Since I havea 35/1.8 and a 50/1.8 - I just felt the need to round out the trio with one of the 85mm F1.8 lenses for Nikon. Originally I was going to go with the newer, 85mm f1.8G model due to it's ability to manually override the focusing system. However - I saw a deal on Fre Miranda's site that I could not pass up.
So - after a great deal from a Canadian, I got a 85mm f1.8D model to round out the f1.8 trio.
I've shot a few photos here and there - but the main test will be this weekend at the Ralston Arena where I'll help document Crossfit Omaha's fundraiser/workout this weekend. Can't wait!!!
They say that you are your hardest critic...so I guess I'll apply that now so I can capture my lessons learned this past season consisting of football and soccer. Before I get started - I do recall some of my lessons learned from last year and fell I made progress in some and opened new areas for improvement. They were:
- capture more facial expressions - to include the eyes
- capture post-scoring ceremony actions (more on that below)
- vary positions, angles, and perspectives. Spread the wealth regarding where to focus
- upgrade camera that improves: autofocus accuracy and speed; higher ISO [6400 or higher]; capable using all Nikon autofocus lenses; increased resolution; higher FPS rate
The last one was the easiest. Thanks to birthday money and fragile craigslist and eBay shopping - I did get a substantial hardware upgrade, not only in camera, but lenses as well. I was able to shift from my old Nikon D40x with Nikkor 55-200mm f4-5.6 zoom to a more capable Nikon D7000 matted to a Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D ED zoom. This combo would not disappoint and excelled in all requirements.
This season's Lessons learned:
- solicit parents and families prior to first upload to ensure there are no privacy concerns and to explain the process, intent, and the site will be password protected.
- consider shooting JPEG versus RAW. With the D7000...the buffer fills quickly at 9 shots and shooting at 5.5 FPS, the camera locks up around 1.5 seconds. I mention this because I got several great scoring sequences only to have my camera locked up due to writing files to the SD card while players were high-fiving and celebrating. Finally, I coached myself out of the 'spray-and-pray' and conducted strategic shooting spurts that allowed 3-5 frames remaining after the score to grab a few celebration shots. Even with that - I'm surprised my trigger button still works due to frantically mashing it trying to capture key scenes.
- the D7000 is a bit noisy at ISO 3200 and higher. May look at software options to help smooth images out prior to importing to Aperture.
- gaining proper exposure in varied lighting. Most games consisted of harsh afternoon sun and the shadows that come with late morning, afternoon, and early afternoon direct sunlight. I normally meter the shadows and shoot manual – but need to consider using aperture priority to help account for differing shadows and light intensity due to the placement of the sun.
- minimize sideline and horizon junk – playing fields are littered with extra family members trooping the sidelines, cars parked next to the field, telephone poles, and bridges make for distracting backgrounds. I tried to position myself with proper angles in minimize un-necessary background distractions - but heavily relied on the shallow depth of field provided by the Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 ED to isolate players and wash out the busy backgrounds.
- slow auto-focus - missed a lot of pass and catches due to slow acquire and focus moving from the trenches to the open field looking for the ball and receivers. Possible camera settings and technique. I do shoot AF-C and utilize the 39-point autofocus. I tried the 9-point, but it usually missed the key subject…especially when tracking lateral movements.
After reviewing this - I think there are some comments I should elaborate on - which may make good projects to work on while waiting for wrestling to start in January.
Until then -
JC
Well, last Sunday were Sam and Jake's last games of the season. I love watching the boys play ball and the teams grow over the weeks. I also enjoy shooting football games. Like any sports photographer - there's a passion and quest to capture the perfect shot that contains the right facial expression showing the determination.
Doing some rough, Kentucky math - I've got over 4,000 photos that I've whittled from about 10,000 and posted on this website. Luckily - I've been rating each event, so I've got a 'Best of the Best' smart album that dynamically updates as I rate photos from each game. I think both teams are just shy of 1,000 photos - so that will make one hell of a end of season video....probably to much.
So - as I try to create a long, overdue portfolio - I've got to figure out how to get 15 to 20 photos from the 2,000 Best of the Best....hmmmm. Criteria will be the hardest thing to judge photos on....so, I'll have to digest on this for awhile.
Regardless - I'm extremely proud of my two boys, their coaches, and especially their teams. What a great season on all accounts. I'll also miss trying to capture each boy trying their hardest to make it happen for their team.
Getting ready to attend Noah's end of season soccer party/dinner....it dawned on me that we did not take team or individual photos like last season. Last time we just lined up the boys after their last game and I shot several photos and then a team photo. Easy, quick, and cheap - just download your photos and print at Walgreens or Walmart.
Anyways - since we could not make the last game - I guess that opportunity did not mature. So - mental note....track team photos and if needed - make arrangements to do it in-house for the team.
So - since I had a camera during dinner - it was not to late to move some tables to grab a couple of shots of the team.
Regardless - extremely proud of Noah, his coaches, and his team. Another great season and look forward to the next.
JC
Coyote's second tournament game....Thursday night....at Hawthorn field in Bellevue.
This was going to be a tough game on two accounts...first, my son was playing and second, the lighting at the field has horrible.
My plan was use my 80-200 f2.8 and maintain at least a 1/250 shutter speed, higher if possible. I believe most shots are at 1/320 to 1/500 with IOS kept at 5000. That's why all the photos are noisy or 'grainy'.
When going through the initial download to Aperture - I was amazed at the amount of photos out of focus and just plain, unusable. Positioning as always was a challenge as well. Seemed I was out of position on several photos and I think the low light caused slow auto-focus...so I lost a few good ones there.
Even though the outcome of the game was undesirable - I learned some valuable lessons shooting this game:
1. my equipment is not as good as I thought in low light. ISO 6400 and f2.8 are not necessarily magic.
2. keep fine tuning the use of the monopod to help with camera shake
3. Maximize 'head on' shooting versus side/oblique shooting which requires a higher shutter speed.
Look forward to this Sunday's game...daylight. I will have to fight with high-noon sun, but should be able to sue my light 70-300mm zoom.
JC