Fort Worth Rodeo (HELP)

[Roy]

I'll be there tomorrow for the 2:00 pm show and I want to get some good shots this yrear. Any tips on camera settings would be appreciated. I am planning on primarily using the Canon 20D with the 70-200 2.8L. I would prefer to avoid any flash if possible mainly due to the fact that the only flash I have is that little pop-up thing. Thanks!

[Roy]

Tomorrow is today (Monday) Still seeking advice....

[photosbymorgan2]

Be prepared to crank your ISO up to 1600 or 3200 to get a decent speed and light. Shoot at 2.8 and see how it goes. I shot a couple of years ago but my super long lens is only a 5.6 and though I got some nice photos, it was very difficult to shoot as the lighting is not that great.

[cmalana]

I was there last year but it was an evening show. At that time, the 2.8 was not fast enough (even on ISO1600) on my 70-200/2.8 and I told myself that next time, I'm bringing a fast prime (probably my 85/1.8 on a 20D). I don't know if there are any skylights that would help during an afternoon event.

I also noticed that during calf-roping, the cowboys tend to face towards the 'left' (left side when you enter the arena) so if you want a shot of their face, that's where they'll be looking.

Have fun!

[Roy]

Thanks Paul. I had a feeling it might be somthing like you suggested. Last time I went and it was fast action with low lighting but with the camera I had then, I didn't have a chance. Everything was a blur. Guess I'll shot raw format for this too.

I'll have a ringside seat on the opposite end from the release shoots unless something has changed. Then when they do the calf roping, I'm on the release end where the guy usually parks a big tractor right in front of me! grrr

[Nevyn]

Consider renting an IS lens for the evening?

[photosbymorgan2]

Originally Posted by Nevyn

Consider renting an IS lens for the evening?

Due to the light, even an IS would not help much.

[Roy]

Carlo, I don't think there are any skylights. I could just leave the camera at home. Na, I'll take it and do some shooting even if nothing comes out. I'll take the monopod too. Lot's of times it helps me to steady that extra weight. Maybe there will be some candid shots where nothing is moving, never know. Thanks for the tips! I'll try and remember to have fun too.

[Aarti]

Here are some tips I got from one of the senior TPF member. Thanks so much Craig.
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Howdy,

We just went last night to the Celebrity Goat Milking and FFA Goat Costumes Contest, it was fun, but we were in the greatest of positions for pictures or even to see the Goat Milking, as they had it about as far from the General Seating as they could .

A couple of suggestions we have would be:

1. Here is the schedule of the Exhibits and Events,

http://www.fwstockshowrodeo.com/dailyevents.htm

We use it to find out all the animals that will be housed in the Exhibit Barns on the very SouthSide of the Complex, if you are not familiar with them, just ask anyone. This is one of our very favorite places to just roam around and shoot. Be sure to look at the very far ends, sometimes they are bathing their animals and it's a pretty neat and different photo op. We also like to go to some of the Judging and watch all the people showing their livestock, which is not only for Ribbons, but is used for getting Breeding Contracts, and to show their best animals.

2. We really like the Mid-way, both during the day and especially during the evening. A tripod or monopod is a good thing, as most times, the cold wind is blowing and it's hard to stand still, also you can get some really neat shots with a slow shutter speed. As I mentioned before about the cold weather, if the weather is the least bit chilly, it's really cold out there, I don't know if it's the large expanse of concrete, or the way the wind whips though the grounds, but it can be pretty miserable, which is another reason we like the Exhibit Buildings, they aren't always the warmest places but they are at least out of the wind and possibly the rain.


Back to the Rodeo, it's pretty dark in there, and lots, lots, lots, and lots of dust<G>. So keep your lens cloth handy, and keep your camera covered as much as you can. I don't think you will have too much of a problem with speeds as you can shoot really fast, Karen(my better half) has a 7D also, and on occasion she let me shoot a couple of shots with it<G> I shot some at the racetrack, early evening, sun going down, at 1600 and it's way better than my Sony 828 at ISO 400 as far as noise, so I know you get some great shots!! If you have a monopod you might think about bringing that, it's always nice to have something to lean on<G>.

[cmalana]

Bring your camera!! Even in fast sports and low light, they pause enough for you to get a good shot. Forget about flash, you probably won't get good shots with it. Crank up the ISO, use noise ninja (or some other noise reduction software) if you have to and just be conscious of timing the shot. Shoot in a burst (at least 3 shots) since the action sometimes takes a pause (technically, at some point the bucking bronco is stopped in mid air and should be easier to shoot at that time as compared to when it just left the ground).

[Roy]

Won't be long and I'll find out! I'll head out about 1:00, pick up my wife and were off to see the show!