 Robin C. Byers |
Capturing Action in Low Light I have recently starting shooting a lot at barrel races. I am having problems capturing the images after the sun gets low or when the barrel races are inside an arena. They tend to blur because there is not enough lighting for the fast-action shots. Can anyone tell me exactly what type of lens and flash that I need to do this?
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Todd Bennett |
Robin, See the following link and the links in it. They are talking about football but the same applies to your situation. http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/QnAdetail.php?threadID=30825
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Mikeperezimages.com - Mike D. Perez Contact Mike D. Perez Mike D. Perez's Gallery |
Robin, I am not sure what lens you currently have but here is what I do to capture low-light action: 1. Set you camera for Shutter Speed Priority at about 1/200 or 1/250. 2. Depending on the maximum aperture of your lens (lowest f/number), set your ISO as high as necessary to get an exposure (not a Lo aperture indicator on the viewport). If your lens' max aperture is smaller than f2.8 (i.e., higher f/number), you will probably have trouble getting a good exposure, in which case the only option you have is to shoot underexpose and try to "fix" the image in post processing. The key is to get a sharp image. You can fix a lot of exposure problems in post processing but it is nearly impossible to fix a blurred image. FYI - Even with a f2.8 lens, I end up shooting ISO 1600 or 3200 often in dark places. 3. Get a noise reduction filter (Neat Image and Noise Ninja have free demo versions you can download). Run your images through it to reduce the noise that will pop up when you shoot high ISO. then try to the fix the brightness/contrast in PS (or equivalent photo editing tool). Most likely, you'll need a telephoto lens with f2.8 max aperture if you are going to do this often. I started with the Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8. It is great lens but it is a bit expensive. Very versatile and not too heavy. I now also have a Sigma 120-300mm, which is also great and a LOT cheaper. It, however, is heavy. I use it a lot on shoots where I will be stationary most of the time. I've carried it around the zoo in the middle of a TX summer and it is a load! By the way, you'll likely need a monopod to increase your chances of not blurring shots. I prefer it for sports vs. a full function tripod because of the greater mobility it affords. Good luck!
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Mike Carlson |
I would have to respectfully disagree with Mike above - in low light with fast action you want your priority to be the fastest shutter speed you can achieve. 1/200 or 1/250 is often too slow to freeze anything moving as fast as a horse. Your best bet would be to ensure that you have a 2.8 lens, and the options he outlined are good ones as an entry level. With a 2.8 lens, setting the aperture priority at 2.8 and then pushing your ISO as high as you can without too much grain (depends on your camera) will give you your best shutter speed options. I'm not sure about flash, especially on-camera direct flash, in a horse racing situation...I know in the past I've heard of facilities requesting that flashes powerful enough to help you in your situation (to help freeze action) not be used because it may spook the horse (this as opposed to arena strobes above the action).
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Missy P |
Hi everyone, What mode do you do you shoot in? Mike C., what shutter speed do you suggest? I will be shooting action shots of basketball. I do have a Sigma F2.8 lens.
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Gaylen Bicking |
Hi Robin, I shoot Cowboy Mounted Shooting and Barrel Racing in indoor arenas. Ask if it is ok to use flash (extended). Your camera may default to 200 or 250/sec. and the horses eyes may look like flash lights but you can fix in Photo Shop. The 70-200mm f2.8 Canon,Nikon and Sigma Lenses are super! Also, usually there is a door, garage type, at one end of the arena, ask if that can be opened to let more light in. Work different angles in the arena for best lighting, the bulbs, lamps are not the same color, they never seem to change them. I'm in Minnesota so I'm indoors ALOT! It's a challenge! Good Luck! Gaylen Bicking
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Ralph L. Nuerenberg |
I have been shooting barrel racing and poles for a number of years. High ISO will leave a unsatisfacory grain; shutter speeds must be 400 or better to avoid blur. Indoor arenas are cavernous light sinks, so you have two options: make more light with multiple flash units (3 unitis is what I typically see; or grab all the light that is there using an ultra low light lens (f1.2). I picked the lens for mobility and suitable for outdoor shooting (with ND filters) as well. Both methods cost bucks, but the photos I get are much better than using even the f2.0 I have. (Canon Equip.) Side note: many indoor arenas result in severe color cast. Check out ExpoDisk on the web, and shoot RAW.
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Robin C. Byers |
Thanks everyone. With all of this information, surely I can find a way to get these shots. I do appreciate all of you responses.
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