newbie in photography here,
need some advice in taking photos from a badminton tournament...
because a friend just asked me to cover their tournament on sept. 22, i rejected her coz i might disappoint her but shes insisting, so ive no choice but to go there and equip my self with your tips and some "lakas ng loob"

got this:
400d
50mm f1.4
sigma 70-300
28-135 IS

thanks a lot...:)

just shoot, shoot and shoot...

just shoot, shoot and shoot...


thank you sir...

hi chay,

in my brief experience of photographing indoor activities, just make sure your shutter speed does not go below 1/80 seconds (1/100 or 1/150 kung kaya). bump up the ISO if you need too. a grainy picture is worth more than a blurred one.

also, try to use your 50mm as much as possible. you may need to scour the venue first so you'll know where to position yourself. use the 70-300 as your last resort.

hi chay,

in my brief experience of photographing indoor activities, just make sure your shutter speed does not go below 1/80 seconds (1/100 or 1/150 kung kaya). bump up the ISO if you need too. a grainy picture is worth more than a blurred one.

also, try to use your 50mm as much as possible. you may need to scour the venue first so you'll know where to position yourself. use the 70-300 as your last resort.


thank you bro....:)

Hi Chay!

Badminton photography is a bit difficult because the venue is always a factor. I have tried taking shots in Glorietta during the JVC cup and lighting conditions are really bad. I have a 70-200 2.8L USM but I still had a hard time to get a shot of a player in a jump smash without the blur.

Some tips might help for badminton photography:
1. Surf the net to check out the badminton pictures, this gives you an idea on shot composition. I have downloaded several of these as guide and inspiration and printed them out.
2. Prime lenses are really a must. It will be your workhorse. Your 50mm f1.4 will come in handy.
3. If not too difficult, bring portable step ladder.
4. Dont forget audience shots
5. Bring your flash for the awarding

Hope this helps.

newbie in photography here,
need some advice in taking photos from a badminton tournament...
because a friend just asked me to cover their tournament on sept. 22, i rejected her coz i might disappoint her but shes insisting, so ive no choice but to go there and equip my self with your tips and some "lakas ng loob"

got this:
400d
50mm f1.4
sigma 70-300
28-135 IS

thanks a lot...:)

Hi Chay,

Sports and action photography are tricky but the merits you will gain is tremendous.

Chay, it is always important to shoot them on fast lenses, if your maximum aperture or lens opening is f/2.8 and wider, they are considered fast lenses. Why fast lenses because they can survive low light situation and fast to compose the subjects. But they are heavy, my favourite is the 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS AF zoom lens. In sports most of the time, it is important to capture the subject/player closer most especially with the ball/shuttle cock is visible. It takes lots of patience and practice to capture the REAL PHOTO, the essence of the game at hand. Learn to anticipate the action before the pick of the action. Observe the flow, the motion, use your camera like your eyes that you have been using it for your life. Keep focus, once everything is ready, you have captured a worthwhile image.

Cheers.

Jeffrey

i'll echo what others have already pointed out and suggest that you keep your 50mm 1.4 attached to your camera for most of the shots that you'll be taking.

it's main advantage (for me) is its speed - f/1.4. if the lighting in the venue isn't too good (as is the problem with most courts), then instead of reducing your shutter speed (and risk the blur), maximize your lens' aperture.

downside with this one is that you may be forced to position yourself rather close to the players, maybe even right beside the umpire's seat. if the courts are positioned close to each other, then you have to be concerned about getting in the way of the players.

basta do your homework(practice shots)... good luck and god speed..

i agree with most of the previous tips.

1. bump up your ISO.
2. use your fastest lens, if distance allows it.
3. at least 1/125 for the action shots.
4. practice / simulate what you'll be shooting, if possible.
5. shoot in RAW (so you can fix your lighting later on). :D

good luck.

shoot using the 50mm F/1.4. Depending on the light of the venue, try around 1/250 to 1/500. These shutter speeds will actually help "stop" the action. Hopefully there will be enough light to use an aperture around F/1.8 to F/4. Just increase/decrease ISO depending on the light. Use manual by the way