kelly_taylor3

 

<p >Hi Max,</p>

<p > I started doing a lot of basketball photography because that’s what my children play, otherwise I don’t think I would have had the drive to keep trying – because <em>it’s not easy at first</em>. My budget won’t allow me too much, so I am using the AF Nikkor 50mm 1.8. I bought it at around $125 and do a lot of post processing in an inexpensive photo editor.</p>

<p >Once I got used to it I think it actually improved my photography skills, because I had to really learn how to use my camera. Some of the gyms we play in are amazingly dark, have lights burnt out, and they cycle so bad it’s a wonder we get a shot at all. The first thing I do when I enter into a gym is look for the “light” and position myself accordingly – there is no need to be at the baseline if the light is burnt out. I move around a lot.</p>

<p > I will try to post a link to one such gym… it was so bad we refer to it as “playing by candlelight”. Good Luck, have fun and keep us posted. Your classmates and their parents will really enjoy seeing your work.</p>

<p ><img src="http://thelookingglass.smugmug.com/Basketball-2009/Area-Tournament-Vs-Maplesville/Maplesville-Area-game-021/781493703_QM6Uv-L.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p > </p>

 

<p >I think I would start with the Booster club. Your target (buying) audience is actually the parents. It was a member of the booster club who contacted me to cover their senior night. I would also start with the smaller and private schools in the area.</p>

<p >About a year ago I came here in search of help photographing indoor sports, not professionally, but of my own high school children and their friends. About a gazillion photos later and I am starting to get results I am happy with.</p>

<p >I am still only shooting with D80 and a 50mm 1.8. I figured I should master the basics before I invested in more equipment. I still have a lot to learn… each day I realize how much. But I am having a lot of fun and the kids love looking at the pictures. I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who patiently answers the questions of the newbie’s. THANK YOU!</p>

<p > </p>

<p >Here are a couple I took this summer. Feel free to offer any advice. </p>

<p > </p>

<p ><img src="http://thelookingglass.smugmug.com/photos/578459876_YKd3Y-S.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p ></p>

<p ><img src="http://thelookingglass.smugmug.com/photos/562150960_rHxfK-S.jpg" alt="" /></p>

 

My daughter has a middle school basketball game tonight. The lighting conditions in the gym we are playing in are

dismal. From past experience I know even my f1.4 lens will not work without the aid of a flash.

 

I have an older Nikon SB 26 flash I have never used. Since I will be shooting from the stands (this coach

understandably dislikes flash photography from the side lines) can someone give me a crash coarse on the settings I

might start with on this unit with my zoom lens? I know from reading that you can set it up manually and it will work

with my Nikon D80 in manual or aperture priority mode, but sadly I am a novice and that is all I “know”.

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for all your answers.

 

I was so lucky - someone let me try out thier 70-200.2.8 this past weekend. I have already started saving my $$$$. It was love at first sight :-) maybe by christmas.

 

But William W. was right. Most of the gyms I am in are old old old in very rural high schools. After reviewing my pictures from last season I will start out with the 85mm.

 

Thank you again all for your insight! I am so excited I founf this forum!

I recieved a Nikon D80 for my birhtday last year. My main goal is to photography my children in volleyball and

basketball. Both indoor sports with low lighting. I have an older AF Nikkor 70-210mm F/4-5.6 and purchased a 50mm

F1.8D. I am getting pretty good using the 50mm with volleyball (slower and closer) but still only hit and miss in

basketball.

 

I can purchase an additional lens at this time, and the following are in my price range.

- which one would any of you suggest and why?

 

Telephoto - 85mm F1.8 AF, or 180mm F/2.8 ED IF AF, or Zoom 24-85mm F/2.8-4D IF