I shot an International Rhythmic Gymnastic event today. The lighting at this venue is so poor (ISO 3200, f/2.8 at 1/100), I am sure glad I was the “official” event photographer and was able to set up some bounce strobes. As for the ugly backgrounds, there is nothing I can do. I am assigned a position and was not allow to move from that spot. These are all Level 10 world-class gymnasts. Some of then were medalist from Athens. Mostly from Russia and Ukraine. Enjoy! Ben
Ben... great shots. I'm assuming with the strobes set at 2-3 over ambient, you were able drop ISO to about 800? Also, I'm curious how you were able to use strobes in the first place, since they fire like flashes and can distract the gymnasts, especially in event like this, where looking up is more frequent. I was under the impression that any type of flash was a no-no, whether you are an official photographer or not.
Paul, this was the 2nd year that I shot this event. I also strobed it last year as well. Last year I first sold the idea of professional “Arena Lighting” to the meet director then obtained in writing from USAG (governing body for all gymnastics in US) their approval. BTW, USAG’s policy is no on camera flash and there is no restriction in professional “Arena Lighting”. Still, many parents were alarmed. I prepared a short explanation that the announcer used throughout the meet letting everyone know that the arena lighting is both USAG and meet director approved. This type of professional lighting is at every large arena in North America teams such as Lakers, Clippers, Kings are all being shot with strobes; their kids are being shot like the pros with over $10,000 of professional lighting gear (there were 4 sets of Elinchroms 1200s + 6 PW Multitask). The lights will be coming from the ceiling directly above the athletes and not from eye level.
There were a few parents came up and asked me not to shoot their kid which we agreed, most parents simply gotten used to it. The gymnasts had least amount of problem. Many had told me they are aware of the strobes but once the music started they just did their thing. I refrain from shooting upper level girls when they are looking up during a trap (catch of an apparatus)-especial US girls, they are very much spoiled and will use the strobe as an excuse if they missed the trap besides some their moms are real difficult to deal wtih. The international girls are not nearly as pampered as the US girls. They are simply in a separate class. When they perform, they are in the “zone” and the strobe does not affect them at all. That is why I only shoot the upper international girls for possible portfolio shots.
BTW, I was the only photographer in the US to ever strobe rhythmic gymnastics meets. I have since strobed two other RG events. I have not tried to strobe artistic gymnastic meets. There will be more resistance for sure. OK, I am off to shoot the last day of this event and I will post some more from today’s shoot later. Ben
I love the lines on #10. I think it is an incredible shot. Thanks for posting. BTW, most parents at all events in the U.S. are "bitches" (IF their children don't win!!).
Just in case if there is some confusion about 2 or 4 Elichroms. I set up two sets of two for several reasons. First, in lower levels (5 & 6)-my best customers, they divided the floor to two equal halves and two gymnasts perform side-by-side. I need two shooters to cover this thus two sets of lights. Second, once I am setup with two sets of lights, the 2nd one becomes my backup. In most cases, some news photographer gets there and is in shock of the lighting condition and will beg for me to lent them my 2nd sets of lights. Ben
Ah I recognize a few names: Inna Zhukova, Natalya Godunko and Vera Sessina. If you use strobe, why you did need to set to ISO 3200?? I guess you have used Neatimage or other noise reduction software.
I'm also curious as I can see that you had to significantly push up the exposure dring the post proccesing (pic #2 and 3 the background has those vertical lines in it that tell me you shot underexposed and had to push it afterwards). I have never used strobes, and I shoot gymnastics all the time and I have that very same problem, I just HAVE to shoot at least 1 point under and the rescue the shots during the RAW conversion, ut I thought using strobes meant you had much more light, kinda like in a studio... isn't that the case then?
I gotta find me a fricking gymnast....so we can get "gymnasty"...damn all that flexibility could make for some REAL fun....I mean in a studio of course
Hey, guys, kristjan is right on. It was the ambient light. I was shooting ISO 400 f/2.8 at 1/250. Thanks for all the kind words. Gary, I love these straight lines as well. Most of these Russian gymnasts can hyper-extent (pass 180 degree), like #12. I will try to post a few from today's images. singlo, I see you know your RG. Teco, I am with you on the lights, most venues I shoot ambient and using prime lenses. r_o_b_s_o_n, now, now, now! Let's not get anyone in trouble here. Even Dan is behaving (wink, wink). Michael, wish you were there. Dan, I was waiting for you and Ricardo to comment. Don't even think about it...they are too young. . Ben
Some very interesting stuff here, Ben! In a positive way, of course
Thanks for the run down on the lighting. What a great event for you to be able to strobe...you and only you, unless you allowed the newspaper dude to shoot with the strobes
I really like your comment on the pampering of US kids...it is spot on (just like your images). I find it all the time coaching volleyball kids nowadays out here in SoCal...it isn't the norm, but it is becoming more and more prevelant and I cannot stand it. End of rant.
Ben, a gymnnast friend of mine asks me if the organization of the meet ask the gymnasts to sign some sort of paper agreeing to be photographed with strobes. I told her probably not, but if you could clarify please...
Great looking shots!
You mention in your first post that you setup "Bounce strobes" Were you bouncing off the ceiling? How were the lights oriented? It's nice to see more people breaking ground with event lighting.
Great looking shots!
You mention in your first post that you setup "Bounce strobes" Were you bouncing off the ceiling? How were the lights oriented? It's nice to see more people breaking ground with event lighting.
. Ben
