Sports photos: composition tips and tricks

[Overread]

Thing is if they've got the histogram up and showing then chimping is a good thing - because it means they can check their exposures. In complex or tricky lighting situations or in changeable light this can be pretty important in the digital age as they aim to get as much exposure as possible whilst avoiding blowing out the exposure. Film had a bit more dynamic range and also was more forgiving in general (although some of the newer sensors are really getting to be very good at dark area recovery).

So I'd say you can't "cure" chimping by simply sticking some tape or paper over the LCD because its part of how the modern camera is used. Esp with the histogram its as much a tool as was checking your light meter. Learning not to chimp or only to chimp at the best times is something they will have to learn. Perhaps have them simply watch or get involved in more games and then do a debrief where you can go over how fast things were, how dynamic the sport is and thus how important it is for them to not chimp (esp if you can ask them things they shouldn't be doing and lead them into saying chimping/checking the shot themselves).


I also find that I chimp and check more when
1) I'm unsure of the lighting
2) I'm unsure of my focusing (even though the LCD is horrific to check this on)

So sometimes going over the basics once more; making sure that they are really confident in their knowledge of camera control and instilling in them the confidence to trust their own skill and control. So that even if things go wrong its because of chance or hardware not keeping up rather than their method

 

[vintagesnaps]

The term 'chimping' started on Sports Photography and Photojournalism for Professional Photographers and Photography | SportsShooter.com . The site is done by pros and there was an article on the site about who was credited for first using the term. They did a video some years ago when digital photography was newer somewhat poking fun at themselves and/or people with cameras (and I don't know if any of this is still on there). It isn't exactly considered a good sports shooting technique. It isn't actually a technique at all, it's just a thing people do. I think there's maybe a natural tendency to look, but if you're putzing with your camera you're going to miss action.

I started on film too, and can do either shooting sports. I got damn fast at changing a roll of film, I can tell you that; had a system of finished roll goes in right pocket, fresh roll comes out of left pocket, in and wind fast! Keep an eye (and a feel) for getting near the end of the roll and be aware of time on the clock til intermission when there's a chance to change rolls and restash from the camera bag. Except for when I was taking pictures during intermission, then I'd have to take a few minutes of game time to get ready for mascot races on the ice, big fake cardboard checks, etc.

These days I'm out of 'game shape' for shooting hockey since I'm getting around with a cane and not actively shooting hockey, but I still take pictures at games from the 'cheap' seats (AKA the accessible seats). Usually I take my digital camera and tend to glance thru after a few shots, then I don't usually look except maybe during a TV timeout (or excuse me, now it's called a media timeout!).

@ ac12 - Maybe give your students film cameras, that ought to break that habit! lol Seriously it might be due to lack of experience, that they keep checking and wanting to see what they did. (I was a teacher, occupational hazard.) As they get more practice and get better at shooting sports maybe that would improve. Or maybe they're not that into the game or the sport. Or maybe... tape a business card or part of an index card or whatever over their viewscreens...

But I do find I watch it differently if I'm taking pictures or if I'm just being a fan, obviously you see it differently thru a telephoto. At ice level you have to look up from behind your camera to see who is looming up blocking the light like a small solar eclipse thru your viewfinder...

 

[ac12]

Sharon,
I think it is some of them not having the confidence in themselves.

I have my ideas, but that will have to wait till next year. This year, I am stuck with the small staff as setup. I would like a 5-6 student photo staff, where I can concentrate my teaching, and they can get their experience and skills up. What bothers me is they shoot for their page, not a sport. Example one student shoots the JV game, then another shoots the Varsity game. So they are not getting enough camera time to get better. To me it makes better sense for one student to shoot both JV and Varsity games.

 

[OnTheFly7]

Everyone here has covered what I would say, but I’ll add this:

Stop chimping.

Yes, it’s hard. I know it’s tempting to check out that awesome shot you think you just got. But I guarantee you that the second you look at the image on the back of the camera you’ll miss another great photo opportunity. Once you have your exposure settings locked down, don’t review your images until the game is over.

I still struggle with this. But you really do get better shots when you’re taking photos and not looking at ones you’ve already captured.

So true!

I need to through out most rodeos due to when they take place. Usually starting in straight day light, then progressively going to full darkness with arena lighting. So I’ll take a quick peek simply to check exposure. That’s it.

Another reason not to chimp.......

It is exciting to not know what you have until you get back to the hotel and upload!

After shooting the same sport for a while, you will simply know when you nailed the shot! You will also know exactly when you missed it or were just a little too slow!

 

[ac12]

OTF
I go back and forth between Single Shot (S) and time the shot or Continuous High (C-H) and blast it.

Half the time when I do C-H, I miss shots that happen in between the 6 FPS shots.
- I learned this when I was shooting tennis and volleyball. Man those sports are FAST.
- I keep thinking about going back to S, but at my age, things slow down, hence my use of C-H for sports.

But S requires a LOT of practice to get the advanced timing nailed down in your head and finger.
- I don't even try to teach the kids to shoot sport in S. They don't have enough camera time to learn the timing.
- I will some times shoot single shots in C-H, because I feel I know the timing. Does not always work out.

 

[Destin]

OTF
I go back and forth between Single Shot (S) and time the shot or Continuous High (C-H) and blast it.

Half the time when I do C-H, I miss shots that happen in between the 6 FPS shots.
- I learned this when I was shooting tennis and volleyball. Man those sports are FAST.
- I keep thinking about going back to S, but at my age, things slow down, hence my use of C-H for sports.

But S requires a LOT of practice to get the advanced timing nailed down in your head and finger.
- I don't even try to teach the kids to shoot sport in S. They don't have enough camera time to learn the timing.
- I will some times shoot single shots in C-H, because I feel I know the timing. Does not always work out.

I have this same struggle. I’ve gotten into the habit of shooting 3-5 shot bursts, but I’m also shooting 10fps on the D500. I honestly wish there was a setting to press the shutter and have it take no more than a set number of photos: a burst limit setting or something. It would help me utilize the high frame rate without taking way too many photos.

 

[ac12]

OTF
I think there are only 2 kids that know what to do with the histogram and exposure compensation.
Most of the kids are "button pushers."
I'm trying to move some of the button pushers over a bit, to use more of the features of the camera.

I think we needed this year of learning, for them to understand just how much they have to learn.
But I also need them to put in the time to learn, and organize and work as a photo team, vs a bunch of individuals.

 

[ac12]

OTF
I go back and forth between Single Shot (S) and time the shot or Continuous High (C-H) and blast it.

Half the time when I do C-H, I miss shots that happen in between the 6 FPS shots.
- I learned this when I was shooting tennis and volleyball. Man those sports are FAST.
- I keep thinking about going back to S, but at my age, things slow down, hence my use of C-H for sports.

But S requires a LOT of practice to get the advanced timing nailed down in your head and finger.
- I don't even try to teach the kids to shoot sport in S. They don't have enough camera time to learn the timing.
- I will some times shoot single shots in C-H, because I feel I know the timing. Does not always work out.

I have this same struggle. I’ve gotten into the habit of shooting 3-5 shot bursts, but I’m also shooting 10fps on the D500. I honestly wish there was a setting to press the shutter and have it take no more than a set number of photos: a burst limit setting or something. It would help me utilize the high frame rate without taking way too many photos.

The problem with a burst limit is, you don't know when something happens where you want to keep shooting.
And when it happens, how do you overcome the burst limit, without loosing a key shot. The only option is to release and press the shutter when it hits that shot limit. But you loose shots when you do that.
Logically, a burst unlock button is needed. Hit it with your thumb when you want to bypass the burst limit and keep shooting.
Or a 3 position shutter release button. Press it down to the bottom to bypass the burst limit and go "full auto."

 

[ac12]

Geez,
I would hate to have to teach people how to use a 3 position shutter button.
Many of them have a hard enough time with the current 2 position button. They just push right down and bypass the half press position.

hmmm, that 3 position shutter button might be tough to use in the COLD, where you have to use a glove and do not have the feedback of a warm bare finger.
Maybe a longer and stiffer throw to the 3rd position.

 

[ac12]

OTF
I go back and forth between Single Shot (S) and time the shot or Continuous High (C-H) and blast it.

Half the time when I do C-H, I miss shots that happen in between the 6 FPS shots.
- I learned this when I was shooting tennis and volleyball. Man those sports are FAST.
- I keep thinking about going back to S, but at my age, things slow down, hence my use of C-H for sports.

But S requires a LOT of practice to get the advanced timing nailed down in your head and finger.
- I don't even try to teach the kids to shoot sport in S. They don't have enough camera time to learn the timing.
- I will some times shoot single shots in C-H, because I feel I know the timing. Does not always work out.

I have this same struggle. I’ve gotten into the habit of shooting 3-5 shot bursts, but I’m also shooting 10fps on the D500. I honestly wish there was a setting to press the shutter and have it take no more than a set number of photos: a burst limit setting or something. It would help me utilize the high frame rate without taking way too many photos.

Destin,

I found it !

On my D7200; Menu > Custom Setting > d-Shooting/Display > d3-Max Continuous Release.
Maximum number of shots when in Continuous mode CH or CL. From 1 (=single shot, which does not make sense) to 100.
You should have something similar on your D500.

If you want to shoot more than that max number, you have to release the shutter to reset, then press and fire another burst.
I tested it, and it works
But, you are in "burst" mode. You do not have the option of going "full auto." You have to press, release, press, release, ...

The trick is to determine what the burst value should be.
Default is 100 (the max).
I think my usual burst is 3-6 shots in CH mode. But I have occasionally had the longer burst. So I don't want to restrict myself too much.
I think that I can control my finger. It is not so cold, that I loose fine finger control.
But I'm usually firing off ONE shot rather than a burst, in CH mode. Old film habits die hard.

 

[vintagesnaps]

Give those kids mechanical film cameras, that ought to break those button pushing habits!! lol

Really, I think kids might learn something from shooting film (on cameras that are mechanical); all the auto everything on cameras seems to end up making it harder than it has to be. I mean, people are always on here posting about focusing points etc. and can't seem to focus worth a damn; if instead they'd learn to focus manually they could nail it. I shoot hockey and focus manually, even with my digital camera, so it's not like it can't be done.

 

[photoflyer]

I mean, people are always on here posting about focusing points etc. and can't seem to focus worth a damn; if instead they'd learn to focus manually they could nail it. I shoot hockey and focus manually, even with my digital camera, so it's not like it can't be done.

I agree but I just cannot get it really sharp like I could with the split screen on my old film Nikon. I understand there is some way to get spilt screen focus on DSLRs.

 

[ac12]

Give those kids mechanical film cameras, that ought to break those button pushing habits!! lol

Really, I think kids might learn something from shooting film (on cameras that are mechanical); all the auto everything on cameras seems to end up making it harder than it has to be. I mean, people are always on here posting about focusing points etc. and can't seem to focus worth a damn; if instead they'd learn to focus manually they could nail it. I shoot hockey and focus manually, even with my digital camera, so it's not like it can't be done.

I think us manual focus photogs are in the minority.
But even I recognize that AF is so much easier, and faster. I've done snap shots in soccer and basketball, shoot one subject, then immediately turn and shoot another, which would be hard with a MF lens.
Except when the camera/lens can't focus and goes nuts and hunts. I lost several soccer goal shots to that problem :-( Interestingly, it usually happens on the goal/net shots with this one lens.

There are basically 2 types of students in the yearbook class.

• The 'button pushers' who are not photographers. They just have to shoot photos for their page. They just want a P&S.
  
• The photographers. These will use the features of the camera and will learn.

Exposure has been and still is a problem.

• Manual exposure is difficult to learn for non-photographers, some more difficult than others. And some photographers have trouble with it also.
  • I shoot the gym (volleyball and basketball) and night games (football and soccer) in manual mode, to avoid lighting problems that confuse the meter. Except for 2 experienced kids, I won't even try that with the rest of the kids.
• Auto exposure is generally good.
  
  • But even auto exposure is tricky. They have to know that sports needs a higher shutter speed to freeze action, and how to tell the camera to do that.

The problem is that the school cameras are pool cameras.
So if someone changes a configuration, and forgets to change it back, they screwed their classmate.
And someone did just that last week, putting away the camera still in RAW mode.
The next kid to use the camera was close to crying, cuz she could not use the photos she spent the time and effort to shoot. They don't have a RAW to JPG conversion in their workflow. For simplicity and speed, they shoot in JPG.
Luckily, I shot the same game, and was her safety net.

I try to simplify the camera configuration to reduce some of the potential problems of sharing cameras, using the KISS principle.

• After I found some wildly out of focus shots (zone focusing on the wrong subject), I set ALL the cameras to single point AF, center point. No fancy AF modes. That took care of most of the AF problems.

• They shoot in JPG only. To simplify the workflow.

• Shutter and AF are in continuous mode.
  
  • It is too difficult to get them to switch back and forth between single shot and continuous mode. Remember these are P&S type kids.
    
  • I would have set the cameras to single shot mode, but they don't know how to time the shot when shooting sports, which requires practice and experience. So I told them to just shoot a burst, and hope they got the shot they want, in one of the shots of the burst.

• Auto ISO. To let the camera adjust for lighting conditions.

Yes, I am turning the dslr into a fancy P&S. Because most of the yearbook staff are not photographers.
The 2 experienced photographers, know how to do what they want with their cameras.

I have one experienced student that I am training to be my student helper, and to help the other kids when I am not there.

 

[ac12]

Geez,
I would hate to have to teach people how to use a 3 position shutter button.
Many of them have a hard enough time with the current 2 position button. They just push right down and bypass the half press position.

hmmm, that 3 position shutter button might be tough to use in the COLD, where you have to use a glove and do not have the feedback of a warm bare finger.
Maybe a longer and stiffer throw to the 3rd position.

That glove just bit me in the butt.

My gloved thumb accidentally turned the command dial of my D7200, changing the shutter speed, and underexposing a bunch of shots :-(
I did not feel my thumb on the command dial, so I did not know that my thumb was on the dial.
The knitted glove grabbed the knurled dial, so it was easier to turn the dial. A smooth leather glove may not have snagged the knurled dial.

That's it for shooting with a glove on my right hand.

 

[Destin]

Geez,
I would hate to have to teach people how to use a 3 position shutter button.
Many of them have a hard enough time with the current 2 position button. They just push right down and bypass the half press position.

hmmm, that 3 position shutter button might be tough to use in the COLD, where you have to use a glove and do not have the feedback of a warm bare finger.
Maybe a longer and stiffer throw to the 3rd position.

That glove just bit me in the butt.

My gloved thumb accidentally turned the command dial of my D7200, changing the shutter speed, and underexposing a bunch of shots :-(
I did not feel my thumb on the command dial, so I did not know that my thumb was on the dial.
The knitted glove grabbed the knurled dial, so it was easier to turn the dial. A smooth leather glove may not have snagged the knurled dial.

That's it for shooting with a glove on my right hand.

I don’t remember if the 7200 has it, but my D500 and d810 both have ways of locking the command dials so that they don’t do anything if accidentally bumped.

On the 500 it’s “hold down record button, rotate dial”

I think it’s a customizable function of that button. I don’t remember how it works on the 810 off the top of my head, but I know it’s different.