bear: Please post some of your shots so we can see what you're giving away and what parents are clamoring for. Even the parents of the other team want you to shoot for them. Impressive. Will they get the photos free as well?
Arc: I can't agree with bear's strategy of just showing up and sneaking your way onto the sideline. Ideally, permission is granted to those who have a reason to be there, and typically that means you're shooting for some outlet. You also can approach the school, starting with the athletic director, but you'd need to present some reason why the school would want to permit you to photograph their athletic events. Also, these type of arrangements typically are made well in advance of the season. There are plenty here who do this stuff and can offer more advice, but intentionally going where you aren't welcome is not likely to get you very far, bear notwithstanding.
I started shooting (or attempting to shoot) HS football 3 years ago. I asked the admistration of the school (headmaster/principle) for permission. And got permission from the coach.
From there, I started shooting other sports, (softball/soccer/baseball....) and I get full access at any school event.
I also donate some shots to the school for use on their website and their yearbook.
Bottom line, in this case it's best to get permission and see if a sideline pass is required.
Arc Studios wrote:
There are a few photographers at our local local highschool games shooting away on the field. How would I go about getting on the field? What is the most profitable way of selling your images after the game? Just online proofing? We have a studio now that is in a high traffic area. The same people have shot these games for years and they use flash yuk I would much rather have a parent hire me and stick to getting great shots of them for a few hundred bucks. Anyone ever done that? Whats a good approach to that? Thanks for any help you guys may give
Just out of curiosity how many high school games have you shot? You wonder why they use flash, here's a hint. ISO 3200, f/2.8, 1/200 (which won't stop little league action, let alone high school football), a shot 1-2 stops underexposed and all the noise you can imagine.
If you want to shoot high school ball go to the school and talk to the athletic director or contact the school district.
When my local team made it to the playoffs I just showed up with my camera equipment and they let me right on the field. I did this for the next 2 playoff games. I had tons of parents contact me saying how great my shots were, etc... I always wrote back asking if they knew someone in the school I could talk to about getting a field pass for the next year. No one came through until one parent was good friends with the coaches. I asked him, he made some calls, now I'm the official photographer for the team.
I must add I'm doing it more as a community thing. I give the high school all photos and I don't charge much for the photos. I even allow anyone to download the photos for free. The nice part is parents are buying prints from my site. They drive me to games and I also get free advertising and exposure. Which will lead to bigger and better things.
I would go to a practice and talk to coaches and see if they can do something for you. Or contact the schools sports department. Must high school games do not have big security or much from stopping you from getting on the field.
Just remember if you look like you should be there no one will bother you. Also if you get on the field, stay 3-5 yards off the lines and stay off between the 30-30 yard lines, where the players are. Basically 30-to the goal. Also talk to refs before the game starts to see what they require of you.
Flash, why. I don't think anyone should use a professional flash on a sideline. Buy a better camera, lens, learn to shoot better. The last game I did the other teams "photographer" was using a Nikon D70 with a 70-300 AF-D (non VR) and a SB-800. I gave my card to some of the parents and now they want me to shoot games for them....Show more →
If I read correctly, the original poster wants to make some money at this and is asking about a proper, professional approach to gaining field access...not sneaking in and giving away free photos.
Overall...the advice you are giving here is very bad...all the way around.
I would also join Russ in asking to see these "un-flashed freebie masterpieces" because I would like to get rid of my professional flashes and purchase a better sports camera than the Mark III I'm forced to use on the sidelines of high school football games.
Lee Woolery
Speedshot Photo
Edited by leewoolery on Aug 31, 2008 at 03:35 AM GMT
When my local team made it to the playoffs I just showed up with my camera equipment and they let me right on the field. I did this for the next 2 playoff games. I had tons of parents contact me saying how great my shots were, etc... I always wrote back asking if they knew someone in the school I could talk to about getting a field pass for the next year. No one came through until one parent was good friends with the coaches. I asked him, he made some calls, now I'm the official photographer for the team.
I must add I'm doing it more as a community thing. I give the high school all photos and I don't charge much for the photos. I even allow anyone to download the photos for free. The nice part is parents are buying prints from my site. They drive me to games and I also get free advertising and exposure. Which will lead to bigger and better things.
I would go to a practice and talk to coaches and see if they can do something for you. Or contact the schools sports department. Must high school games do not have big security or much from stopping you from getting on the field.
Just remember if you look like you should be there no one will bother you. Also if you get on the field, stay 3-5 yards off the lines and stay off between the 30-30 yard lines, where the players are. Basically 30-to the goal. Also talk to refs before the game starts to see what they require of you.
Flash, why. I don't think anyone should use a professional flash on a sideline. Buy a better camera, lens, learn to shoot better. The last game I did the other teams "photographer" was using a Nikon D70 with a 70-300 AF-D (non VR) and a SB-800. I gave my card to some of the parents and now they want me to shoot games for them....Show more →
Am I correct that after looking at your site your selling your 4x6 for 32 cents... Good god no wonder they drive you to game your working for just about free...Heck your losing money.
And you wonder why no one can make money at this holy cow!!!
As far as getting on the feild talk to the AD or the boosters they would be the best place to start. Most AD that I work with are great guys and would be more then happy to work with you.
When my local team made it to the playoffs I just showed up with my camera equipment and they let me right on the field. I did this for the next 2 playoff games. I had tons of parents contact me saying how great my shots were, etc... I always wrote back asking if they knew someone in the school I could talk to about getting a field pass for the next year. No one came through until one parent was good friends with the coaches. I asked him, he made some calls, now I'm the official photographer for the team.
I must add I'm doing it more as a community thing. I give the high school all photos and I don't charge much for the photos. I even allow anyone to download the photos for free. The nice part is parents are buying prints from my site. They drive me to games and I also get free advertising and exposure. Which will lead to bigger and better things.
I would go to a practice and talk to coaches and see if they can do something for you. Or contact the schools sports department. Must high school games do not have big security or much from stopping you from getting on the field.
Just remember if you look like you should be there no one will bother you. Also if you get on the field, stay 3-5 yards off the lines and stay off between the 30-30 yard lines, where the players are. Basically 30-to the goal. Also talk to refs before the game starts to see what they require of you.
Flash, why. I don't think anyone should use a professional flash on a sideline. Buy a better camera, lens, learn to shoot better. The last game I did the other teams "photographer" was using a Nikon D70 with a 70-300 AF-D (non VR) and a SB-800. I gave my card to some of the parents and now they want me to shoot games for them....Show more →
Today was my first time at a h/s football game. I went there, asked someone who should I talk to and got in touch with the person responsible. She said go ahead, shoot and I was able to shoot. No other photogs there. Of course my intention was not to sell as I am still learning. Having 1dmk2 with 300mm f2.8 IS helped.
Arc Studios wrote:
There are a few photographers at our local local highschool games shooting away on the field. How would I go about getting on the field? What is the most profitable way of selling your images after the game? Just online proofing? We have a studio now that is in a high traffic area. The same people have shot these games for years and they use flash yuk I would much rather have a parent hire me and stick to getting great shots of them for a few hundred bucks. Anyone ever done that? Whats a good approach to that? Thanks for any help you guys may give
Those are a couple of red flags, but I'll pretend I didn't see them. Since you're in the biz, I probably don't need to mention the networking part, but ultimately networking is the answer to your first question. As a rare opportunity, when the local team plays one of the smaller towns, you can sometimes get on the field at the away games. Smaller towns, less organization, fewer uptight people, and you must dress the part. You can then build a little portfolio showing the home team from a good location, and have it handy when you run into the right person. That might be your opportunity, but there's always a catch, you have to be good.
In our area game sideline access is controlled. Outside of sports and band/pep staff, and approved volunteers, approved media, even if it's a student, or others with reasons to be there, people, including parents or their hired photographers, don't have free run of the sidelines. If you expect to run a business on school property (which taking pictures and selling them is, no matter how casually approached), you need permission from the school staff and then from the school board. Starting by contacting the booster club and athletic director is a good idea. You would also have to convince them that they need to consider allowing you access when perhaps hundreds of parents, especially team member parents, may also want access (as in, how will your access and business benefit the school programs which are under-funded or not funded).
First, I do what I do.
Next, I never said I was a pro. I just started shooting sports. BUT the parents like my photo over the other guys.
Also everyone (in my town) knows what I'm doing and they know I'm not cheap for other work. Like I said I do it more as a community thing.
Also I don't know how I'm losing money. I have a job.
Sorry to Arc Studios for wasting his post. I apologize. I'll edit my post and would like eveyone else to ignore my posts and erase it off their posts and get back on topic.
At the rate you are going you will corner the market soon - and burn out shortly thereafter.
This isn’t as easy as you may think - else every GWC would be doing it.
Good luck.
TO quote myself from another post
Sorry to get more off topic. But I do what I do. Everyone in my town knows what I'm doing. They know what I'm doing for the high school is only for the high school. I'm not known as "the guy who works for free" I'm known as a good photographer offering a service to the high school that no other person will do. Like I said I have a regular job so money is not the issue.
I don't know why people dont get this. I'm sorry I ever said anything and sorry I ever joined this forum.
bear78 wrote:
Sorry to get more off topic. But I do what I do. Everyone in my town knows what I'm doing. They know what I'm doing for the high school is only for the high school. I'm not known as "the guy who works for free" I'm known as a good photographer offering a service to the high school that no other person will do. Like I said I have a regular job so money is not the issue.
I don't know why people dont get this. I'm sorry I ever said anything and sorry I ever joined this forum.
Sorry again,
Mike
Do you ever wonder why other people wont do it? I cant believe that anyone in the photography business would do this.
I would much rather have a parent hire me and stick to getting great shots of them for a few hundred bucks. Anyone ever done that? Whats a good approach to