Teams and Individuals: Hockey

Curtis Cunningham · #1 11-20-2008, 01:07 PM

I'm looking for lighting tips (setup/camera settings) on the best way to go about shooting hockey teams/individuals.

My biggest question right now is how to ensure that the ice stays white.

Thanks.

Martin_Doudoroff · #2 11-20-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curtis Cunningham

My biggest question right now is how to ensure that the ice stays white.

I'm curious why you wouldn't just perform a custom white balance when you arrive and leave the camera set thusly throughout the shoot?

Curtis Cunningham · #3 11-20-2008, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin_Doudoroff

I'm curious why you wouldn't just perform a custom white balance when you arrive and leave the camera set thusly throughout the shoot?

Because it's a new experience and I didn't think of it, that's why.

Would you suggest an off-camera flash would be suitable, or do I need to bring my studio lights (and ensure their stability on the ice somehow)?

Martin_Doudoroff · #4 11-20-2008, 02:51 PM

I'm about as qualified to comment on the flash question as I am to discuss quantum mechanics. Hopefully a sports photographer here will chime in. (Over 100 survey takers have claimed to work in or follow the sports market.)

Dennis_Vied · #5 11-20-2008, 05:22 PM

Well, I haven't done that either, but just brainstorming it, I would say that if you have the luxury of time and being able to take up space with studio lights, that would be the way to go. You would probably get the best results that way. The way I see it, it all depends on how much they value the time and presence of the photographer. If they're there to get pictures, I'd expect maximum cooperation. If they're there to play a game, I'd expect minimum cooperation. I would therefore plan my ability to move accordingly.

End of philosophy lesson for the day.

ChrisPerry · #6 11-20-2008, 06:48 PM

Iv'e done T&I this year for the first time. I did baseball outside and soccer inside (rainy day).

For the baseball I used oncamera and one 580 off camera. The off camera did make some 'bad' shadows that I didn't like.

In the gym it was studio lights as I had no fear of them blowing over, no issues getting power to them, etc. By far teh better option as I has the option of modifiers. For stuff like this (location, 1 or 2 people) I prefer umbrellas, usually shoot thru in small room and bounce in bigger rooms. Usually is the key here.

Custom WB and you can shoot JPG, or RAW + JPG if you're leeary of things going awry.

I doubt you should have an issue on the ice, but bring a carpet and put everything on that - isn't that what they do at hockey games for any officials that come on the ice?

Can you shoot from an opening at the edge of the ice? Will you have to walk over and pose the players? Wear insulated shoes or your feet will go numb!

Curtis Cunningham · #7 11-20-2008, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisPerry

Can you shoot from an opening at the edge of the ice? Will you have to walk over and pose the players? Wear insulated shoes or your feet will go numb!

I'm not sure. Right now I'm just trying to gather as much information as possible because I want to put together a proposal for the local hockey administration.

Your questions are good ones in that they really help me to be specific and focused in my preparations...