7th grade football

[DigiSLR]

For those of you that remember, I have been trying since the beginning of summer to get my now 13 year old cleared to play football. Finally, this Thursday we have out final appointment with a pediatric neurosurgeon, and with any amount of luck he'll be on the field playing ball.

So, on to my Photography related question.... The games are start at 5:45 pm. I have a 300 f4 IS that I took some pretty good photos with, but after half time it gets dark fast ans even with the stadium lights I can't get quality action shots unless I crank the ISO way up.

That being said, I REALLY want some good close up shots of my son's first football game. Would renting a 400 f2.8 be way overkill? Would I be able to get good shots after dark with the lights on? The longest lens I've used is my 300 f/4 IS, I don't think I'd be too lost with the 400 f2.8 for a night, would I? (Yes I have a monopod)

Thanks for any advice. I have two weeks to decide what I want to do, so please let me have some feedback!

[andyz]

400 may get you even closer than you want or need. I use a 300 2.8 for high school games and for the most part it is perfect. You also need a second body with a shorter lens (I like a 70-200) for the plays that come to you.

I've no idea what the lighting is like but I'm sure it isn't good. At the local HS stadium I was shooting 12,800 ISO to get 1/1000. In Waco I was shooting around ISO 5,000. End zones are a little worse.

[DigiSLR]

Thanks Andy. I think the 400 will be ok for length. I'm not an "official" school photo so I won't be directly on the sideline or right behind the end zone.

I can get pretty close to the action though from the front row of the stands, and around the edge of the track. I know I took some pretty good shot with the 300, so I'm pretty sure the 400 will be fine. I also have my good ole Basketball 85 1.8 I can use for close up shots.

Again, I'm not trying to be a regular sports shooter, just a proud dad wanting to capture some very special first moments.

... ahh hell, I haven't seen a school photographer at either game so far this year. Maybe I'll show off some of my shots to the coach and see what I need to do to see if I can be a school photog and get some sideline access. (How difficult can that be at the 7th fgrade level?)

[andyz]

I can say I got my access by offering images for the school yearbook. Find the teacher in charge of that if you want that route.

If you are behind the fence the 400 may be a good choice. My new fear is that the 85 wouldn't be enough. In any case, good luck.

[BG Photo]

I love my 400 2.8 for football. I don't think it's overkill at all, especially for smaller middle school players. I shoot from the endzones up to the 25 yard line and often wish I had more reach. I wouldn't think you'd have trouble getting on the field for middle school games but I suppose all schools are different. Offer the school a shot or two from each game for their website.

[Dobick]

from the front row of the stands, the 400 is going to be great. Any closer for Jr High and you might end up a bit too tight.

That said -- if the games start at 5:45, you should have plenty of light for the 300f/4. Cranking a 1d mkIII up to 3200 will be plenty clean (especially if you slightly over expose)

Let me repeat -- OVEREXPOSE at 3200 and you will have a cleaner image than under exposing by 2/3 at ISO 800.

One other thing -- if you walk out there like you belong (and you will certainly look like you belong if you carry a 400f/2.8) you can pretty much shoot where ever you want. Especially at the middle school level.

[Dobick]

coupla things: Congrats on getting him cleared to play -- that is very cool!

OH YEAH and before I forget -- don't forget to enjoy the games

while the photos will be a great thing to have, be sure take time and yell your lungs out and let your kid know that you are there and are supporting the team.

Yell loud and be encouraging!

[acymc]

Unless you are at a big high school stadium with security you can probably get by just clearing it with the coach or principal.

[prncfarquad]

Originally Posted by DigiSLR

(How difficult can that be at the 7th grade level?)

I will tell you this. I went the "proper" route to try to get access to the field for the same reasons you want to. Went and spoke to the athletic director and school officials. Here is what I am having to do to MAYBE get access.

1. fill out a volunteer application that may or may not be approved
2. meet with the athletic director for TISD if I am approved as a volunteer
3. give copies of all photos to the year book people.

So for my son's first game I walked up and down the stands shooting with my 100-400 @400 the whole game and maybe by the time my son is a senior I will have access to the sidelines.

With that said I can honestly say I am glad they do not let every parent on the field for safety's sake. I just get a little frustrated because I have shot sports for 6 years including this school. they have seen my work and asked to use it in the past. My brother and I do the yearly program for the baseball team (he does layout I do photography) I have had several images used by our local newspaper and other publications yet for my son's first 7th grade game I can't go on the track???

If I had known I couldn't get on the field that is the exact lens I would have rented since I was so far out from the field. good luck to ya

and PS I want to see some of your images posted when you have time!!

[Dobick]

Originally Posted by prncfarquad

... I have had several images used by our local newspaper...

I have access to pretty much anything in town that I want access to, because I am shooting for the local weekly paper. I have the backing of the editor/owner though.

In my case, it allows the editor to offer expanded coverage of events, and I get unfettered access.

That is not to say that they cannot ask me to leave, or to quit shooting, but those in charge don't really want to fight the fight with the only media outlet in town.

[DigiSLR]

Thanks for all the feedback. I've reached out to the coach and sent him a few sample shots offering to exchange a few of them for some sideline access. Assuming of course the school doesn't have a professional photographer. (I haven't seen any)

I'm cautiously optimistic that this might actually be a foot in the door to practice, get a portfolio started, and maybe get additional access to other events in the school district.

[Shane Jennings]

I offered to be the "team photographer" for my 7th grade son's team, and the coach was happy to have me on the sidelines taking pics. I post the pics from each game on SmugMug and send all the parents a link. The only downside is trying to get pics of every kid on the team, and then processing a LOAD of pics after each game. I'll say that it's helped me get better at the process though. I actively cull and delete pics in camera while on the field, and I pay closer attention to level horizons and composition and such than I might if I was only shooting a couple dozen pics. The other parents are loving the shots of their kids, and I'm having fun taking the pics.

[DigiSLR]

This week 7th grade, next year NCAA, a few years later the NFL for ESPN!