questions...

I do play golf myself, so I am well aware of all rules of the plying field.

I have a Tripod that I can collapse the legs for stability... it works fine for now.

so.. close ups would be best?

is it ok to crop off part of the body, or do I NEED to have full body shots?

if close ups are better, then, it's be easier to get my exposure right since I wouldn't have to battle with the sky.

thanks again for all the help

A while ago I read something from a golf photographer saying that he uses one of Canon's G series cameras often for golf because it was silent while taking photos and therefore could capture the downswing without disturbing the players. For all other shots he would use his SLR setup.

Not trying to be rude, but have they seen any of your pics to know if they really want you to do this shoot? What are the expectations from their side?

beezwax wrote in post #5197163
now WTF do I do?

I'm not charging for it since my photog skills aren't mature enough to do so.

but I'm REALLY scarred.. seriously.. what if they don't like it?

Seriously? If they don't like it, tell them you'll give them their money back.

R-C-G wrote in post #5202544
A while ago I read something from a golf photographer saying that he uses one of Canon's G series cameras often for golf because it was silent while taking photos and therefore could capture the downswing without disturbing the players. For all other shots he would use his SLR setup.

thats interesting.. however, I don't really need another camera and I'm not financially available to just buy another one... besides... my wife would be like WTF... take that back.. you've got this "super bad a$$ one"... yeah... thats what she calls it

M12576 wrote in post #5202828
Not trying to be rude, but have they seen any of your pics to know if they really want you to do this shoot? What are the expectations from their side?

good point... I have no idea what their expectations are... I suppose I should ask

griptape wrote in post #5202949
Seriously? If they don't like it, tell them you'll give them their money back.

... stick that in your pipe and smoke it

I photograph a South Island tournament every year for the Returned Servicemen's Association.

Slightly different ball park ('scuz the pun) - but because alot of them are retired and pensioners, I don't charge the Association but instead I sell 6x4 prints for about a buck. I print on location and depending if it's busy or not, will print on the spot. And if it's a group of 4, well - there's 4 bucks for a pint at the 19th hole

I concentrate more on team shots and prize presentations rather than the 'ball swinging' shots. The boys treasure these more than a photo portraying a crappy technique This year's tournament was about two weeks ago and sad to say - we are minus 3 RIP

Once again, a different style of event but all the same - it's fun and very rewarding...for me.

Tips?
- Keep the flash on the camera for fill if you need it.
- 18-55 good enough for team shots and presentations.
- 75-300 good for 'action'
- Shoot raw
- Rule of thirds

na....bugger the tips - have fun man!!!

Expect at least half of them to tell you they "don't swing like THAT!" so look around for the different shot.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

HOSTED PHOTO
please log in to view hosted photos in full size.

Anticipate and try to position yourself for certain shots as conditions dictate. For instance, position yourself cross green from a green-side bunker and you'll be able to get the blast of sand as the ball leaves the trap. With a long lens, you'd be able to get a few shots of the swing as the golfer "poses" after the follow-through. Since 99% of the golfers swing from the right side, shouldn't be any problems getting their facial expressions at the follow-through as well. Instead of a tripod, try using a monopod...will allow you a measure of speed when you're on foot.

beezwax wrote in post #5197646
- thanks for all the comments everyone... no, I'm not charging. This Golf Tourney is sponsored by one of my venders at work. so.... no charge.

As long as you're getting a paid day off of work to do it

I'd be there in a heartbeat!

Should he watermark his images?

Mum2J&M wrote in post #5224985
Should he watermark his images?

I would say no since he's shooting this under the auspices of his employer...

I'd tend to consider this a "work for hire" situation and would even go so far as to say the employer ultimately owns the photos.

well, where's the pics?

bueller?