Do you shoot?

[Matt Stephens]

Just wanted to get some feedback from other writer's on here about photography and if they have any experience? In today's world, especially with the smaller shops, I know it's pretty common for reporters and editors to shoot when covering a game; however, I don't know if those outlets do any training with their writers of if they just say, "swim!"

Do you shoot?
What do you use?
Care to share a link with some of your photos?

This is just some stuff I did this morning of the first day of spring football for Rivals using a Canon 50D: Colorado State Spring Football

I'd just appreciate some feedback on them and see the works y'all do as well. Personally, I haven't really had any training, just picked up a camera and started shooting one day.

(Clash of 2011 RB recruit who was a December grad. "Huge" doesn't begin to describe it)

 

[HejiraHenry]

Only in self defense.

 

[Matt Stephens]

Only in self defense.

Some may say you're limiting your marksmanship practice opportunities.

 

[flexmaster33]

Yes, I shoot pretty much everything from games to feature sets...of course, we have one staff photographer, who I can bring in for Friday night football and for the occasional feature set. We have company-owned D-70s that go to me (SE) and to our part-time sports writer. Definitely a skill to pick up if you want to be around the biz for long.

 

[Rudy Petross]

I got all excited when I saw the subject line I thought it was how to improve your aim with editors.

 

[HandsomeHarley]

Only when I have to, and since they traded the broken "good" office camera for a point-n-shoot with no manual focus, I refuse to shoot sports.

As far as your pics above, they're all right to begin with, but one thing I learned when shooting and placing photos is this (don't ever forget it): "Real people doing real things."

Otherwise, shoot the "standing still" shots to have something to fall back on, but begin to challenge yourself. One thing I do/did, in shooting baseball or softball, for instance, is focus the camera on a base and then shoot like hell as a runner is moving to that base. Shooting the pitcher is another easy one, because they don't move from your frame much, so you can manual focus on the mound/circle (Please, DO NOT EVER CALL IT A MOUND IN SOFTBALL).

Football, volleyball and basketball? I leave those to the pros. Volleyball is doable, just focus the camera on the setter or server and hope for the best.

 

[imjustagirl]

Huh. My money was on heroin.

 

[BYH]

Nope. Never will. I write.

 

[imjustagirl]

Nope. Never will. I write.

I think he was asking what we do well.

 

[BYH]

Nope. Never will. I write.

I think he was asking what we do well.

Oh.

Well then I don't have anything here to contribute. Which, really, if you think about it, is what I do well!

 

[Smasher_Sloan]

Upskirts only.

 

[Oggiedoggie]

I like to get the photography out of the way, first.

That way, it's less of an interruption and the resulting images appear to be more spontaneous.

Then, a can concentrate on a meaningful interview without the distraction of thinking about what visuals might be needed to accompany the story.

In other words: I shoot first and ask questions, later.