p.1 #1 · shooting photos AND video at sporting events
I have some potential clients that are asking for video along with photos. I am new to that part of camera work.
Have others who have shot mostly photos been asked this, and if so and you agreed, how did you learn the video side of it? I'm very curious as to how the logistics of it are done. Are you shooting photos of a game (say hockey for example). Someone scores, you get a bit of celebration in photos, and then switch to video for 5-10 seconds? If I'm shooting a game that's 6-0 and the leading team goes on a power play, then I would possibly switch to video so long as I got good photos previously. However, in a close game, I'd be concerned about losing the best photos.
My cameras and lenses are certainly good enough for video. Just I've never done this before and think it's time to start learning so I can add this to what I shoot.
If you have any other advice, please let me know. Thank you!!
p.1 #2 · shooting photos AND video at sporting events
I'm watching this thread closely ...
A few weeks ago I did a local workshop on sports photography and one the points we discussed are the skills young photographgers will need moving forward. I'm an old dog, and I too am being asked to learn new tricks. Chief among these are:
1) Increased transmission expectations: It's not uncommon for daily publications to expect 15+ fully edited, captioned and transmitted photos before the end of halftime in a major game.
2) Direct from camera to editor: At certain venues and for certain publications, I'm transmitting directly from camera to the editorial desk.(Tagged to Transmit).
The days of "shoot today, edit tonight" are gone or going away rapidly in the media world. Also, you better know our way around an FTP and/or a camera that can transmit direct and be able to troubleshoot connective technology.
In the two cases above, people trying to get in the field to cover for media will really need to develop a speed-based workflow.
3) 'Grab a little video": While I have adapted to points 1-2, I'm still struggling with this a bit. Typically, if the game is important (which is when they usually ask for the video) I'll go right to video at the buzzer and get the celebration. Celebrations are always messy, and hit-or-miss photographically unless there is a ceremony, so this is one area where video really does a good job and makes good footage.
Then I'll switch back to photos. I haven't had to do this a lot -- but I sense becoming increasingly common. In my cases, the video has been used more as a teaser to the text and photos.
THE KEY ISSUE -- RIGHTS. If it is a big game (let's say a March Madness game) you need to check to see if you can use ANY video clips. The TV network may own all video rights. And even at the high school level, you need to check it with NFHS Network and the state athletic assiciation. They may tolerate a parent taking a clip -- but may (or may not) restrict the media if someone has paid for the rights. It varies by state.
Others please chime in here -- much to learn for all of us.
p.1 #4 · shooting photos AND video at sporting events
I shoot with Canon, and if I shoot 4k video, I can extract an 8mp jpg in-camera that's quite good.
You still have to watch your shutter speed (and the 180 degree shutter rule goes out the window), but do some testing on your own and see if you're satisfied with the result. As long as your shutter speed is fast enough to stop action, you won't get blurry images.
I've also mounted my iPhone on my hot shoe and recorded video on that, while I shot stills, and was satisfied. It's a bit more work that way as you're managing two cameras instead of just one.
It comes down to testing and seeing what you like.
