So excited and honored

A couple weeks ago I was checking out our local Special Olympics website and news...as some of you know, I have a son with Down syndrome and altho the school he attended in Michigan had adapted games for the younger kids and he participated from age 3, his school here doesn't do that and he has to wait til he is 8 to participate...anyway!!​!!

I filled out a volunteer forum on the site and just got a call from the coordinator and have been asked to help photograph the events!!! I'm SOOO psyched.
I'm taking my 3-2gig cards, my extra battery, my 18-55IS and my 75-300mm. I just (yesterday in fact) got some circ polarizing filters for them so that worked great!

Any bits of wisdom or advice for a super excited noob? I already plan on taking lots of tissues...things like this get me all teary...I broke out in gooseflesh when the guy called

I've been to a number of these. Have never seen anything quite as moving as when the athlete crosses the finish line, completes the event etc. The expression on their faces is priceless. Make sure you position yourself to capture these moments. Yes indeed bring plenty of tissues.

Congrats! I am sure you will do fine. Capture the emotions and no one cares about the settings!

Congrats on your job! That is exciting. I'm sure you'll have a great eye for things as you know how important this event is to the kids and parents alike. Can't wait to see some pics! Good luck and enjoy!

thanks guys! There will be many of us all over so I don't know what events I'll be covering til I get there, but am wondering...should I just set the XT to Auto and go for it?

I really REALLY wish I had a tele-extender to use with my 75-300mm....the coordinator said most events take place at the track...

Oh and Mum? I don't think I can keep any of the shots. The way it was explained to me was, we take a 1-2g card with us and when it fills (shooting JPEG) we bring it in and dump the files to a laptop...then head back out. I doubt we can get copies. He said he does it this way and then WalMart prints 1000 images that evening...next morning, the athletes and their families have all the pics to choose from to remember their big day.

I went ahead and ordered a cheap tele extender from Ebay last night...I've been wanting one anyway and this was only $34 so we'll see...

any other advice? Would you all just set it on auto and forget it?

I went onto the Special Olympics website about 4 months ago and filed out all the stuff to be a volunteer. I received an email back as confirmation but haven't received anything else. Anyone know anything about the response from them?

when are the games happening in your area?

checked the nevada site and they are this weekend also! I'd call back and see if something went astray. I'm SO excited and looking forward to this weekend.!

Cindy

Congrats--Thanks for volunteering!

Our daughter is a coach for Girls on the Run--We are the official event photographers. We also volunteer for the local sports boosters club.

Some random thoughts

You may want to consider using center focal point only--It is easier to pick the specific moment or emotion rather than letting the software pick your focal point.

If this is your first time as a credentialed event photographer--You will have full access and the teleconverter will most likely not be needed.

Take along your external flash if you have one--fill flash comes in handy if backlit shots become necessary.

Faces and eyes are important--position yourself to make the best use of available light.

Most of all enjoy yourself and thanks for helping!

Dave & Kris

My .02--Your mileage may vary!

Thanks for the tips Dave! I want to clean out my camera backpack to keep it light...as it is supposed to be in the upper 80s Saturday...but will keep the flash in as well as my 75-300, 18-55IS and maybe my 50...along with my batteries and cards and some water!

I'm SO looking forward to this weekend! I have my most comfy and forgiving clothes and shoes all ready, my backpack will be prepared by Friday evening...and the car gassed up. DH doesn't know if he wants to attend with our little guys or not...he knows I'll be occupied elsewhere and just doesn't want to keep them stuck in the double stroller...and we have noone to watch them or go with him...which sucks. He really enjoys this stuff like I do...

Thanks again for the advice.

Unfortunately, if this is an outdoor event, you'll really have to watch the sun. If you can't keep the sun at your back, use the flash to chase away shadows (test it first on someone standing around. ) Noontime shots will create raccoons, so another use for the flash.

Digital film is cheap, use lots. I shot a school track meet, took 350+ shots in under 4 hours. I can't get smugmug to work, so I can't recall any settings for you.

Cindy

I'm dying to know how it went

^^^
Me too!!

Me three