BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: Action & Sports Pictures

Photography Question 

Michael P. Damm, Jr
 

Sports Photography and Lighting


Recently I have been shooting a lot of basketball games where the lighting is poor. Where can I find lighting equipment to use and are they referred to as corner kits?


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January 18, 2008

 

robert G. Fately
  Michael, usually one has to use a high film or ISO speed along with a very fast lens to capture shots in these environments. Consumer flash units aren't powerful enough to reach across the court, and also are often frowned upon (if not outlawed) as they can distract the players.

Pros who can afford them (or, more realistically, whose magazines can afford them) have radio-fired flash banks up in the rafters, where the flashes' short durations make them invisible to the players or fans. But now you're talking real money.

Editor's Note: Also check out BetterPhoto's excellent online courses:
- Basics of Sports Photography
- Photographing Fast-Action Sports with a Digital SLR


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January 18, 2008

 

Evan C. Benson
  Michael,

It all depends where you are located during the game. Im a high school sports photographer and I have court acess. I shoot digital and use a Canon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. A lens with a good f/stop is almost required for producing a good inside shot. I also use an attacable flash. A Canon Speedlite 530EX II. I produce great results at the games at a iso of about 400 and a shutter speed of about 160-200.


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January 21, 2008

 
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