Down Low

<p>Ladies and Gentlemen,</p>

<p> Over the past few years I have found shooting low on one knee yields some of the most dramatic sports photographs. I'm curious if you all feel the same way? How many shoot sports low?</p>

<p>v/r<br>

Brian Barksdale</p>

<p>I do as i am sure many others do a well. It's part of the 'variety' of images that a photographer can capture. Vary the use f long and short lenses. <br>

This is one way way to differentiate yourself from mon&pop with a dslr! But don't shoot everything form this low position. Mix it up as you should be doing - up high, down low, somewhere in the middle, landscape & portrait camera positions.</p>

<p>At some NFL stadiums (Buffalo for example), sideline photographers are required to take a knee during plays so as not to block the view of fans in the front rows. The security staff does not adhere to the same requirements.</p><div></div>

<p>For basketball, my favorite position is sitting on the end line.</p>

<p>example</p><div></div>

<p>Sometimes, shooting from the knee is necessary to avoid being in the way of spectators, and, if you have a lens on a monopod, it's often easier. I shoot baseball at eye level (I get a good spot for that with the Giants sometimes) and fights from mat level or above. I've seen a lot of basketball shot with remote cameras on the board. Here's a shot I took from above, gets the cage out of the way.</p>

<p><center><img src="http://spirer.com/dragonhousemarch2011/content/images/large/_57P2888.jpg" /><br>

<em>Photo Copyright Jeff</em> Spirer</center></p>

<p>At professional arenas (where I'm shooting as a fan) I take whatever angle I can get.</p><div></div>

<p>First, I’m humbled chatting with the talent within this forum. Only recently have I started using photo.net for its true intended purpose… collaboration.</p>

<p>I was wondering if you gentlemen exclusively use large JPEG for your sports photography? Have you even used RAW? I have recently read some material on the benefits of RAW for tricky lighting? I just don’t see the buffer working very well? I use RAW for all my other events…. except sports, where I only use large JPEG.</p>

<p>Lastly, sorry for the late replies; a friend of the family’s wedding photographer bailed and they asked me to shoot their wedding on the beach. So lots of reading / studying and it went very well. I had a nice scotch when it was over! As I am not a professional photographer, I told them I would shoot for free. GREAT GREAT GREAT practice, enough to know I’ll stick with sports, ha ha.</p>

<p>Have a great week Gents!</p>

<p>v/r<br>

Brian Barksdale <br>

<br>

Steve Hopkins,<br>

I agree not to shoot primarily from this low position. I do feel my better shots are along this even plane. This is especially true with little kids. Shooting “down” on them seams to make them even smaller than they already are.<br>

<br>

Ron Andrews,<br>

Funny Picture, this is for sure. I have had that from event staff at the local high school I shoot for. It is always during a great play too. I have not shot much basketball before and I will use your advice this season. For the Pacers shot what camera / lens combination were you using? JPEG or RAW?<br>

<br>

Jeff Spirer,<br>

Great shot! Lack of cage was the first thing I noticed. It looked like you had some great lighting? Was this the case? As you are a professional, any tips on gaining access to higher profile events?</p>

 

<p>Steve Hopkins,<br>

I wanted to say I really enjoyed your gallery sports photography. You are very accomplished. I have asked to follow your work.<br>

v/r<br>

Brian Barksdale</p>