Photographing Rubgy Advice?

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DinoS

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Hi,

I very keen on trying some rugby photography, and was wandering if anyone had any top tips? I have a sigma 70-200mm F2.8 and I can get right to the edg of the pitch as it will only be juniors playing. Any advice on best looking shots, settings etc? Minimum shutter speed needed to freeze the action?

Many thanks

Mark
 
Mark,

"Kelack" seems to be our resident rugby tog and used a Sigma 70-200 into the bargain. Maybe PM her (Kelly) incase she doesn't see this thread.

Bob
 
DarrenC said:
tip - get a monopod so you can rest during the game.
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They are a hindrance unless your stuck in a dug. If your moving around one is not really needed.

As for freezing action, Spot meter, pick the shutter speed you want, anything above 1/250, choose your aperture you want (to highlight a player f/2.8, group action f/7.1) and then adjust your ISO for your exposure needs.

Try not to use burst modes, you'll eat through cards, watch the game and expected the expected, if your missing shots then burst mode.

Try not to shoot into the sun, even if it's cloudy, take a compass.

Stay low and out of the way and be prepared to move quickly.

Hope you have fun, although it's kid's it should still be a blast.
 
Glad someone asked this as my son is playing his last season this year have taken pic's before just want to get some good ones for him this year so thank you.
 
PerfectSpeed said:
They are a hindrance unless your stuck in a dug. If your moving around one is not really needed.

As for freezing action, Spot meter, pick the shutter speed you want, anything above 1/250, choose your aperture you want (to highlight a player f/2.8, group action f/7.1) and then adjust your ISO for your exposure needs.

Try not to use burst modes, you'll eat through cards, watch the game and expected the expected, if your missing shots then burst mode.

Try not to shoot into the sun, even if it's cloudy, take a compass.

Stay low and out of the way and be prepared to move quickly.

Hope you have fun, although it's kid's it should still be a blast.
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Have you ever seriously shot a rugby game at any level whatsoever, some of the advice you have given here is total and absolute hog wash.

DinoS, i suggest you look at the 2 sub forums dedicated to sports questions and to showcasing sports photos

For seeking advice about a specific sport including Rugby go here http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=96

To see what some Pro Rugby League and Rugby Union shooters produce look at this forum http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=37
 
Gary Coyle said:
Have you ever seriously shot a rugby game at any level whatsoever
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Yes :D, I live in the most passionate Rugby Department of France, shot at several clubs, also forgot to mention my cousin plays for the L Wasps and has been capped for Ireland once or twice :lol: so have a vested interest :p

some of the advice you have given here is total and absolute hog wash.
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No need to be RUDE, :(

You don't use AV do you :thinking:
 
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Gary Coyle said:
DinoS, i suggest you look at the 2 sub forums dedicated to sports questions and to showcasing sports photos
Click to expand...
Good pointer :)

For seeking advice about a specific sport including Rugby go here

To see what some Pro Rugby League and Rugby Union shooters produce look at this forum
Click to expand...
Are you allowed to spell twit with an A one this site :suspect:

A shot of mine with my settings, I'm not a Rugby Pro shooter, but I like it :thumbs:

rug_coll_7362 by perfectspeedphotography, on Flickr
 
Right, lets get back on track shall we...

Mark, my first advice (as it always seems to be in these situations) is to have a look at my tutorial part 1 (Technique). It gives you all the info you're likely to need about the actual technique sort of thing for rugby.

With regards to equipment and "chasing the game"...your 70-200 is fine, I used it for years at a pro level. Would I be right in guessing that the kids are probably not playing on a full-sized pitch either? In which case you'll be fine for that focal length. However, don't be tempted to photograph stuff too far away anyway...if it's less than 50% of the frame then don't bother, wait for it to come closer.

I've always found with rugby that it's just a lot easier to stay in one place (behind the try-line and dead-ball line) and wait for the play to come to you...you'll get much better expressions and action with it coming directly towards you, rather than if you're at the side and watching action go past you.

Anything else, drop me a PM or ask in the "Talk Sports" section! We're friendly (mostly)
 
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