Stuff I learnt....

[NgaiHill]

Was away at a sports competition between two local army units on the weekend. Turned out I was THE photographer for both units so was rather busy. We played netball, rugby & golf so as well as taking all the photos I was the manager of the netball team too.
Not having done a lot of sports photography I knew it was going to be a big learning curve and here are some of the things I learned.

1. Don't cut feet off! No matter what sport is being played the athletes need their feet.
2. 1/250 is just not fast enough for a game of netball.
3. When the men have finished playing the rugby and you need to get the team photos, grab the losing team first - before they have time to slink off to the changing rooms. The winning team will still be out celebrating by the time you're ready for them!


I hope to put some of the shots over in SYS in the next few days, I'd appreciate any comments from the experienced sports photographers here!

[SwissJon]

Some very good points there.. Especially number 3.

[NgaiHill]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

. Especially number 3.

Yup, especially as the losing team was my unit I told the coach/manager during the game that I'd want a team photo afterwards but he outranked me & just let them go. And I sure as heck wasn't chasing them into the changing rooms to get the shots!

[3bayjunkie]

what ARMY are you in? and what is netball? I am looking forward to seeing these photos!

[Jim Bryant]

they don't always need their feet..depends on what sport you are shooting and where the ball is. Sometimes I shoot tight from the waist up. Works for my editors. Go check out my photoshelter site galleries for NBA, NFL and MLB.

[NgaiHill]

Originally Posted by 3bayjunkie

what ARMY are you in? and what is netball? I am looking forward to seeing these photos!

NZ Army - territorials. Netball is kinda like basketball but predominantly a women's sport. I think the main difference is that you don't dribble the ball. I don't play (I think its a stupid game), I just manage the team once a year.

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

they don't always need their feet..depends on what sport you are shooting and where the ball is. Sometimes I shoot tight from the waist up. Works for my editors. Go check out my photoshelter site galleries for NBA, NFL and MLB.

Thanks Jim, you have some great shots there. I think I'm glad we played outdoors instead of in - goodness knows what my lighting would've been like!
I appreciate shooting tight on the players - waist up - unfortunately most of mine were just the feet cut off - at the ankles Lesson learnt and no money changed hands.

[FlyingKiwiGirl]

Originally Posted by NgaiHill

......And I sure as heck wasn't chasing them into the changing rooms to get the shots!

Spoil sport!

I'm not that keen on netball either, played it right through my youth and into my 20s(got beaten up too much I think). Now I just can't be bothered watching it. Give me rugby anyday.

[SwissJon]

Originally Posted by NgaiHill

I think the main difference is that you don't dribble the ball.

That very much depends on whether or not you're a dirty old man and the girls are pretty!

[NgaiHill]

Originally Posted by FlyingKiwiGirl

Spoil sport!

I'm not that keen on netball either, played it right through my youth and into my 20s(got beaten up too much I think). Now I just can't be bothered watching it. Give me rugby anyday.

I was a hockey girl, a rougher sport and you get to carry a weapon

Originally Posted by SwissJon

That very much depends on whether or not you're a dirty old man and the girls are pretty!

I didn't say dribble ON the ball!! Thats why rugby is so popular here - netball is not really a spectator sport for women!

[SwissJon]

Originally Posted by NgaiHill

I didn't say dribble ON the ball!! Thats why rugby is so popular here - netball is not really a spectator sport for women!

Nor did I.. Anyway, netball is a spectator sport, you just have to be a perv!!