Sports Team Photos

[tiffythom]

I have recently started photographing local school and rec team sports group and individual photos. Inside a gym seems to be more of a challenge. I have a canon 50D with the following lenses: 50mm ef 1:1.4, 20mm ef 1:2.8, zoom ef 28-105mm 1:3.5-4.5 and efs 17-55mm 1:2.8 is.

I'm thinking the 50mm would be better for individual (I've used the zoom 17-55 before)

and I'm not sure which of the others to use for the group (again used the 17-55 before). I want sharp group photos and have had fuzzy in the back and sharp in the front results with my indoor team photos before. I'm thinking f 11 would be a good starting point along with tripod and my 540 hot shoe flash.

ANY TIPS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!! Thanks!

[cikajeha]

Thanks for sharing.
What a good idea! Keep at it!

[nathanbarlow]

In terms of view angle: go with the 50mm if you got the space to step back as its effectively a 80mm on a 50D, otherwise the 20mm if you need to be a bit closer. Could use the 17mm if you are really pushed for space, but you will need to postprocess to remove distortion at that wide. If using the 28-105, put in the middle of the zoom (best spot usually), which is around 50-ish. Personally I would go for the 50mm setting on either the prime or the 17-55mm (as it has IS).

Aperture wise, you have the right idea - f/11 is a good starting point. f/16 is also good. Different lenses have different 'sweet spots' for clarity at apertures - but generally, as long as you dont use it wide open, its good. Remember, at these apertures, you might either need a strobe/flashgun or good lighting to avoid being forced to use slow shutter speeds.

Remember a tripod and remote shutter release will do wonders, although IS on the 17-55 might be alright if you can get the shutter speed to a decent value. If you're using any other lens, go tripod and shutter release.

Finally, always take multiple shots - if someone blinks etc, you can make a composite of several shots to get everyone with smile and eyes open. Might be a good idea to say to the team we'll do a serious shot, with ordered positions and smiles etc and then a 'freestyle' one - people can jump up, someone can lay at the front with ball, etc. MAkes it a bit more fun and more personal as well.

EDIT: make sure your whitebalance is right for the indoor lighting as well!!!