Picture Notes
A big point of irritation is the pictures I took. Only twenty percent of the shots I took came out mostly viewable. In addition, I want to do better framing of the shots, so that no top of someone's head is cut off. I want to have better inclinations on poses, scenes or moments that create the perfect photo opportunity. There are several points about skating pictures that I'm discovering for those new to taking figure skating pictures. These are some lessons I've mostly learned after the event.
1. Camera type - My photo developer suggested I should use a single lens reflex (SLR) camera
- or camera where:
a. shutter speed can be adjusted - assists for situations where flash cannot be used, quicker shutter speed is better
b. manual focus can be used - automatic focus does not work so well in many skating situations
Most SLR's come with a range of about a 80 mm zoom lens which would have been okay for the practice session shots, skaters warming up backstage, and depending upon where in the arena you are sitting for the event. Lenses of longer ranges are available separately.
I have also seen nice skating pictures taken from some types of digital cameras.
2. Film type - 800 speed film is the ideal choice. Versatility Plus.
3. When you are first starting out, it is advisable to take only pictures of skaters while they are mostly stopped. Truth be told, they are almost never completely stationary, even off ice. They are often jumping up and down like imaginary jump roping, running back and forth, dancing with an imaginary partner, stretching, loosening the neck exercises and so forth. But, these shots are preferable to when the skaters are at full speed doing their program on the ice. Off ice, they do stop to talk to their coaches and watch other skaters' practice sessions. On ice, during their practice group, skaters often prepare by the boards or confer with a coach, which can be a good photo time. If you are familiar with the choreography of the skater's program and know when some stops (for dancing, posing, etc.) in the choreography are and what part of the rink these stops take place, that is a good time to take a picture of a skater on the ice. The opening and closing poses of a program are usually fairly stationary. Of course, for those more familiar with taking skating photos, skaters in motion are not a problem.
If anyone has any more photo tips to share, I would be happy to read them.
Pictures
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