Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of camera do you use?
- Camera Body: Canon 30D
- Lenses: Sigma 70-200 f2.8, Canon 24-70 f2.8 L
What camera settings can I change in order to get better hockey pictures?
Because cameras differ, I can only offer some general tips (refer to your manual to determine if your camera offers these features and how to implement them):
- Use a custom white balance setting. If nothing else, use the ice to set the white balance.
- Use a high ISO (film speed). If lighting is good, you might be able to get by with ISO 400. Otherwise, you may need to go to ISO 800 or ISO 1600 (if available).
- Over expose hockey pictures. Try over exposing by a full stop (+1), you may need to tweak the setting (+2/3 to +1.5). On some cameras this may be referred to as exposure compensation or the EV.
- Turn off your flash. Unless you're very close to the ice, it's not doing any good. If you do have rinkside seats, you're probably just going to get a picture of the flash reflecting off the glass. Either turn it off or cover it up.
- Save the image in the largest, highest quality file available (large file, high or fine resolution). Save these original images and resize copies of the originals for e-mailing. The large versions should be used for printing the picture.
- Don't use the "digital zoom" feature of your camera. You can duplicate digital zoom functionality by enlarging and cropping the image on your computer.
- Edit your pictures on your computer before printing (or e-mailing) them. While image editing software can have a steep learning curve, it can dramatically improve images.
What non-camera tips can you offer?
- Get as close to the glass as possible, or get high enough to shoot over the glass. Pictures not shot through the glass will be clearer, but the players will be small (unless you have access to the penalty box or similar location).
- Shoot behind the action. Most good checks happen behind the puck; but, pictures of checks frequently look like to players standing near the boards.
- Get a picture of a player winding up for a slapshot.
- DON'T FORGET THE FEET! When shooting breakaways and other fast action shots, it's easy to chop off the players' feet.
What software do you use?
It really depends on what I'm doing with the image:
- For web galleries, I use Arles Image Web Page Creator (www.digitaldutch.com).
- When editing images, usually use Photoshop Elements (www.adobe.com) or PhotoImpact (www.ulead.com).
- To browse pictures on my computer, I haven't found a program that I really like. I have been using CompuPic (www.compupic.com) and ThumbsPlus (www.cerious.com).
This is what I use. These programs may not meet your needs. Please do the appropriate research before purchasing software.
What digital camera do you recommend?
I don't make specific recommendations because individuals' budgets, photography experience, and computer experience vary greatly, as do available cameras.
Fair enough. Where can I learn more about the cameras currently on the market?
- Digital Photography Review (www.dpreview.com)
- Steve's DigiCams (www.steves-digicams.com)
Do you shop online or locally? Where do you shop?
- Locally (Omaha, Nebraska), I go to Rockbrook Camera (www.rockbrookcamera.com). They also have a Lincoln, Nebraska location.
- When shopping online for camera equipment, I won't go anywhere other than B & H (www.bhphotovideo.com).
I've found these stores to meet my needs. However, use them at your own risk. If considering shopping elsewhere online, consider consulting www.resellerratings.com before giving out your credit card number.
Can I hire you to take pictures of my kids playing sports?
Yes. Please contact me via e-mail: photos@slapshotsnapshots.com.