My first "job" as a photographer - tips please

[amara_shadow]

Hi all I am an amateur.....learning the ropes etc. Well, exciting news, I have just been asked to do my first "job" at a big tennis event this weekend. They needed a photographer, and someone put my name forward. Well, I am super excited about it!

I have been asked to take team photos, action shots and photos of the presentations, as well as anything else that catches my eye on the day.

I was just wondering if anyone can offer me any tips as to what equipment I may need, which filters (if any) I should use, tips on taking team photos? Things like that. I have never done anything like this before, so am excited and anxious at the same time.

Thanks everyone

 

[JimmyO]

Awesome! Great opportunity. What lenses do you currently own?

 

[Stranger]

can you list your current equipment?

that may help us help you

 

[amara_shadow]

Of course - sorry, forgot to list what I have!!

I use a Nikon D60, and the lenses that I have are:

AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1:4-5.6G
Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR DX NIKKOR

The above 2 came with my Nikon D60 and both autofocus. The following two I used on my Nikon F55 and won't autofocus with my D60, but still very handy to have!

Nikon 70-300mm F4-5.6D AF
Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6D AF

I have security filter, and an old tripod - not sure of the make or anything. I carry around 34 or 4 2GB memory cards, and will have 3 spare batteries in my bag. I think that might be all the equipment that I have - I don't have a huge amount, but would like to make it all work with what I have. I can afford to buy a few things - like extra filters if required.

 

[ghpham]

Have you visited the venue where you will be shooting to see where you will be allow to shoot the action? This will help you in determining the lens you will need. You probably should ask about shooting rules (for example, depending on how far you are from the action, you may not be allow to shoot during a serve).

Edit: by the way, your 70-300 won't do you any good for action shots, unless you can pre focus.

 

[amara_shadow]

Yeah I thought that the 70-300 wouldn't be any good.

I don't think that I will be able to get out to the venue before hand as it is a way out from where I live. But I will check with the lady who asked me about rules and where I will be able to take the photos from.

 

[JerryPH]

You may want to consider renting a lens or 2. The 70-200 F/2.8 is almost mandatory, becuase those venues are often indoors and in poor light. If outdoors, you will be lucky and could use either/both of your lenses (bring both in case).

Flashes are totally out of the question while the game is in process.

 

[Village Idiot]

Ewwwww.

Your two AF lenses are short. lens rental or borrowin a friend's Nikon that will AF with your 70-300 would be a good idea.

 

[amara_shadow]

The venue is an outdoor arena, and I will be able to be on the court taking photos. Do you think my 55-200mm will do the trick? I can look into renting another lens - what should I look at renting if I go with that option?

 

[Village Idiot]

The venue is an outdoor arena, and I will be able to be on the court taking photos. Do you think my 55-200mm will do the trick? I can look into renting another lens - what should I look at renting if I go with that option?

70-200 f/2.8

 

[JerryPH]

Somethng fast for one.. if it cannot do constant F/2.8 at all focal lengths, pass on it. Your venue will be challenging, so the 2 lengths that I suggest are in the 17-70 and 70-200mm lengths.

Strangely, Nikon makes 2 lenses that do just those focal lengths and are constant aperture F/2.8'ers too... lol