BetterPhoto Q&A
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Jillian Danielson		Shooting at a baseball game,, I will be shooting from the dugout at one of our local games (not a professional one). It will be outdoors, at 4pm this friday. I have a canon rebel xti and am always trying to learn better ways if improving. If anyone has any tips on how to get the best action shots I can get, I would appreciate it! My 2 lenses I have (I am just starting out with this camera,will have more lenses as money allows),, I have a standard 18-55mm and a 70-300. Both canon lenses. Is there a certain manuel setting I should have with a certain lens to make these photos really pop? They will be for our newspaper and I really want them to turn out great! Thanks again!!! :) Have a blessed day! To love this question, log in above May 30, 2007

W.		Hi Jillian, if you shoot just from the dugout you'll have a very limited FoV (Field of View) and PoV (Point of View). Vary your location and PoV for varied photos. So that both you and the newspaper have as much choice as possible. Try an elevated position 'looking down' on the court as well. Set your cam at RAW and 400 iso. You'll probably use the 70-300 most. Try Av (aperture priority), set at the largest aperture. USE SUPPORT to minimize camera shake! Preferably a tripod. Since the photos are for a newspaper, ideally you really should have prepared like a pro and done a test run. In advance of course, on location, and around the same time of day, to see what kind of images you may expect to make. Now you will have to wing it of course. Have fun and good luck! To love this comment, log in above May 31, 2007

Ariel Lepor		I wouldn't recommend raw for a nonprofessional baseball shoot. It is just extra time and space, imo. What kind of quality gets printed in the newspaper, anyhow? You'd probably be taking many pictures and only selecting a few good ones. I would mainly use the telephoto zoom lens, because you will be able to get closer to people, and you can zoom out for some shots. Like W.S. said, a high ISO might be a good idea for larger DOF and more stability (you will be able to use a smaller aperture and faster shutter), but if you aren't zoomed in, I would lower the ISO and not worry about a slower shutter and wider aperture. If you can manage it, use a wider aperture and zoom on a stationary player, so you can get a good, isolated focus. A batter would be awesome like this. With wide aperture, you could also lower the ISO and get smoother results. Ariel ScrattyPhotography Blog To love this comment, log in above May 31, 2007

Dreaded Critic		Hi Jillian It's nice to hear from someone with enthusiasm such as yours. for excellent results try this, during a slow period of the game, this is gaurantied to capture a moment of excitement. 1. carefully detach the lens from the camera. 2. throw the lens high into the air. 3. let it hit the ground. you'll difinately get the POP you mention above. and Jillian, I'm always willing to assist with any future questions, Have fun! To love this comment, log in above June 01, 2007

Jillian Danielson		Thank you all for your responses! I just got this job with the newspaper and am very excited in this new field of photography! I have been doing mostly shoots(point and shoot camera) for my own business, so am happy to be able to get more creative!. I know this is only a local game, but it will give me good practice.(I wish it was a pro game, I LOVE baseball) but, this will help me get started. I will try your suggestions,,except throwing my lens in the air :) , and hope I get some great shots!! Have a blessed day!! To love this comment, log in above June 01, 2007

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