Stadium photography tips
Discussion
I have managed to get myself an opportunity to be a photographer for the Masters of Dirt event next year at Wembley Arena. I am well chuffed as I have promised myself that I will use next season to establish myself in this field and this is the perfect start.
Now I am thinking that I am well under equipped for this and I am going to stock up on the lens front or beg and borrow (that is not a hint) I have 18-200mm f3.6 siggy, 50mm f1.8, 18-55 kit lens and 70-200 f4L then a 430 ex speedlite and tripod. I am thinking the the 18-200 will struggle a bit and the only lens I have quick enough is the 50mm which isnt going to do me much good. Personally my wish list for my bag would be a 17-55 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8L. Buying is not an option so at very worse, I will have to hire. What do you think?
The other thing that I wonder is the effectiveness of the flash. I will have access all areas, I wouldnt have thought being trackside will be an option so at 30ft minimum distance will a flash at full power be any good? Sorry for my lack of flash knowledge but other than getting it out at a few parties, I havent used it much.
Now I am thinking that I am well under equipped for this and I am going to stock up on the lens front or beg and borrow (that is not a hint) I have 18-200mm f3.6 siggy, 50mm f1.8, 18-55 kit lens and 70-200 f4L then a 430 ex speedlite and tripod. I am thinking the the 18-200 will struggle a bit and the only lens I have quick enough is the 50mm which isnt going to do me much good. Personally my wish list for my bag would be a 17-55 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8L. Buying is not an option so at very worse, I will have to hire. What do you think?
The other thing that I wonder is the effectiveness of the flash. I will have access all areas, I wouldnt have thought being trackside will be an option so at 30ft minimum distance will a flash at full power be any good? Sorry for my lack of flash knowledge but other than getting it out at a few parties, I havent used it much.
curtisl said:
Personally my wish list for my bag would be a 17-55 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8L. Buying is not an option so at very worse, I will have to hire. What do you think?
If 200mm is long enough, yes. Presume the lighting is not good?curtisl said:
so at 30ft minimum distance will a flash at full power be any good?
Not much. Sounds like a job for big apertures and/or higher ISOs, especially if you want to freeze action. Mind you that will increase flash range too - if the performers don't mind the flash. Simpo Two said:
Not much. Sounds like a job for big apertures and/or higher ISOs, especially if you want to freeze action. Mind you that will increase flash range too - if the performers don't mind the flash.
I think it will be pretty dark in there, maybe I am under estimating the conditions. I have a 7d so cranking up the ISO will be on the menu for sure!Its hard to know without knowing for sure what kind of lighting you will have. I did a football match in a stadium with my 70-200 F4L and was at ISO 800-1600 the whole night, pictures came out nicely and I was only using a 550d. Depends how quick your stuff will be moving I guess! Would probably be worth using the tripod for panning shots though.
If you think there is a really good chance of making an impact and attracting attention to your work at the event I would seriously consider how much investment you feel able to make and what you could rent for that.
Do the homework about the requirements for lighting by flash or ambient - ask people what the expected set up will be and check for shots from previous or similar events that may well have the EXIF info available.
I would be tempted to work with 2 cameras in different configurations - perhaps one 'long' and one 'short' lens. Changing lenses wastes time if you know you will need a mix. It also runs the risk of dust ingress.
If the event is at a weekend you can usually get some decent weekend rental deals. Maybe a second 7D (stick with what is familiar since it should be more than capable), perhaps a 70-200 f2.8 IS II (cracking lens especially on a 7D) and if the feedback on lighting suggests it, a 580EX II flash.
You may want a trial hire for familiarisation before the event but only, from my suggestions, for the 70-200 and maybe the 580 if you feel that you might use some of the additional features if offers over the 430. Range of the obvious difference (and probably recycle times at shorter distances) but you can also use it as a controller for the 430 as a slave. If you felt that might be useful it would probably be best to gain experience before the event ...
You could get the 70-200 for £25 for the weekend and the 580 for £15. Add an extender for a tenner.
Camera body more - £85 for the weekend for a 7D - but then that is to be expected as there is more to abuse!
Actually you could get a 1D4 for £95 but then there is the question of familiarity with the kit. 1D4. 70-200 f2.8 II and a 580EX would be as fully weatherproof/dustproof as you might wish for should that be of significance for the gig.
Do the homework about the requirements for lighting by flash or ambient - ask people what the expected set up will be and check for shots from previous or similar events that may well have the EXIF info available.
I would be tempted to work with 2 cameras in different configurations - perhaps one 'long' and one 'short' lens. Changing lenses wastes time if you know you will need a mix. It also runs the risk of dust ingress.
If the event is at a weekend you can usually get some decent weekend rental deals. Maybe a second 7D (stick with what is familiar since it should be more than capable), perhaps a 70-200 f2.8 IS II (cracking lens especially on a 7D) and if the feedback on lighting suggests it, a 580EX II flash.
You may want a trial hire for familiarisation before the event but only, from my suggestions, for the 70-200 and maybe the 580 if you feel that you might use some of the additional features if offers over the 430. Range of the obvious difference (and probably recycle times at shorter distances) but you can also use it as a controller for the 430 as a slave. If you felt that might be useful it would probably be best to gain experience before the event ...
You could get the 70-200 for £25 for the weekend and the 580 for £15. Add an extender for a tenner.
Camera body more - £85 for the weekend for a 7D - but then that is to be expected as there is more to abuse!
Actually you could get a 1D4 for £95 but then there is the question of familiarity with the kit. 1D4. 70-200 f2.8 II and a 580EX would be as fully weatherproof/dustproof as you might wish for should that be of significance for the gig.
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