Hi all,
I recently started an internship with a local community newspaper. I received my first assignment today: Accompany the experienced staff photographer for a hockey game. Whether or not I become an all-around photographer in the next couple weeks depends on my success.
Here is the problem: I have been on a few sports shoots, but never hockey. I watch hockey on TV occasionally and certainly enjoy some hockey video games, but I've never seen one through my own lens.
That said, I have the following equipment and plans:
Canon Digital Rebel XT
Tamron 28-300 3.5-5.6
A basic flash
Here is a small picture of the arena:
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=new%20hope%20ice%20arena&btnG=Google+Search&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi
I plan on going there tomorrow to see just how good/bad the light is and how my camera will react to it.
I know of a few of the problems associated with shooting hockey: Anticipation, fast shutter speeds, and low lights.
Any suggestions?
I had to laugh at the last sentence, but I know you were being serious :D
How about manual focus? I'm not sure what ages we are looking at, but probably high school or younger - meaning that they really won't be moving too fast.
The noise issue: The newspaper I am working with does not print large in the first place, so I'm not overly concerned about a tad bit of graininess, as some already have that effect.
I work at a camera store. Perhaps I can buy a faster lens till Saturday, then return it ;) I wish I could afford a good one at the moment.
Wow Big Mike what a random rule. Is that prevalent in Canadian venues or is it an NHL thing?
I think that just about every pro sports arena (hockey, football, baseball, basketball etc.) has a similar rule. They probably don't enforce it very often...as it's usually people bringing small cameras and what not...but they want to cover the bases. Also, there are several working pro photographers who's job is to cover the game. They (their employers) may have a hand in requesting that no other professionals are there...who knows.
If your forced to use slower shutter speeds. Take advantage of it and get some tracking shots where you can get away a little with the blur... Hockey Shooting Tarp, Ice Hockey Shooting Tarps, Hockey Tarps::
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I wonder why I'm not surprised that Big Mike has some experience at photographing ice hockey games? Perhaps specifically Oilers games?
I think your biggest problem will be getting fast shutter speeds. Even though those rinks look bright, they usually aren't...although that one looks better than a lot of rinks I've been in. Part of that problem is you lens. With a maximum aperture of F3.5-5.6...you aren't going to get very fast speeds unless you crank up the ISO...which will, of course, introduce noise. However, if it's a choice between noise and a lot of blurr...the noise is probably better.
Getting the exposure correct might be a problem as well. All the white ice and boards will throw off the camera's meter...causing it to underexpose. You will probably have to use positive EC...but that will only slow the shutter down even more.
As you are accompanying an experienced photographer...ask plenty of questions. The light in the rink won't change...so you can probably just ask what setting he uses...and just keep the camera in manual mode.
If you buy, borrow or steal a faster lens...that might help. The pro might even lend you something...which would be a bonus.
If you can't get a faster lens...and can't get fast enough shutter speeds with your lens...then you will need to concentrate on getting shots where the subject isn't moving too fast. There will be plenty of options for this. Right before a face off is a good time....or right after a goal...or any whistle for that matter.
Focusing...I'm not sure if your camera & lens will be able to keep up with all the moving action. You may have to pick your moments to focus...or maybe even pre-focus and wait for the action to move into your area.
Most importantly...keep your eye on the puck while play in underway. Yon don't want to take on in the head.
I think the 2 most important things for you to do would be to ask the guy you are going with what he is going to use and if you have the same system try and borrow it for a few shots. The most important part of an internship I think anyway is to learn so do not be afraid to ask for help.
If you really want to get into photojournalisim as a profession you and can afford it you should already have "given in" and bought a good fast long lens it is almost a necessity for what you are doing especially sports.
Ok. Well, I have an employee discount and financing.
What do you recommend? :D
As previously mentioned, I visited the rink today.
Flash is allowed, so long as I don't blind the goalie.
My lens didn't have a hard time focusing on the ice rather than the glass. Now to get it to focus on people :)
And to quote Mike:
"Which is good because fast, long lenses cost as much as small cars."
Very much like my car.
http://carsoup.com/used/detail.asp?usedVehicleID=3623899&XDealerID=1330&minYear=1999&maxYear=1999&searchID=64433954&vehicleTypeID=1&UVViewID=4&Page=1&DealerGroupID=
A good lens
http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/541166757.htm?bct=t13024003%3Bcidigital-cameras-and-accessories%3Bcilenses-for-digital-cameras%3Bcislr-lens%3Bcilenses-for-canon
I do know that each arena and each team have thier own rules. I actually called the arena to see what the rules were for bringing in cameras, they said that so long as it doesnt interfere with the other watchers that I could shoot as much as I want
Mainly meaning no flash...
That's the rules at the arena's by me.
So I went to see the ice arena.
It is actually not very big - at all. The lights were not on, but while standing near the front, I could easily see across the rink (the short way, not the long way) using only 100mm of my lens.
I'm taking the suggestion to "keep my head up" quite seriously.
Thanks for your suggestions!
Freelance sports shooters will probably have their own gear...but staff photographers probably don't have to buy their own lenses (good question for the pro). Which is good because fast, long lenses cost as much as small cars.
I wish. I go to a lot of Oiler games but I've never brought my camera...they also have a rule/sign that says "no professional cameras". I'm sure I could argue that point...but 'the house always wins'. I've taken a few shots at some smaller rinks...but not very much really. As much as I love ice hockey...I couldn't afford to play when I was little...so now I'm not a strong skater and I don't play ice hockey like most of my friends. I do play ball hockey in a league though.
Wow Big Mike what a random rule. Is that prevalent in Canadian venues or is it an NHL thing? I use to photograph hockey games here in the states for my own pleasure and having "professional equipment" was never an issue. Of course that was years ago, so things here may have changed in that direction as well.
I do know that each arena and each team have thier own rules. I actually called the arena to see what the rules were for bringing in cameras, they said that so long as it doesnt interfere with the other watchers that I could shoot as much as I want
A tripod or steady, steady hands?
I will go there tomorrow to see if my lens can handle it with no players on the ice, unless they have some skaters by chance.
If it's REALLY bad, I'll either give in and purchase a lens or ask to borrow one.
LOL I have very steady hands!
If you really want to get into photojournalisim as a profession you and can afford it you should already have "given in" and bought a good fast long lens it is almost a necessity for what you are doing especially sports.
Freelance sports shooters will probably have their own gear...but staff photographers probably don't have to buy their own lenses (good question for the pro). Which is good because fast, long lenses cost as much as small cars.
I wonder why I'm not surprised that Big Mike has some experience at photographing ice hockey games? Perhaps specifically Oilers games?
I wish. I go to a lot of Oiler games but I've never brought my camera...they also have a rule/sign that says "no professional cameras". I'm sure I could argue that point...but 'the house always wins'. I've taken a few shots at some smaller rinks...but not very much really. As much as I love ice hockey...I couldn't afford to play when I was little...so now I'm not a strong skater and I don't play ice hockey like most of my friends. I do play ball hockey in a league though.
I would be too concerned with a high level of noise in your shots.
The paper that newsprint gets printed on is one step up from toilet paper. It tends to soak up a lot of ink and bleed. This will smooth out most of your noise. Be sure not to have much black/dark colours in the same image or most of it will "bleed" together and your picture printed will look like a pile mush.
LOL me too!!! But then again I used to be one of them a few years ago!!
I always laugh when you see a stadium and there are hundreds of people firing off their flashes in the stands.
Well lucky for me I havent had to use my flash...I havent seen any others use them either...just the P&Sers
I think your biggest problem will be getting fast shutter speeds. Even though those rinks look bright, they usually aren't...although that one looks better than a lot of rinks I've been in. Part of that problem is you lens. With a maximum aperture of F3.5-5.6...you aren't going to get very fast speeds unless you crank up the ISO...which will, of course, introduce noise. However, if it's a choice between noise and a lot of blurr...the noise is probably better.
Getting the exposure correct might be a problem as well. All the white ice and boards will throw off the camera's meter...causing it to underexpose. You will probably have to use positive EC...but that will only slow the shutter down even more.
As you are accompanying an experienced photographer...ask plenty of questions. The light in the rink won't change...so you can probably just ask what setting he uses...and just keep the camera in manual mode.
If you buy, borrow or steal a faster lens...that might help. The pro might even lend you something...which would be a bonus.
If you can't get a faster lens...and can't get fast enough shutter speeds with your lens...then you will need to concentrate on getting shots where the subject isn't moving too fast. There will be plenty of options for this. Right before a face off is a good time....or right after a goal...or any whistle for that matter.
Focusing...I'm not sure if your camera & lens will be able to keep up with all the moving action. You may have to pick your moments to focus...or maybe even pre-focus and wait for the action to move into your area.
Most importantly...keep your eye on the puck while play in underway. Yon don't want to take on in the head.
Ive shot hockey before...
Behold...the Buffalo Sabres, shot from the nosebleed seats!
Taken with a Caanon 70-200L UMS Lens
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/341088435_236f3e8ae6.jpg
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/137/339294264_c28d39c6f5.jpg
I have a few more but you get the picture
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Shooting Hockey