Question from a newbie about settings

[barich16cmu]

I have always enjoyed taking photos, but never put much thought into them. I have some questions about settings on a camera so I can get better pictures. Hopefully somebody can help.

Can someone please just explain ISO & Aperture Priority.

I mainly shoot at sporting events and buildings / tourist attractions. What setting should I use to get good photos at sports games? Thanks in advance.

 

[MDowdey]

welcome to the forum!

look here.

 

[KizaHood]

Sports?
First of all, you didn't mention which type of camera are you using. Only SLR's can cope with sports events requirements.

 

[Rob]

For sporting events indoors, you'll probably want a high ISO number - which is more sensitive to light. 800 ISO would probably be good for say indoor tennis. Outdoor events, you'll probably want to go for 400 ISO or possibly even 200 ISO.

As far as aperture goes, the numbers are smaller when the aperture is bigger (confusing huh?). When the aperture is bigger, you get more light and can take a faster shot. As you'll be shooting with (hopefully) a long lens (180mm+) you'll want a high ISO, wide aperture (low f number) and automatic focus and exposure (probably). Then all you need to do at the game is check your exposure time is say 1/500th of a second or faster and point and shoot.

It's best to just have a crack at it and then post the results and ask how you could get them faster/slower/brighter/less grainy/sharper/slicker/etc. This is probably the best way to learn this kind of thing.

Good luck and welcome

Rob

 

[FuddyDuddy]

Sports?
First of all, you didn't mention which type of camera are you using. Only SLR's can cope with sports events requirements.

Hello

So does that mean that sports events were not photographed before the late 1950s? I don't think so.

F. Duddy

 

[Marctwo]

So does that mean that sports events were not photographed before the late 1950s? I don't think so.

If you're happy with 1930s-1940s quality you can just push the button and you'll get much better results.

For sports I think you're better to shoot in TV (shutter speed priority) mode. You can set the shutter speed to freeze the action and the camera will adjust the aperture accordingly. If it's underexposed you need a faster film speed (higher ISO number). If it's overexposed you can up the shutter speed or use a slower film speed.

 

[ksmattfish]

So does that mean that sports events were not photographed before the late 1950s? I don't think so.

Right on!!! Actually, according to most folks, there was no photography done before the invention of auto-focus, auto-wind, auto-exposure, and the auto-photographer.

EDIT: Fun links...

http://www.sportsshooter.com/news/1284

http://www.zonezero.com/exposiciones/fotografos/burnett/default.html

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/photo/essays/vanRiper/010803.htm