Up and coming Karate Grading - Advice please!

[trickyclicky]

Hi Guys!

This is my first post on DPS and I may well be posting this in the wrong section? I apologise in advance if that is the case!

My son has his yellow belt grading coming up in two weeks time and I want to be able to get some good shots of the occasion! I had a 500D for Christmas with two kit lenses the 18-55mm, 55-250mm a nifty fifty and a 580 EX II...I have not had a great deal of time to play with my very loved new toys due to other comittments ( usual stuff working full time, children, etc, etc, etc)....I was wondering if any of you could give me some pointers on
a) whether my stuff is good enough to achieve some decent shots
b) if yes, what kind of settings I should use
c) which lense would be best for that day

It will all be indoors and the lighting is average room lighting bordering on dim!

Thanks guys I appreciate any help / advice you can offer!!

[JFSanders]

Hi, Short answers to your questions, but you should search the forum for posts related to your needs. Lots of good information there.

a) yes, with knowledge and experience
b) depends on your available light, whether or not you can use flash, If you have off camera flash or a bounce card. How close you can get to the subject. If your lens can get open wide enough to use available light at sufficient shutter speeds to stop action.
c) Lens choice will be dictated by the answers to 'b'. But generally the lowest aperture lens you have is going to be the best. If you can stand some noise then setting your ISO to the highest level and this may enable you to use your longer lens to get closer "virtually" to the subject. You will get noise which looks like grain in film photographs.

Hope this helps. Jim

[sk66]

Is testing in the same studio as training? If so, make a couple trial runs before the test.

Your best bet will be the 50mm prime...I highly doubt flash will be allowed...hopefully you might be able to move about (not likely)....Some studios won't even let pics be taken to protect "others privacy".

[trickyclicky]

Thank you so much for the response Jim!

I definately need to play with my machine a bit more, I have a lot to learn there is no doubt on that front and I think trial and error will be the deciding factor on how well the shots come out on the day - I guess thats how everyone starts out.

Thank you for the info I will read and practice more!

[trickyclicky]

Thanks to you too sk66!

Yep training and grading is at the same venue!

If I use the 50mm prime will I not have to be quite near the subjects to get a good shot? Please forgive my limited knowledge! I guess thats why I have come to you guys!

I will check with those who run the place to see if I can take some practice shots but I have to say they are usually a little funny about people taking photos at times other than at special events like the gradings / award ceremonies etc but I will ask!

Thanks again!

[Krusty79]

I've taken Taekwondo at 3 different studios and I've never seen anyone use a flash at a belt test. So, I think you're going to be using your 50mm prime a lot! Like Jim said, your other option is to use your telephoto. The largest aperture you're going to get with that is about 5.6 and you're going to want to shoot at a speed of 1/60 (actually, faster than that) or quicker to stop the action, so you're going to have to jack up the ISO (and put up with some noise) to try to get there.

[trickyclicky]

Ta very much Krusty! I am gonna try and get a trial in this Sat and will also ask about the flash but I reckon you're probably right on that front, I don't think they will allow it either! Will keep you guys posted!