Basketball Pointers

[Stargazer77517]

This friday I am going to attempt to shoot a Basketball game. Never have done one before.
Anyone have anypointers, esp in the area of WB.
Im thinking
ISO 3200
S/S above 1/500
WB ?
Will be using a 1D2 and a 70-200 2.8 IS. Any tips will be appreciated

[kenw]

WB is the Great Unknown for BB. Shooting in RAW I took several test shots beforehand and used the best during the game. Lots of variables, and it can actually change due to the different types used.

[Stargazer77517]

Thanks Ken, I wonder if I used my expodisc and did a custom WB if that would be best to use. Yea, I was thinking RAW also.

[kenw]

Originally Posted by Stargazer77517

Thanks Ken, I wonder if I used my expodisc and did a custom WB if that would be best to use. Yea, I was thinking RAW also.

to me that would be the best approach. I'm doing a HS BB game tomorrow, it's only my 2nd but the 1st one came out pretty good. That time I used shutter priority 1/500, 3200iso and manual WB using the 50d and 70-200/2.8 (which meant almost everything was f2.8).

All required a bit of brightness help in post; some more than others. And this was with great light for BB! If anything I would increase the shutter a bit, there were lots of blurred hands and feet. HS BB is notorious for dismal light.

My biggest issue was that the 70-200 was either very good for down the court shots, or way too long for under the near net shots. If I had 2 bodies I would use the 70-200 on one and my 20/1.8 on the other. (crop body)

[TxPhotoShooter]

Fred, like Ken stated, there are lots of variables with the lighting. I would say get there early enough to check out the dark areas and do some test shots. When I use my 70-200 if the baseline is dark then I shoot action near the top of the key from the baseline and usually down on knees and elbows. Then I move to the sideline to shoot action in the paint or move up in the stands to shoot action near the hoop. Most gyms lighting is best from in front of the basket out to mid-court. Shoot at angles to try to cut out people in the background; meaning shoot at angles where the background is the other end of the court.

Now if the lighting is good from the baseline, I would do some practice shots while they are warming up to see where your best shutterspeed is at various ISOs. As far as the Expo-disc, I found that it really didn't help very much so I just shoot Raw and make adjustments in Lightroom. But in some high school gyms, the lighting can be great so I set WB to auto and shot jpegs. Most likely that will be something you decide after you get there.

And if the lighting is really bad, you may just have to find the best spot and stay put. I shot a playoff game once in an awefully dark gym. But the scorers table had a lighted advertising sign which reflected light off the floor. I stayed in one spot the whole night using that light.

Best of luck with your game.

[shaggyrockmer]

Originally Posted by kenw

to me that would be the best approach. I'm doing a HS BB game tomorrow, it's only my 2nd but the 1st one came out pretty good. That time I used shutter priority 1/500, 3200iso and manual WB using the 50d and 70-200/2.8 (which meant almost everything was f2.8).

All required a bit of brightness help in post; some more than others. And this was with great light for BB! If anything I would increase the shutter a bit, there were lots of blurred hands and feet. HS BB is notorious for dismal light.

My biggest issue was that the 70-200 was either very good for down the court shots, or way too long for under the near net shots. If I had 2 bodies I would use the 70-200 on one and my 20/1.8 on the other. (crop body)

wheres the game gonna be held?

[kenw]

Tuesday's game is in Berry Center (Cypress)

[John Godwin]

Since 99.9 percent of all gyms will not have a consistent light because of the cycling do not waste your time or money on any gadget that will help set the white balance under those conditions. They do not work worth a flip at the shutter speeds needed to stop the motion blur.

the options are as follows.

Use Auto White Balance.

Shoot in JPEG and live with what you get.

Shoot in RAW and try to adjust in post processing.

Use strobes and learn how to use them to your liking.

Personally I like bouncing strobes as in these two.

[Stargazer77517]

Thanks a ton guys for the great knowledge. really do appreciate it.
John, Those are great, WB looks spot on. I was hoping you would chime in. I have for your knowledge of Football shooting helped me greatly and was hoping you would have some inside info here as well
I had thought about using a strobe, but didnt want to cause any hardship to the players....or myself
If I can that would help a lot. Guess Ill ask when I get there and see if the officals or the coaches would have a problem with that. This is Galveston Oconnell, and Bay Area C so the folks are pretty friendly.
Thanks Buddy.

[Stargazer77517]

Ken, these were with a 50D? They came out really well at that ISO. Thanks man for the visual.

Originally Posted by kenw

to me that would be the best approach. I'm doing a HS BB game tomorrow, it's only my 2nd but the 1st one came out pretty good. That time I used shutter priority 1/500, 3200iso and manual WB using the 50d and 70-200/2.8 (which meant almost everything was f2.8).

All required a bit of brightness help in post; some more than others. And this was with great light for BB! If anything I would increase the shutter a bit, there were lots of blurred hands and feet. HS BB is notorious for dismal light.

My biggest issue was that the 70-200 was either very good for down the court shots, or way too long for under the near net shots. If I had 2 bodies I would use the 70-200 on one and my 20/1.8 on the other. (crop body)

[Stargazer77517]

Thanks Howard for all the info.
I guess Ill drag my 2nd body along, and mount the 24-105 on it for the close ones at the net..
Sure do appreaciate the info.

Originally Posted by TxPhotoShooter

Fred, like Ken stated, there are lots of variables with the lighting. I would say get there early enough to check out the dark areas and do some test shots. When I use my 70-200 if the baseline is dark then I shoot action near the top of the key from the baseline and usually down on knees and elbows. Then I move to the sideline to shoot action in the paint or move up in the stands to shoot action near the hoop. Most gyms lighting is best from in front of the basket out to mid-court. Shoot at angles to try to cut out people in the background; meaning shoot at angles where the background is the other end of the court.

Now if the lighting is good from the baseline, I would do some practice shots while they are warming up to see where your best shutterspeed is at various ISOs. As far as the Expo-disc, I found that it really didn't help very much so I just shoot Raw and make adjustments in Lightroom. But in some high school gyms, the lighting can be great so I set WB to auto and shot jpegs. Most likely that will be something you decide after you get there.

And if the lighting is really bad, you may just have to find the best spot and stay put. I shot a playoff game once in an awefully dark gym. But the scorers table had a lighted advertising sign which reflected light off the floor. I stayed in one spot the whole night using that light.

Best of luck with your game.

[blue-october-fan]

In my experience with shooting bball (just my sister's middle school, though) you will probably favor the 24-105 to the 70-200, just because the shot you get nearer to the net are way more dramatic and usable (imo)- you can get the expressions of the players, the ball in focus (most of the time), and you can get the drama and excitement of being RIGHT THERE all captured in the photo, which is why i use my wider lens. Good luck!

[Abel]

Showcase sections are to showcase photos... This discussion will be moved to the Photo Tips section.

[kenw]

Originally Posted by Stargazer77517

Ken, these were with a 50D? They came out really well at that ISO. Thanks man for the visual.

Thanx, and yes, all were the 50d and the 70-200/2.8 at 3200; and trust me some post was required to de-noise. And this was at Reed Arena in College Station, both in the girl's court and on the main court in some of the best light I've every seen in a gym. The girl's court was actually lit better due to the white walls.

I would be leery of the 24-105 due to the f4 part. I don't think I had a single shot that day that was slower than f5. I shoot in shutter priority, so the aperture will vary; I started with 1/250, moved quickly to 1/500 and ended up at 1/640s. But a quick review says 95%+ from that day were f2.8 to f3.5. When I need wide, I will go with my 20/1.8.

[Stargazer77517]

Thanks Abel, my bad

Originally Posted by Abel

Showcase sections are to showcase photos... This discussion will be moved to the Photo Tips section.