Youth sports...the same rules apply!

Sometimes I am asked by new sports shooters how to get access into MLB or NFL games. They seem to have the perception that that's where the best shots are. Granted, the action and skill at the professional is unmatched, but good photos can be found even with the little guys.

And the same basic principles apply...faces and some kind of action (preferably, with a ball in the image) are key. Of course, when shooting for sales to parents it's always good to get a few "stock"-type images. But one way to separate yourself from the next guy who just bought his first DSLR and lens is to capture peak action.

Hopefully this gives you someting to think about next time you head to the ballpark. Good luck and happy shooting!

Pelican 1514 Case - A Quick Look

I just picked up this case (used) last week and will be using it for a specific project this weekend. It's packed with the gear I will need for this shoot, but I can tell this is going to be a very useful and versatile case.

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Tx Tech vs Kansas State Baseball

Got out to shoot a little college baseball yesterday in Manhattan. Texas Tech vs Kansas State. The Wildcats certainly didn't look like a Top 10 team as they lost 12-6. Heck, it was 12-2 in the eighth inning. Not a good time of the year to be losing games.

For the photographers in the crowd, these were all shot with a Mk2n and a 400/f2.8. Not one of my better outings, but we all have days like that. Thanks for looking.

Kansas State spring game '09

Here are a few images from the spring football game at Kansas State University on May 2, 2009. Nothing too exciting; there's not a lot of action at these types of "games". But any day shooting football is a good day. :)

Most of these were shot with either the 400/f2.8 on a Canon Mk2n or a 70-200/f2.8 on a Mk2.

Thanks for looking.

I hope to keep up with posting some baseball videos moreso than I did with basketball, and hopefully this will give you something to think about as you head to the ball field this spring/summer.

One key thing to remember is that you need to shoot wide open or close to it. If you've got a 300/f2.8 or 400/f2.8 you might be able to get by with f4 as I did in these examples. If you're shooting with a shorter lens (like a 70-200/f2.8) you'll probably want to be wide open.

Good luck and happy shooting!

HS Strobed Basketball - a little different twist

Tried strobing high school basketball tonight with the same pair of Alien Bee 800 strobes, but put one in one corner and the other in another corner...at the opposite end of the court. So, I was basically using one strobe per end. I used the 11" reflectors to try to get more throw on the light and it seemed to work pretty well.

Here are few images. Thanks for stopping by and happy shooting!


PS - I should mention the only thing done to these images besides being cropped was a resize for the web. No color adjustments, exposure bumps, curves...nothing.

Basketball Season Begins!

My apologies for being a little late in getting this video posted. For some, basketball season is half way done (high school) and for others there's a long season ahead (NBA).

Hopefully these basketball videos will be helpful. Check back or subscribe to see what's to come.

Thanks and happy shooting!