Question: Gameday Photography

[PinsonTider]

I will be attending the W. Kentucky game next weekend and would like to try out my new camera. I have seen dozens of great photos here in the past and was wondering what type of set up I would need to use. I have a new Canon EOS XSi with a Canon EFS 55-250mm lens. I wanted to just get some basic shots from our seats which will be in section N-3. I will be using the Auto Mode, but thought I would also play around with some of the other modes. Can anyone suggest what other modes and settings would be good to try out.

Thanks in advance,

Scott Singer

 

[Fan-N-Foley]

I always use the Auto feature, I also sit in N-3 row 1 ..... :BigA:

 

[alextupelo]

Set it to Aperture priority which will let the camera set your aperture for you. Remember that if you want to freeze the action you'll need to stay above 1/500th of a second.

You can also try Manual mode, which should allow you to change your aperture and shutter speed independent of each other.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask or PM me.

 

[OreBama]

This may sound obvious, but take lots of pictures. Hopefully, your camera doesn't take forever to auto focus.

 

[Bamaball2001]

I have taken thousands of sports shots and my daughter shot pix for Roll Tide.com so I can help but it will take a lot of back and forth and is probably not something we should do on the board...especially on game day so, if you want, PM me and I will give you some tips.

:BigA: RTR!

 

[iglass]

I will be attending the W. Kentucky game next weekend and would like to try out my new camera. I have seen dozens of great photos here in the past and was wondering what type of set up I would need to use. I have a new Canon EOS XSi with a Canon EFS 55-250mm lens. I wanted to just get some basic shots from our seats which will be in section N-3. I will be using the Auto Mode, but thought I would also play around with some of the other modes. Can anyone suggest what other modes and settings would be good to try out.

Thanks in advance,

Scott Singer

I would try this...

1. Set your camera to "A" or aperture mode. Adjust the aperture as wide open as possible with your lens, i.e., low numbers. In most cases, this will be 5.6 because you're gonna be zoomed out most of the time.

2. See where the camera computer sets the shutter speed. Faster is better - as Alex said, up around 1/500 is better for freezing motion. You can go as low as 1/250 in some cases.

3. Adjust your ISO upwards, start at ISO 400 or 800 and then recheck your shutter speed. Float your ISO upwards to get that shutter speed up.

4. Once you get your settings where you want them, be aware that changing light conditions with the sunset will make it darker as the game goes on, and you may have to re-adjust.

5. Use continuous mode and take plenty of memory card capacity, you will want to take as many pictures as you can. Don't forget to charge that battery!