Annoyng Sports Parent

[Beckerbulldog]

So I took the plunge a bought my first DSLR in 2008 and now I can't put it down. At my kids sporting events I've turned into one of those annoying parent who is pointing their camera everywhere. Anyway...I've taken a few that I really like but they still need some work. Tell me what you think. (this is my first post)Attachment 8341

[jdepould]

It looks like there's a problem with your post. We strongly recommend using a separate web site like Flickr to post images to DPS. Instructions for that are here.

Also, we ask posters to include specific questions and EXIF with critique posts.

[Beckerbulldog]

I'll try this again......

Sony A200 - I used the 18-70 f3.5-5.6 Lens that came with the camera.
I set the camera to Priority Mode and the ISO to 800.
I knew this would make the pictures dark because of the limitations of my Lens but I didn't want all the noise accociated with ISO's of 1600 & 3200. I adjusted the pictures in Photshop Elements. I shot in Raw.
f5.6
Focal Length 40mm
Shutter Speed 1/160
Iso 800
White ballance - Cool White Fluorescent
Sharpness +
Creative Style Vivid

[AlphaBjerke]

I think for an indoor basketball shot this is very nice. I would not have thought it too dark, but I am not an expert by any means. I am also interested because I also have an Alpha 200 that I got last week. I was going to shoot some basketball at the school where I teach, but the season just ended. I would have thought that you would need a flash to shoot at 800 ISO. I don't know if this is an unusually well-lit gym or what, but I am impressed. I am wondering if the shot would have been better with a zoom, making the crowd out of focus. The one I got with my Alpha 200 goes to 5.6 so it could have been done.

Are you part of the Alpha 200 group on flickr? I have learned so much from those people in just a week. You might check it out!

[Jim Bryant]

Just don't be too annoying by giving your shots away for free, especially when someone is there trying to make a living selling their images. I was hired by the school to shoot a wrestling tourney when one of the parents told me their team photographer was giving everyone a CD of images of their kids for free. I really, really felt like breaking the camera over the guy's head. But still, I had a bunch of the parent going onto my web site to purchase the championship round images. I guess the free ones weren't so good after all. After all you get what you pay for. Nevertheless......good basketball shot.

[Beckerbulldog]

AlphaBkerke - You can't use a flash to shoot basketball pictures from court side. At least in Minnesota. For this shot I used my kit zoom lens that came with my alpha A200. I can't seem to get my background to blur using these lenses no matter how hard I try. I purchased an old Minolta 50mm 1.7 af off of EBay and I am getter better results (blurred background) with it. But it takes sharper pic than the kit lens. It makes my position more critical than if I had a fast zoom.

Jim - Never thought they are good enough for someone to pay for them....

[Beckerbulldog]

Yes I am part of the Alpha 200 group on flkr

[AmericanMag]

Excellent shot for a gym! It must be well lit in there! I have an a200 as well and my basketball/volleyball shots don't come out this well. Good job!

[Beckerbulldog]

I take these pictures for my Niece and because I love trying to get the "perfect shot"

[Jim Bryant]

Jim - Never thought they are good enough for someone to pay for them....[/QUOTE]

You'll never know still you try. From what I saw they are pretty good...better than most parents around my neck of the woods. Strange, can't use flash? I can see using full blast, but just a tad shouldn't bother the kiddies. I guess different state's school athletic association have different rules. Here in Washington, we can't use flash during diving and gymnastics events.