I covered some volleyball games this season for a local NJCAA team and threw some of the photos in an Animoto video. Thought I'd share for some C&C (photos or video).
Good catch Jay... I'm not sure what that is in #1. It's in the original shot and became more visible after processing. Perhaps some sort of string/fiber/bandage on her thumb? Might be time for a check/clean.
Well, #6 was shot during warm ups/"pepper" and #7 was shot during a hitting drill (second string setter). Everything else was captured during game play. I shoot a lot of volleyball and have developed a good sense of anticipation. Serve is usually returned by the back row, second touch goes to the setter, third touch typically to an outside hitter, digs for the libero, always anticipate the quick set/tip, etc... When shooting at 400 in a small gym, I'll follow one player and wait for the action to come to them. I love elevated positions for clean backgrounds, better light and faces/eye contact. Sitting on the floor is great for digs. Thanks for the props!
Jim: Great set of shots, as has been said already. Some of them do look like they were set up and taken in a studio. Impressive. I especially like #'s 2, 4, 6, 7 and 12.
#6 isn't a posed shot. During warmups, as you say Jim, the liberos and defensive specialists practice pancake drills, or "pepper" as you call it but that isn't the correct term. Pancakes are effective in keeping a rally going, used usually when the opposing team tips the ball over the blockers into the open space behind them. That's when the DSs or liberos are diving flat out, arm extended and using a pancake to keep the ball from hitting the floor. My perspective is I wouldn't call it a "posed" shot.
Jim is a great indoor volleyball shooter and his venue, Harper College in Palatine, IL, is an excellent house for grabbing unique angles for volleyball. I've shot there a few times back in the day when I had free time away from Big Ten women's volleyball. Not many junior college houses have a catwalk, but that's how Jim captures interesting angles.
During warm ups, it's more interesting shooting drills than shooting the game. For example, when I shot Big Ten, I knew all the SIDs so well that I asked to shoot from atop the referee's net stand. Perched up there, yes, you can get some incredible angles, like shooting down at kill shots.
Jim, great stuff as always. How is Harper doing this year? I tell ya, the day you walk away from Harper as their shooter will be a sad day for volleyball. I miss shooting volleyball quite a bit, but my other gig makes up for it. Catch ya later, man.
bcyip: For #2, I was directly behind the referees ladder with an 85... I just happened to be at the right place at the right time.
As Orlan mentioned, Harper is a great venue for volleyball. Kankakee is another great gym (#7 and #10) as they have a ledge as well as tall bleachers that surround the court. The team had a pretty good year, currently ranked #9 in the nation (NJCAA). Unfortunately one of their starters was injured early in the season.
Russ: Thanks- I'm looking forward to your posts during the upcoming gymnastics season!
