and help to keep the site free for all
Sports Photography
- Thread starter Gitty69
- Start date
thread cleaned, lets get back to helping and advising the OP please guys
Oh, I was perfectly happy for it to be left there to be honest...I'm a big boy, I can take it. Unless you know something I don't!?
Paul,
The 450D is a pretty good body to get started with...like I said in my initial post, I started with a 350D.
The lens would be fine for daylight work, no problems except your focussing speed will obviously be slower than it would be with your initially suggested kit!
If I was looking to upgrade and stick with the one body I'd look for a used 1D mkII or a 50D along with a 100-400L. That's a pretty good way to upgrade without the issues you might face with 2 bodies (ie. getting used to switching between them).
With regards to the images, go on...post up a couple from this season. Someone will set you right!
Last edited:
Hi Paul,
I have been looking at this thread with interest. The advice you have been given so far is spot on, don't waste your money on expensive gear. Having been a staff photographer, for a number of years including your local paper the Cynon Valley Leader, I know for a fact you will not make a lot of money if any in local sports photography. You can submit pictures to your local office now based in Pontypridd, and they will use them and give you a by line, but ask for payment and the answer will be NO. I used to be staff photographer on the Neath Guardian, Len, (Lenswork) should know this paper well as he comes from Neath. I used to cover two games on a Saturday afternoon, one for the Neath Guardian, and the other for the Port Talbot Guardian, It got to the point where we were having so many free pictures sent in to us in the office, that I was no longer needed for sport on a Saturday. The situation now is the Neath Port Talbot Guardian, is closed down due to falling sales, and five out of seven photographers are now redundant due to the fact people are giving their pictures away free of charge and the editors are using them regardless of quality.
Ps I'm only in Cilfynydd, if you ever want to meet and have a chat.
I have been looking at this thread with interest. The advice you have been given so far is spot on, don't waste your money on expensive gear. Having been a staff photographer, for a number of years including your local paper the Cynon Valley Leader, I know for a fact you will not make a lot of money if any in local sports photography. You can submit pictures to your local office now based in Pontypridd, and they will use them and give you a by line, but ask for payment and the answer will be NO. I used to be staff photographer on the Neath Guardian, Len, (Lenswork) should know this paper well as he comes from Neath. I used to cover two games on a Saturday afternoon, one for the Neath Guardian, and the other for the Port Talbot Guardian, It got to the point where we were having so many free pictures sent in to us in the office, that I was no longer needed for sport on a Saturday. The situation now is the Neath Port Talbot Guardian, is closed down due to falling sales, and five out of seven photographers are now redundant due to the fact people are giving their pictures away free of charge and the editors are using them regardless of quality.
Ps I'm only in Cilfynydd, if you ever want to meet and have a chat.
Last edited:
- Messages
- 6,252
- Name
- Steven
- Edit My Images
- No
Advice given has been spot on for me to
Papers will take as much as they can without paying for them, I've noticed it as far up as regionals
I've been asked to run pics with credit and refused, I've also been approached by papers who claim not to have budget for that kind of thing to submit images at there local rate (which I've had cleared was correct) there is also a day rate they use to which i was approached with for a nice day trip some weeks back
Be tough but fair with your stance regarding them
Also, I would say, enjoy it. don't feel under pressure to get results early on. I was lucky enough to be given the chance at a local club who have been on the up for a few years and get along with players now who always give me feedback and say things about the pics I take
Not the same for everyone I know but at first, enjoy it, get to know people and then try and push your way around the local league/up from there. get yourself a conference license and get in with papers once they get used to your work aswell. that can get you the break once you get things built up
EDIT - to add, I use 2 x D300s with grips, one official one, one third party (the name escapes me) but the difference for me is noticeable, once i get a few more things sorted I will get rid of the third party grip to go official Nikon one
Papers will take as much as they can without paying for them, I've noticed it as far up as regionals
I've been asked to run pics with credit and refused, I've also been approached by papers who claim not to have budget for that kind of thing to submit images at there local rate (which I've had cleared was correct) there is also a day rate they use to which i was approached with for a nice day trip some weeks back
Be tough but fair with your stance regarding them
Also, I would say, enjoy it. don't feel under pressure to get results early on. I was lucky enough to be given the chance at a local club who have been on the up for a few years and get along with players now who always give me feedback and say things about the pics I take
Not the same for everyone I know but at first, enjoy it, get to know people and then try and push your way around the local league/up from there. get yourself a conference license and get in with papers once they get used to your work aswell. that can get you the break once you get things built up
EDIT - to add, I use 2 x D300s with grips, one official one, one third party (the name escapes me) but the difference for me is noticeable, once i get a few more things sorted I will get rid of the third party grip to go official Nikon one
Last edited:
My best advice is to immediately buy a used 400 2.8
All the sport I have shot over the years, all I have used is a 70-200mm f2.8 and occasionally had the use of a 300mm f2.8 never had a problem with producing good images.
KIPAX
Seriously Likeable
- Messages
- 20,992
- Name
- KIPAX Lancashire UK
- Edit My Images
- No
dont do a lot of cricket then?
OP
- Messages
- 46
- Name
- Paul
- Edit My Images
- Yes
whitey said:
Whitey I appreciate that mate. I have enjoyed doing division 2 rugby the last 2 years. I used to play for the team aswell so am good mates with the lads too.
They're in division 1 now so I'll get to do the pics for the website and will get some feedback from that. Like I said further back in this thread I'm not expecting to walk into anything big. Far from it but I will get some new gear to just help me along.
- Messages
- 3,287
- Name
- Andy
- Edit My Images
- No
Sorry - I'm being a bit tongue in cheek as I've got one for sale...
Gary Coyle
In Memoriam
- Messages
- 12,654
- Name
- Gary
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Neither did i, but the 400mm f/2.8 is a different ball game, i even have a 1.4x glued on mine all the time giving me 560mm on full frame
- Messages
- 256
- Name
- Patrick
- Edit My Images
- No
If only you used Nikon ! Well, or I used Canon I suppose.
Not if I can help it
but on the odd occation use a plus 2 converter. Funnily I shot a game two weeks ago and could have done with 1000mm lens, the boundry was the largest I have ever seen, even with a plus 2 on it was difficult and the side I was shooting decided to bowl. The batting side were no good for the paper as they were from out of the area.
Last edited:
Gary Coyle
In Memoriam
- Messages
- 12,654
- Name
- Gary
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Nee nor, nee nor, nee nor
- Messages
- 57
- Edit My Images
- No
Knowing what the action is and when the vital moment occurs is the key and expensive kit can't buy that. You have to walk before you can run.
Gary Coyle
In Memoriam
- Messages
- 12,654
- Name
- Gary
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Now im a great beleiver of that, i figure im quite decent at shooting my chosen subject and i certainally put some of that down to playing the game from being a nipper and having a good understanding of the game in general.
D
Deleted member 40499
Guest
I find I'm biased to the backs when it comes to RL, I used to play center and winger....Wonder why I'm biased !! lol
ooops, sorry Graham if I offended, there was no need to remove the pics. Just a little banter that's all
No problem Phil, I just grabbed a couple of unedited images from my archive folder, the ones that were published were on level ground The problem is my right leg is 2 inches shorter than my left one
Gary Coyle
In Memoriam
- Messages
- 12,654
- Name
- Gary
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Ya forgetting weve met Simon, i would have had you down as a prop.
You going to Wakey for the Challenge Cup match gainst Cas on Saturday mate, ill be there, then Bradford v Wigan on Sunday.
- Messages
- 2,028
- Name
- Go on, have a guess
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Ah I see, so you could have stood on the other side of the action then, save all that PP malarky
- Messages
- 256
- Name
- Patrick
- Edit My Images
- No
Ya forgetting weve met Simon, i would have had you down as a prop.
I thought all the players look the same in League?
Ya forgetting weve met Simon, i would have had you down as a prop.
You going to Wakey for the Challenge Cup match gainst Cas on Saturday mate, ill be there, then Bradford v Wigan on Sunday.
Got another job on Gary. Wildcats game me thinks.
Gary Coyle
In Memoriam
- Messages
- 12,654
- Name
- Gary
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Yeh, thats what i mean, Wakefield Wildcats v Cas
Gary Coyle
In Memoriam
- Messages
- 12,654
- Name
- Gary
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Oooh, err missus, better than all dressing the same in black gowns and white wigs.I thought all the players look the same in League?
- Messages
- 194
- Name
- Scott
- Edit My Images
- Yes
What's wrong with him wanting to improve? I love football but have only shot it once. And that time was when I was out playing footy with other 13 year olds. So yes I would also like to improve and I am sure that most people here, if not everyone wants to improve in something.
Just hang in there. If you know someone that plays football he can probably get you into the local games. I think that is probably the best way to get into sports photography. Especially because sports photography is very crowded.
Gary Coyle
In Memoriam
- Messages
- 12,654
- Name
- Gary
- Edit My Images
- Yes
WTF you on about, theres absolutly nothing wrong with wanting to improve and ive never said otherwise, the opposite in fact. so why quote something i said without it including the reference i was replying to.
- Messages
- 194
- Name
- Scott
- Edit My Images
- Yes
WTF you on about, theres absolutly nothing wrong with wanting to improve and ive never said otherwise, the opposite in fact. so why quote something i said without it including the reference i was replying to.
you said people where leaning towards him being a beginner because he wanted to improve. I wasn't meaning to offend you, I was just pointing it out.
- Messages
- 101
- Name
- Barry
- Edit My Images
- No
Assassin said:
Ah, exactly the same reason...
I'm selling the 300/2.8 as well, wanting to buy the 600/4 and the 200/2.... there are other things I'd like as well, like the 17mm tilt shift, but that will wait a little while... There are two versions of the 600, do you know how much better is version II? My guess is it would be significantly better...
What are you planning to use it for?
- Messages
- 104
- Name
- Samantha & David
- Edit My Images
- No
Paul,
If you haven't used a 400mm f2.8 before, I would highly recommend that you hire one and try it out before investing the money in one. Also, if you use a 400mm f2.8 for rugby (or any other pitch-based sport) then you will definitely need a shorter lens (70-200mm) on a second body to catch all the action. If you only had one body then a good alternative would be a Sigma 120-300mm f2.8.
Cheers,
Dave
If you haven't used a 400mm f2.8 before, I would highly recommend that you hire one and try it out before investing the money in one. Also, if you use a 400mm f2.8 for rugby (or any other pitch-based sport) then you will definitely need a shorter lens (70-200mm) on a second body to catch all the action. If you only had one body then a good alternative would be a Sigma 120-300mm f2.8.
Cheers,
Dave
