Which Lens For Your Own Kids

[Bill Forster]

So I got into action photography largely because my kids were active in many different sports and I wanted to capture their moments. For sports like soccer and football, I've got the big glass (400/2.8) that I use for paying events but I feel like a nerd and get too much attention if I pull that out for a rec event that one of my kids is in. I sold a Canon 100-400 and a 300/2.8 to help buy the 400/2.8 and I've got a 70-200 that just isn't enough for field sports. So the question is, what do you guys use to photograph your own kids at a rec soccer/lacrosse/football game? I kinda wish I had my 300 back and I could add a 1.3x converter.
Thanks for your opinions.

[Ken Little]

Hey Bill - Yes, many times I feel like a nerd out there shooting with my 300/2.8 lens on a monopod. I even have a ThinkTank belt with a SpeedChanger bag on it. I usually don't sit with the parents. However, I'm not just shooting my kids, but shooting all the action.

Over the years, I started with a Canon G3, then a DSLR with a 70-200 and finally this past fall acquired the 300mm. I guess what drives me to shoot and not worry as much is I am shooting all the action, because I love capturing the moment. I started sharing the shots early on in a DVD for the end of the season and gave out the DVDs at my own expense. This was considered paying my dues.

When my child quit playing sports and the parents of the Soccer Booster Club, now with children in high school asked me if I would continue shooting the action. I said that without a child on the team, I would have to charge for my time. They agreed. We didn't agree on a price, but the first season it was experimental, with me printing the pictures and collecting the money. It was hard work, especially with a full time job.

At the soccer banquet, where my DVD was used, a soccer parent, whose child also played football, asked if I would shoot football for the school. I told them I would have to think about it, as I knew my business model wouldn't work, shooting that many pictures. I decided to change my business model to shoot, edit and upload and let a order fulfillment company handle the printing, collecting and shipping. They send me a check for the net. Now, I get to shoot soccer, football and basketball and will try other sports.

I know this is more of an answer than you asked about the lens, but in my case, the only way I could justify shooting larger glass is to cover all the action and post all the pictures for sale to help cover the cost. While I do have a child who still plays soccer, I just charge a little over cost for those pictures. But all other sports are shot to sell at market rates. I don't think I would have had the opportunity to have a part-time sports-action photography business, if I hadn't shot ALL the action. Plus, there were just not enough actions photos of my child alone to justify me using larger glass. I like shooting, the parents like the pictures, they get to watch the game, they can view the pictures on line and they can buy them if they wish. Sorry for the long reply.

[Derry]

I just don't think about what others are thinking about me shooting photos now days (after 50 years of shooting),, I most always have my best equipment with me so I can use what I need for the situation,, heck the big guns even stir up some comment from the crowd,, was at one of the grandkids volleyball games and hear a parent from the other team comment "hey look they have a guy from the press talking photos" funny,,

when shooting the family or any grandkids sports events I continue the same mode,, I find it interesting to have parents come over and start talking about gear and ask some personal question on how would I shoot a specific situation which I am always glad to assist them on,,

I figure I purchased the equipment to use and so I do,,

If I am hiking into the woods and know my needs I will pack gear for only what I am planning on shooting,,