Hockey question, please help!

Hey everyone,

I am attending a Gwinnett Gladiators game, it is going to be indoors. I am going to be on the ice taking pictures for a man who works for the Gladiators, he told me if I gave him a CD of the pictures I took and he liked any of them, he might could get them into the team book. I am goin to pick up my credentials for the press pass in about 25 minutes. I really need some help as to how I should set up my camera. I have a 400D with a Canon 75-300mm f/4-6.5 and a Canon 18-55mm f/3.5. Neither of the lenses are IS. Please help, any advice is appreciated.

Thanks so much,
Stephen

So, you've never shot hockey before, you're using what is charitably known as amateur equipment, and expect to learn how to do so at the ECHL level in the next 25 minutes from an online forum? Well, at least you're taking professional sports photography seriously, which is more than I can say for how I'm taking your question.

My next door neighbor is a brain surgeon. Maybe if I visit "Neurosurgery On The Net" someone can teach me how to perform a procedure in the next half hour so my neighbor will let me take over for him this afternoon.

On the other side of me is an airline pilot. If I visit "POTN" (Piloting On The Net) you think I can learn how to fly a 747 in 25 minutes while I wait for my flight, so I can take over on this flight if I'm needed?

While certainly not brain surgery, nor even flying an airplane, Stephen, it can take years to learn how to cover a sport like hockey, especially at the pro level.

Sorry, but this question is so absurd I almost couldn't help myself...almost.

let's see:
Custom WB, shoot RAW....
oops never mind I see your post was about an hour ago, you're probably at the game already

Probably too late and as Dennis says anyway a bit pointless given your timing, but try ISO 3200 if you can go there (maybe 1600 if light is good), ensure shutter speed is 1/400 or 1/500 shutter or even higher...those ECHL guys move pretty quick...and you will no doubt need to shoot wide open on the lenses you mention. IS does not matter as you need a fast shutter speed anyway. Use a custom white balance off the ice surface. Shoot in AI Servo Mode for auto focus. Many on here prefer the center point for AF, I sometimes just use the Auto AI Servo mode (uses all ponts).

If you have never shot it before you will find it extremely fast and tough to anticipate the action. Heck I've played for 26 years and coached for the past 6 and I still find it hard to get the shots even though I know where the play will be.

Also, in the event that you do get anything, expect to post process them before cutting to a disk. Especially if you end up being limited on the light due to arena conditions or aperature.

And if you get anything post some examples here so we can see how you made out.

Lots and lots and lots of luck.

Chris

dmwierz wrote in post #5239973
So, you've never shot hockey before, you're using what is charitably known as amateur equipment, and expect to learn how to do so at the ECHL level in the next 25 minutes from an online forum? Well, at least you're taking professional sports photography seriously, which is more than I can say for how I'm taking your question.

My next door neighbor is a brain surgeon. Maybe if I visit "Neurosurgery On The Net" someone can teach me how to perform a procedure in the next half hour so my neighbor will let me take over for him this afternoon.

On the other side of me is an airline pilot. If I visit "POTN" (Piloting On The Net) you think I can learn how to fly a 747 in 25 minutes while I wait for my flight, so I can take over on this flight if I'm needed?

While certainly not brain surgery, nor even flying an airplane, Stephen, it can take years to learn how to cover a sport like hockey, especially at the pro level.

Sorry, but this question is so absurd I almost couldn't help myself...almost.

That's probably the best response I have ever read on this forum!

No one here can tell you how to set up your camera, we have not seen the lighting or the conditions you are shooting in. So anything anybody here tells you about aperture or shutter speed is just guessing.

I shoot a lot of AHL and will tell you a 4.5 just won't work worth a crap in those ECHL arenas. I'm shootin 2.8 with a 300 IS and at bare minimum requirements for a IIn and barely getting results at times depending on which flicker of the light I get - oh yea, those lower level lights flicker, a problem I never had in the NHL.

Dennis and Chris (Sledhed) summed it up pretty good, but what scares me is "give him a CD and maybe they'll use them in the team magazine" - give them? That's one of the most annoying things around and it ruins the industry, idiots happy to give there stuff away just to see it in print! Sorry, but it's true.

Only you, your mama and other photogs care about credit lines.

Sledhed wrote in post #5240302
Only you, your mama and other photogs care about credit lines.

My mama don't know what a credit line is...

Dennis that was hilarious.

I guess if you pull it off you will show your stuff!.... wasn't the 75-300 voted worst canon lens.

I also have to say that having the balls to say yes and take a chance is the only way sometimes, and others its plain stupid. You decide for yourself. Good luck!

dmwierz People post looking for help. the OP obviously hasn't got a clue.. His lens is nowhere near good enough .. But he asked. He could be the nicest person you ever met with a heart of gold. But because he doesn't understand whats needed you feel the need to shoot him down...

dmwierz now believes he is so much better than everyone else that he can scorn people at the lowest level .. Shame on the rest of you for joining in

To the OP .. Your lens will not be good enough. Even with the best lighting available you will struggle. You need a f2.8 at minumum with reach. Get what you can shooting in raw.. rescue what you can and next time don't be so quick to say yes.. find out if you can manage it first... Good luck..

Kipax.... most of the time I would agree but the 25 minute statement made this ridiculous.....should have been calling for a rental lens or faking the flu...JMO

I have to admit the 25 minutes thing is pushing it

I just dont like seeing clever people putting others down..........

eigga wrote in post #5241743
Kipax.... most of the time I would agree but the 25 minute statement made this ridiculous.....should have been calling for a rental lens or faking the flu...JMO

Being 17 years old and given the opportunity to shoot hockey at this level. I would have been thrilled to have been asked!! All he was doing was asking for help. How long ago was it when we were in our teens?

Starting off with that statement would certainly help, but I don't think we all check out each others profile before commenting.

I had no idea of his age..But do agree with you.. All he did was ask for help..

To be honest if I was 17 again I wouldnt spend my time on here