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News, products, and general info related to photography
X-Rite ColorIQ Challenge
2 Mar 2010There is no denying that computers are always going to be a part of photography. Just as new cameras are announced with exciting, ground breaking, and different features, so are computers. With faster processors, more memory, and new advanced editing software constantly changing, the photographic industry is in a perpetual state of evolution.
One thing that doesn’t change, however, is the importance of working with correctly calibrated devices, specifically monitors. Having a monitor that is not calibrated can mean that you are making adjustments to a file based on incorrectly displayed data. The photos might look great on your monitor, but printing those same images can produce sometimes disastrous results.
Below are a few examples of some of the minor minor hue differences between colors. You may be surprised in the differences from one chart to the next.
Random organization of color samples
Analysis of color inaccuracies in the random pattern
When the color samples are arranged in a very chaotic pattern, it is easy to identify which are out of place. On an uncalibrated monitor, differences between colors are easily found. However, when accurate color reproduction is essential, even small differences can be the differences between success and failure.
Sample #1
This sample has been rearranged for a more accurate transition from one color to the next
Analysis of corrected sample #1
Sample #2
This sample has also been rearranged for a more accurate transition
Analysis of corrected sample #2
As you can see, the differences between the samples is nearly indistinguishable. However, a look at the calculated data shows that they have been organized in very different ways. For an image where color accuracy is necessary, the second sample would not be acceptable.
If you do not have any calibration equipment, we recommend either the Eye-One Display 2 or the Color Munki. Both are excellent options as far as monitor calibration is concerned, with the Color Munki adding the option to calibrate LCD projectors and create custom printer profiles.
The Eye-One Display 2 can be found here
The Color Munki can be found here
To take the color test yourself, click here
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Are you ready for HD video?
17 Feb 2010
Nikon Announces Two New Lenses
9 Feb 2010The Ultra-Wide 16-35mm f/4 VR and Ultra-Fast 24mm f/1.4 Lenses Provide Photographers With New Perspectives and Creative Versatility
MELVILLE, N.Y. (Feb. 8, 2010) – Nikon Inc. today announced two new lenses for professional and enthusiast photographers that epitomize NIKKOR leadership in optical excellence. The highly anticipated AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED lens is engineered to meet the demand for an ultra-fast professional lens for wide angle applications, while the AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR offers Nikon’s widest FX-format focal range with VR, offering additional versatility to a broad range of photographers.
“The 16-35mm f/4 VR and 24mm f/1.4 are two new lenses designed to address the needs of an ever-expanding number of Nikon FX-format photographers, delivering dramatic perspectives, amazing clarity, contrast and color when capturing stills or HD video,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “Customers that choose these new lenses will experience excellent image quality and sturdy handling, which is made possible through our commitment to excellence and expert NIKKOR engineering.”
World renowned NIKKOR technologies play an essential role in the design of these two new lenses, and both feature Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for quiet, fast and accurate autofocus performance. The optical construction of both lenses also utilizes precision Nikon ED glass elements along with multiple aspherical elements to suppress chromatic aberrations resulting in sharp, high contrast images. Additionally, Nikon’s proprietary Nano-Crystal Coat minimizes instances of internal “ghosting” and flaring, further ensuring exceptional image integrity.
The 24mm f/1.4G ED Lens
Perhaps one of the most hotly anticipated lenses in recent memory, the new AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G ED lens blends a natural yet versatile 24mm perspective with an ultra-fast f/1.4 aperture to expand an existing collection of well over 60 NIKKOR interchangeable lenses. The f/1.4 maximum aperture allows photographers to shoot handheld in low light and provides dramatic separation between subject and a softened background. In a wide variety of photographic situations, both FX and DX-format shooters will enjoy the benefits of extra-bright f/1.4 viewing, superb image quality and the dramatic perspectives afforded by a picture angle of 84 degrees (61 degrees when mounted on a DX-format body).
The 16-35mm f/4 VR Lens Brings a New Perspective to VR
The new AF-S NIKKOR 16-35mm f/4G ED VR lens is an ideal lens for enthusiasts and professionals craving a constant maximum aperture and ultra-wide angle zoom versatility with the benefits of Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) II image stabilization. As the widest FX-format NIKKOR zoom lens with VR, users can realize the ability to shoot up to four shutter speeds slower than otherwise possible, expanding low light shooting opportunities and contributing to dramatically sharper handheld photography and video capture. Nikon VR II image stabilization technology is engineered specifically for and optimized to function most effectively for each lens, ensuring optimum performance. Whether joining the growing ranks of FX-format photographers or using the Nikon DX-format, photographers will appreciate the perspectives possible when shooting architecture, interiors, landscapes and more.
Apple Releases Aperture 3
9 Feb 2010Apple Releases Aperture 3
Introducing Aperture 3, the next major release of Apple’s powerful photo editing and management software, with over 200 enhancements including iPhoto’s most popular, easy-to-use features. Aperture 3 enhances the Faces and Places feature set introduced in iPhoto ‘09 to organize large photo libraries more quickly. Aperture 3 also introduces new tools to refine your photos including Brushes for painting image adjustments onto parts of your photo and Adjustment Presets for applying professional looking effects with just a click. Stunning new slideshows let you share your best work by weaving together photos, audio, text and even HD video. Learn more…
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Canon USA Unveils 4 New Powershots
In: Digital
8 Feb 2010CANON U.S.A. UNVEILS FOUR NEW ADDITIONS TO AWARD-WINNING POWERSHOT DIGITAL CAMERA LINEUP
New PowerShot SX210 IS and ELPH Cameras Offer Improved Features For Increased Image Capture Control
Canon PowerShot SX210 IS Digital Camera:
The Canon PowerShot SX210 IS is designed for the photographer seeking HD video and brilliant image quality in a stylish, compact camera. Featuring a 28mm wide-angle lens with 14x Optical Zoom and Optical Image Stabilization, the PowerShot SX210 IS allows users to capture dramatic close-ups or broad landscapes with ease, while the 14.1-Megapixel resolution ensures stunning image quality. Available in three bold color variations, black, purple and gold, additional features include a 3.0-inch wide LCD screen for improved visibility and glare reduction with enhanced Control Dial with Hints and Tips. For shooting video, the PowerShot SX210 IS has the ability to zoom optically, shoot in stereo sound and has Dynamic Mode Image Stabilization for improved image clarity. Users embracing the freedom of wireless data transfer can connect directly to PCs through Eye-Fi memory cards1. The PowerShot SX210 IS is scheduled to be available in late March for an estimated retail price of $349.99.
Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS Digital Camera:
The Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the ELPH series through the combination of superior image capture functionality and Canon’s touch screen technology. The camera’s large 3.5-inch wide LCD touch screen enables intuitive operation as users can customize their photo settings by simply dragging icons to their preferred on-screen location, then utilizing “tap” operations to switch between images during playback. A 24mm ultra-wide angle lens with 5x Optical Zoom gets more in your shot, like that family vacation at the Grand Canyon or the Empire State Building while Optical Image Stabilization ensure blur free images at full telephoto. The 14.1-Megapixel resolution delivers stunning images and the HD quality video further adds to the overall allure of this new PowerShot Digital camera. Available in three elegant color variations, black, silver and pink, the PowerShot SD3500 IS is also compatible with Eye-Fi memory cards for wireless transfer of video and photo files to PCs1. The PowerShot SD3500 IS is scheduled to be available in late February for an estimated retail price of $329.99.
Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS Digital Camera:
The Canon PowerShot SD1400 IS is the ideal choice for the on-the-go, spontaneous photographer seeking outstanding performance in a super-slim camera. Measuring less than one inch in thickness, the sleek PowerShot SD1400 IS features a 28mm wide-angle lens with 4x Optical Zoom lens and Optical Image Stabilization and 14.1-Megapixel resolution for outstanding photo and HD video quality. Available in four vibrant color variations, pink, orange, silver and black, the PowerShot SD1400 IS is scheduled to be available in late February for an estimated retail price of $249.99.
Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS Digital Camera:
The Canon PowerShot SD1300 IS delivers outstanding value for the consumer seeking a stylish, highly functional digital camera. The PowerShot SD1300 IS features a 28mm wide angle lens with 4x Optical Zoom lens and Optical Image Stabilization, 12.1-Megapixel resolution, and enlarged 2.7 -inch PureColor System LCD screen offering superior visibility. Available in five color variations, silver, pink, green, blue and brown, the PowerShot SD1300 IS is scheduled to be available in late February for an estimated retail price of $199.99.
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 8, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the addition of four new PowerShot Digital cameras, the PowerShot SX210 IS, PowerShot SD3500 IS, PowerShot SD1400 IS and PowerShot SD1300 IS, offering today’s photographer a compelling blend of cutting-edge photo capture technology and superior styling. The new PowerShot cameras offer increased shooting flexibility in a number of settings through advancements to the Smart Auto mode while offering greater photo personalization and enhanced creativity with new Scene Modes and Image effects. The addition of Fish-eye and Miniature Effect modes help photographers add a creative element or lend a humorous look and feel when capturing images of their favorite household pet or landscape scene.?
From untimely blinks and awkward smirks to hard to shoot back-lit situations, the compact PowerShot SX210 IS, PowerShot SD3500 IS and PowerShot SD1400 IS cameras offer a variety of technologies to secure the best pictures under the most challenging conditions. In addition to the Face Detection self-timer, the new Smart Shutter scene mode now has Smile and Wink self-timers where the camera looks for a wink or smile which will act as the trigger and release the camera’s shutter.
The advances to Canon’s Smart Auto mode increases the number of shooting scenarios where each PowerShot camera can automatically adjust to different lighting or movement levels to obtain the best image possible. In addition, Canon’s Smart FE (Flash Exposure) function improves image quality by automatically adding the optimum level of flash illumination, aperture, ISO and shutter speed while the Low Light Mode features a wide ISO range (up to 6400), allowing more light to be captured creating sharper more vivid images and further enhancing the overall quality.
“The new Canon PowerShot Digital cameras are designed for consumers seeking a blend of eye-catching style and advanced image capture technology in a compact, easy-to-use form,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Offering a unique blend of features and functionality including new Scene Modes, Smart FE and Smart Shutter, Canon once again brings image-taking and personal photography expression to new levels.”
For users interested in expanding beyond still images, three of the four new PowerShot cameras announced today have the ability to shoot 720p High Definition (HD) video offering extraordinary resolution and clarity when capturing moments such as a child’s dance recital or the latest trip to the local zoo. Also, the built-in HDMI mini-connector allows play-back of video and photos on an HDTV. With the camera tethered to a computer and the included software, movies can be uploaded directly to YouTube via the Camera Window. To further enhance a users ability to capture images and video, all of the new Canon PowerShot Digital cameras will support the high-spec SDXC memory cards with a maximum storage capacity of two terabytes (TB) in SDA standard.
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Canon Announces the Rebel T2i
In: Digital
8 Feb 2010
The new Canon Rebel T2i Digital SLR takes aspiring photographers beyond the still with advanced video features.
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., February 8, 2010 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today introduced the new flagship model for the Company’s highly popular Rebel DSLR line: the Canon EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera. Today’s photo enthusiast is looking for a camera that will grow with them as they learn, and that is a perfect description of the new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera. Retaining all of the traditional characteristics that have made the EOS Rebel series beloved by entry-level photographers and an industry best-seller, the new Rebel T2i succeeds in bridging the gap between an entry-level camera and a true pro-sumer camera.
The Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera includes a variety of new features for photographic assignments as varied as grabbing that action shot from the sidelines or creating memorable family portraits, including: 3.7 fps shooting, an ISO range of 100-6400 (expandable to 12,800), a 63-zone Dual Layer Metering System, and Canon’s DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor. There are some moments in our lives where video helps capture the moment better than a still image, and the Rebel T2i offers the best of both worlds with Full HD 1080p video as well as 18-megapixel still images. The Rebel T2i DSLR continues Canon’s industry-leading trend in Full HD DSLR video capture with manual exposure control, selectable frame rates and a new external microphone input. There is also a new feature for standard definition recording, Movie Crop, which provides an approximate 7x additional zoom with no loss of image quality when shooting SD quality video.
“There is no question that HD video is the biggest trend in DSLR technology and because of this we are seeing the creativity of still photographers transferring to the moving image. Still photographers are using the various lenses and accessories they are already familiar with to create amazing video footage,” stated Yuichi Ishizuka, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A. “Taking that HD video quality and putting it in the hands of entry-level photographers with cameras like our new EOS Rebel T2i, we are seeing a new generation of creative digital artists emerge.”
Lights, Rebel, Action – EOS HD Video
Canon’s EOS HD video capture has helped spark a major movement in digital imaging, empowering still photographers with the ability to experiment, learn and capture stunning high-definition video through a variety of creative lenses. Continuing this imaging revolution, the new EOS Rebel T2i puts entry-level photographers on the frontline equipped with all the latest EOS HD video features including full HD video at 1920×1080 resolution, selectable frame rates, full manual exposure control and the visual options of interchangeable lenses. Manual video exposure control provides novice filmmakers with the image control they are accustomed to in a still camera, all while shooting professional-level cinematic video. Professional photographers utilize creative lighting, adjustable depth-of-field and a variety of lenses to create powerful still images and video footage, and these are exactly the tools that the new Rebel T2i gives to budding photo and video enthusiasts. Adding a new professional-level feature for EOS cameras, the Rebel T2i includes an Auto ISO function that works in all Creative Zone exposure modes including Manual where users can set a limit to the highest ISO the camera will use, enabling them to retain the lighting and look they desire for a scene. By setting an Auto ISO range, videographers can retain dark shadow areas and avoid blowing out highlight areas in a scene while still retaining the benefit of automatic ISO adjustments. The Rebel T2i DSLR captures video in both NTSC (National Television System Committee) and PAL (Phase Altering Line) standards at selectable frame rates including Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 30 (29.97), 25 or 24 (23.976) fps, and HD 1280 x 720 or Standard Definition 640 x 480 quality video, at 60 (59.94) or 50 fps.
For easier video recording operation and familiar functionality for beginners, the Rebel T2i’s autofocus can be operated before or during video recording by pressing the shutter button half-way down in video mode. Another feature debuting in the Rebel T2i is Canon’s new Movie Crop mode, where the user can achieve 7x magnification when shooting SD video for a significantly increased “telephoto” effect. Unlike the digital zoom feature found in many compact digital cameras, Canon’s new Movie Crop mode actually crops the image directly from the CMOS sensor at full SD resolution to preserve maximum image quality and provide additional zoom power. The new Movie Crop feature is especially helpful for achieving extra full resolution zoom power when filming youth sports, such as a child running to the furthest end of a field. For better sound quality when shooting video, the Rebel T2i DSLR includes an external stereo microphone jack, a first for an EOS Rebel model, in addition to its built-in monaural microphone. These audio and video features supplement a tremendous range of additional must-have video features in an entry-level Digital SLR camera.
For enhanced viewing pleasure and easy video sharing at home, the HDMI video-out capability of the Rebel T2i DSLR includes a new Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) compatibility which allows users to play back still or video files on a CEC-compliant HDTV, using the TV remote to control the camera when connected via HDMI interface.
Camera Feature Set
The EOS Rebel T2i DSLR features a newly developed 18-million-pixel Canon CMOS imaging sensor providing outstanding resolution and light sensitivity for amazing poster-sized prints with fine detail and stunning color. The camera exhibits exceptional low-noise performance incorporating many of the same technologies used to reduce noise in professional cameras such as the EOS 7D. The Rebel T2i camera’s basic ISO range is an amazing 100~6400, and via a Custom Function, it can be extended to ISO 12,800. The outstanding ISO range combined with its noise reduction technology allows the Rebel T2i to capture outstanding low-light pictures at events such as candlelit birthday celebrations or recitals where flash photography may be prohibited.
The camera provides 3.7 fps continuous shooting for still photos, making it the fastest shooting Rebel model to date and enabling users to capture that great image of a little leaguer’s first swing. The camera features Canon’s proprietary iFCL 63-zone dual-layer metering system offering intelligent Evaluative metering with much finer segmentation than any previous EOS Rebel model. The new Rebel T2i also has an expanded ± 5 EV exposure compensation range allowing for much more versatility when shooting in extremely bright or dark environments; or when shooting HDR (high dynamic range) images.
The Rebel T2i DSLR includes a number of professional-level user-selectable Canon image processing features to enhance the image quality of in-camera JPEG files, and to tag RAW images for processing later through Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software (included with the camera). These features include Canon’s Auto Lighting Optimizer to enhance shadow detail and add contrast to “flat” scenes, Highlight Tone Priority adding up to one stop of detail in bright highlight areas, Peripheral Illumination Correction for automatic correction of vignetting, High ISO Noise Reduction with four user-selectable settings, and Long Exposure Noise Reduction applied to exposures one second or longer. These Canon image enhancements provide new photographers with professional quality automatic image correction on JPEG files right out of the camera.
The EOS Rebel T2i digital camera includes a new enhanced 3-inch LCD monitor featuring 1.04 million dots with a wide 3:2 aspect ratio, wider than previous EOS models. The Rebel T2i camera’s LCD monitor can display a full-screen video image utilizing the entire screen during playback. For maximum storage capacity the new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is the first EOS model to support SDXC memory cards. With all the new and exciting features of the EOS Rebel T2i, the Rebel series continues to provide great Canon features such as Live View, a built-in pop-up flash, and the EOS integrated cleaning system, as well as compatibility with Canon EX-series Speedlites and Canon EF and EF-S lenses allowing users to fully explore multiple creative photographic possibilities. The new EOS Rebel T2i Digital SLR camera is also compatible with Canon’s new BG-E8 battery grip and new RC-6 wireless remote control for both still images and video capture.
Tilt-Shift Lenses: Special Feature
In: Digital
5 Feb 2010
Learn all about the Canon Tilt-Shift Lenses.
Photographing Youth Sports- Part 2
In: Digital
4 Feb 2010- Track the action in a certain zone.
Don’t follow the ball all over. Be ready with the exposure, composition and focal length so that when the action comes to you, you will be ready. Don’t impulsively snap pictures when the action is moving to the opposite sideline; all you’ll capture are players’ backs.
- Photographing your child on offense
I like to take photos of players on offense by positioning myself behind the line of scrimmage — that is, moving a little farther back from the direction the offense is moving. In youth football, most plays will either be a handoff in the backfield or the quarterback dropping back.
If you are tracking a wide receiver, he or she will look back in your direction. Keep in mind that kids don’t throw very long, so you can limit your zone that you are trying to capture.
- Photographing in the “red zone”
In situations where the offense is in the last 20 yards of the field, I like to position myself just behind the end zone. The action will come to you if you are positioned along the edges of the end zone.
- Know the situation—and your team.
Know the down and yardage situation so that you can anticipate if the offensive team will be passing or running. If you know your team, you might also be able to anticipate which direction they like to run or pass the ball. And on defense, you can anticipate which side and zone your child might be assigned to for coverage.
- Track the action in a certain zone.
Like football, soccer is played on a large field. Position yourself to focus on one area, and prepare your exposure, composition and focal length so that you will be ready when the action comes to you. Even with the most powerful of telephoto lenses, don’t waste time trying to photograph action on the opposite sideline, or at the far end of the field. Be patient, and wait for action to come toward you and your camera.
- The movement in soccer is primarily to the goal.
I like to position myself near the goals, and unlike for pro sports, you likely will have access to get behind them. Keep in mind that soccer is primarily a defensive sport but that the ball is almost always moving toward the goal.
- Corner kicks and free kicks are great opportunities.
Set-piece plays are great for photographs because they are isolated and predictable. Pre-focus on the ball, and let the kicker come to it. Using Canon’s Servo follow-focus will help you get a sharp shot as the player comes through the ball. And if your child is waiting to receive a corner or free kick, track them within the isolated area where they are positioned.
You will be able to get some shots in anticipation of the ball and if they meet the ball with their head.
- Know your team’s strategy.
Does your child’s team like to use the sides or the center? Do they look for long or short passes? Remember, don’t follow the ball, but isolate a zone and anticipate when your child might get the ball in that area. If your child is a defensive player, you should try to anticipate what players they are marking and be prepared when those opposing players get the ball.
- Take advantage of the opportunities.
Basketball gives kids a lot of chances to touch the ball. By pre-focusing and positioning yourself in the right areas, you might get a number of opportunities to photograph your kid on offense or defense. Young children will often block their faces by holding the ball up high, so be patient and give yourself enough time to grab good shots.
- Photograph from a higher angle.
I like to elevate myself a bit—climbing up on the bleachers—so that I can shoot down on the action.
By using the floor’s reflection, the subject will gain a little light. The floor is often far brighter and lighter in color and tone than the backgrounds in the gyms our kids play in. Photograph from higher up so that you can avoid some of the muddy, dark feel to indoor photos.
- Shoot from under the basket.
The action in basketball always comes to the hoop, so this is always a prime position to shoot from. The one drawback is that photographing players farther from the basket can be tough: There will be a large cluster of players in between, making for a messy shot. But if you pre-focus on the areas along the end-line or in the low post, you can get some great, up-close photos of layups, rebounds, blocked shots and short jump shots.
- Or shoot from the sideline, close to the backcourt.
Unlike in the lane, the players around the perimeter are likely to be spread out. Take advantage of the cleaner sightlines here by shooting toward the backcourt. But keep in mind that you’ll have to anticipate the action here. It can go in several directions and happen quickly.
- Learn your team’s play style and the situation.
Where does your kid like to shoot from? Does he or she dribble to one side more than the other? Who will he or she be defending? By understanding your team’s strategy, you’ll be able to anticipate the action. And if you’re aware of the score and time, you’ll be better prepared to know if the team is going to start taking three-point shots or take their time passing the ball.
- Defense and free throws are good isolated action.
Basketball is one of the best youth sports to photograph on the defensive side because there’s a strong one-vs.-one relationship. Track your kid on defense as he defends the ball, positions him- or herself for a rebound or tries to swipe for a steal. \
And free throws are predictable action that will allow you to catch your kid preparing for and at the top of the shot. Don’t forget to get the high-fives after, too.
- Even when your kid’s not playing, you can get good candid shots.
Basketball will substitute players quickly, so your kid will be on the bench several times during the game. These are great chances to get up close and focus on candid shots. Timeouts also provide a good opportunity for photos with teammates.
You don’t have to buy an expensive super-telephoto lens like a professional sideline photographer has, either. Consider investing in a less-expensive fixed-focal length lens. A lens like an 85mm f/1.8 or 100mm f/2 is great for indoor sports like basketball, while a 300mm f/4 or 400mm f/5.6 will be excellent for outdoor sports like football and soccer. You will have to position yourself according to its range, but it will give you a faster shutter that will allow you to work in lower light.
Photographing Youth Sports
In: Learning
2 Feb 2010Photographing Youth Sports, with Stephen Green
- Assess the lighting. The very first thing you should do at your child’s sports event is to check the lighting. The picture will be all about the light and how you control it.
- First, what direction is the light coming from?
- Second, is it a hard or soft light? In other words, how much contrast is the light producing?
- Third, what is the most advantageous location to shoot from? This will be determined by what you want the photo to look like—and where then you will have to place yourself.
The first thing you should do at your child’s sports event is to check the lighting. Each position you choose, relative to the sunlight, will have a different effect on the subject and challenge for the photographer. For example: Backlight nicely ‘pops’ the subject from a distracting background, but you have to be careful not to let the child get too silhouetted or their face will be obscured in shadow (images © Stephen Green)
- Choose your settings. In order to take the best pictures, your goal should be to get off the automatic program settings and to consider the three exposure modes you can reliably use with your camera.
- Manual: Here you control the shutter and aperture. This is the most preferred setting.
- Av: Here you control the aperture. The camera decides the shutter speed.
- Tv: You control the shutter speed. The camera determines the aperture. Generally, for sports, you want to use the fastest reasonable shutter speed that the light will allow. 1/1000th of a second or faster is ideal in sunlight; and you don’t want it to drop slower than 1/500th of a second unless you’re in very dim light.
Keep in mind that shutter speed is one of the most important settings with all action sports. Learning your manual settings will allow you to figure out the correct exposure for shots. This can be a bit easier indoors, where the light is consistent and predictable (but also low). Outdoors, the correct exposure might change based on weather conditions or your position. But the by working in manual mode you can avoid having your camera tricked into the wrong exposure by a dark or bright area in the background, or by a subject in a dark or light uniform.
- Learn how to shoot indoors. Photographing kids indoors can create a real challenge due to the low light available in gyms and indoor arenas. Here are some ways I make the most of the gear I have on hand:
- Increase my ISO setting to the maximum level so that I can increase my shutter speed options. I try to take the ISO up as far as I can without allowing too much noise and compromising the file quality. With my Canon 50D, I can confidently increase my setting to ISO 2000 and know I can still get a good file.
- Or find the lowest shutter speed that will allow me to stop the action. I have found that the slowest I want to go is to 1/250th of a second. (Remember that 1/500 would be a faster speed, and 1/100 would be slower.) Otherwise, I end up with too much motion blur. But by using this option, I need to think ahead of the action and figure out where my kid finds the “still point” at the peak of his or her movement: the top of a jump shot, the release of a free throw, the top of a hockey swing, or the peak elevation of a gymnast or dancer. It’s the one moment within action where it all looks right. Any time the light allows, I prefer to shoot at about 1/500th of a second (when outdoors in good light, faster speeds like 1/1000th of a second assure good, sharp pictures of moving subjects).
- Or use a wide-open aperture. With light at a premium in some gyms, I want my lens aperture to be at the very widest opening possible. Then, I can use the fastest shutter speed to get the correct exposure. This also gives me the added benefit of having the backgrounds drop out of focus so that they are less of a distraction. For those new to SLR photography, the widest lens opening is the one with the lowest “f-number” (such as f/5.6, f/4, or f/2.8).
- Add a flash. When shooting basketball, floor hockey and volleyball at floor level, I add a Canon Speedlite to my camera both to help illuminate the subject and to freeze the action. With a Canon Speedlite attached, I can activate the hi-speed sync setting, which allows me to increase my shutter speed to over 1/250 seconds in manual mode — as long as I’m not too far away. Because the flash is faster than the shutter, it will stop the subject and isolate your kid from a nicely blurred background.
Indoor shooting has its own lighting challenges, but use of a Speedlte flash, raising your ISO, or using ‘fast’ lenses with wider apertures are all effective ways to deal with darker locations (image © Stephen Green)
- Use Canon’s AI Servo focus. Since your kids will always be moving at sporting events, use Canon’s predictive autofocus system, called AI Servo AF. It will follow-focus your subject and greatly increase your chances of getting a sharp image.
- Know your sport. The more you understand the game and your child’s team, the better your chances will be of getting the shot you want. Remember that you are photographing your child, not the game. Consider the situation: Will a team be passing or running on third down? Will your child be taking the team’s corner kicks, and which direction will be the team be going in each half? Does your child play more on one side than the other?
- Youth athletes are not pros. When I photograph professional athletes, I am guaranteed that the venue will be good and that the athletes will have nearly perfect form. Neither is likely with children, so you should focus on capturing the emotion and fun of the kids playing the sport. Some of the best youth sports shots are not action. They are candid, emotional moments on the field and the sidelines.
- Take advantage of your access. Professional sports photographers are limited to where they can shoot from during games. You will have much more access at your child’s games. Get behind the goal, up close to the sideline or near the benches. Your positioning—and anticipation—is crucial to getting great shots. Just be sure to be out of the way of coaches and officials, and likewise be sure you’re not in a position where you risk being hit by an athlete, or an errant ball or puck.
- Take candids instead of, or in addition to, the action shots. I try to focus on the non-action moments that are a part of sports at every level. But the camaraderie and emotion can come and go so quickly that you might have trouble controlling the lighting conditions. The auto-exposure system in Canon cameras is exceptional for these situations, and the shutter-priority (Tv) and aperture-priority (Av) settings are often great for sports. I often use my Canon Speedlite flash in tandem with the automatic settings to help capture these fleeting moments.
- Get the shot you want. I like my sports photographs to have the following characteristics:
- Make the light work for me.
- Have the backgrounds out of focus.
- Stop the action by positioning myself so that the player is coming to me.
- Frame the shot creatively.
- But if you don’t get the shot you want, get over it. Professional photographers miss shots, too. Forget about it so that you can be ready to capture the next shot.
Check back tomorrow to find out how to photograph your child’s specific sporting event.
Free Photography Workshop in SLC
In: Digital
1 Feb 2010Saturday, February 6th
10:00 – 11:30 AM
held at Memorial House in Memory Grove Park
presenter: Peter Goss, Professor Emeritus of Architecture
This workshop will be taught by retired University of Utah Photography and Architectural History Professor Peter Goss and is open to the public. The workshop kicks off Utah Heritage Foundations’s modern photo contest for all ages and skill levels. Aplication process and additional details can be found online. Learn more…
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- admin: Really excited to try this one out. [...]
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