Archery tournament

[kelack]

I've done a search and couldn't find anything to help and then had a confidence crisis over which forum to post this in!

I am going to an Archery Tournament on Sunday and wondered how to go about taking the photos.

I'm taking my monopod, my 70-200mm and my battery charger and lots of memory cards. Although is is less than half a mile from home so if I do forget something, as I most probably will, I can run home for it.

I was thinking that afterthe tournament, I could set up some posed shots, ie, zooming in to the side of the archers face when they are pulling the bow or one of my looking down the bow (Dan seems to think that's a bit too risky though in case they slip)

Has anyone shot an archery tournament before, if so, any tips?

TIA

 

[SimonTALM]

Hmm, sounds like a challenge I've not done Archery myself but I would have thought that with a 70-200 (at the 200 end) you could get some shots in front without being at significant risk. I'm guessing that this would have to be after the event as during the event you won't be allowed forward.

During the event I think I would try shots from behind but slightly to one side - the side opposite to the bow so you get the best chance of seeing some face.

What sort of photos have come out of the Olympic Archery events - that would be my first guess as to what you might be able to get.

 

[Xplosion]

How about from the side and the front at about 30 degree to the archer and just after he releases the arrow?

 

[Anthony.Ralph]

Just don't talk about 'firing' arrows. It really ****es them off....!"

Anthony.

 

[Steep]

Some long lens close ups of the archer with bow drawn up to the face, concentration type shots. I doubt you'll get a good shot of the arrow being released but it's worth a try.

 

[hyakuhei]

I'm an archer, theres no problem with the posed shots your suggesting so long as the archer is pointing at a boss or decent quality catch net...

As for slipping - Its hard to imagine but it could happen I guess...

 

[poacher]

I took some at the game fair last month, I was limited as to where I could stand, If you you have more access than i did you could take some good pics.


One of mine, another in the gallery.

 

[mole2k]

I had a quick look about on an archery forum I frequent but couldnt find a guide anybody had wrote about photographing archery so i'll just ramble a bit.


During the tournament you wont be allowed past the shooting line, very probably you wont be allowed within about 2-3m of it. For a lot of events they also like people taking pictures to sign on not just if your professional media but anybody taking pictures (it's a bit of a silly rule and most archers think it's stupid as well)

After the tournament it's more up to the individual archer if they will actually aim near you as long as you keep a fair distance away and dont go really close you would be fairly safe. The reality is you should be perfectly safe standing beside the target if the archer is competant but im pretty sure not many archers (or photographers!) would be happy standing there.

One particular shot I would really look out for would be getting arrows in flight, this requires quite good timing though as the arrows leave the bow around 220fps for a recurve or higher if it's compound bows. The clicker can be used to help you time the shots, it's basically a bit of metal that clicks off the riser giving the archer a signal to release. You should notice it a slight click as they release if you press the shutter as soon as you hear that click you would have a high chance of getting the arrow comming out of the bow.

With Compound bows (they have wheels on the limbs) mostly have magnified sights so you can play with the focus doing things like this

None of those are my images im usually too preoccupied wondering why im shooting so badly

 

[kelack]

Hmm, sounds like a challenge I've not done Archery myself but I would have thought that with a 70-200 (at the 200 end) you could get some shots in front without being at significant risk. I'm guessing that this would have to be after the event as during the event you won't be allowed forward.

During the event I think I would try shots from behind but slightly to one side - the side opposite to the bow so you get the best chance of seeing some face.

What sort of photos have come out of the Olympic Archery events - that would be my first guess as to what you might be able to get.

Ta muchly for your reply, will have a good old look through pics tonight to get an idea

How about from the side and the front at about 30 degree to the archer and just after he releases the arrow?

Mmmmm, would call for a degree of brain to finger speed there Thanks for your reply

Just don't talk about 'firing' arrows. It really ****es them off....!"

Anthony.

Thanks for advice, certainly won't

 

[kelack]

Some long lens close ups of the archer with bow drawn up to the face, concentration type shots. I doubt you'll get a good shot of the arrow being released but it's worth a try.

Thanks for your advice, wil give it a go and if I do, I'll be well chuffed

I'm an archer, theres no problem with the posed shots your suggesting so long as the archer is pointing at a boss or decent quality catch net...

As for slipping - Its hard to imagine but it could happen I guess...

Mmm, will wikipedia Boss Thanks for your advice, will see what the organisers suggest

I took some at the game fair last month, I was limited as to where I could stand, If you you have more access than i did you could take some good pics.


One of mine, another in the gallery.

Thanks for your repy and your photo, , I should be able to get everywhere within safety, rules etc but they know I'm coming and one of the organisers should be able to tell me what's what

 

[kelack]

I had a quick look about on an archery forum I frequent but couldnt find a guide anybody had wrote about photographing archery so i'll just ramble a bit.


During the tournament you wont be allowed past the shooting line, very probably you wont be allowed within about 2-3m of it. For a lot of events they also like people taking pictures to sign on not just if your professional media but anybody taking pictures (it's a bit of a silly rule and most archers think it's stupid as well)

After the tournament it's more up to the individual archer if they will actually aim near you as long as you keep a fair distance away and dont go really close you would be fairly safe. The reality is you should be perfectly safe standing beside the target if the archer is competant but im pretty sure not many archers (or photographers!) would be happy standing there.

One particular shot I would really look out for would be getting arrows in flight, this requires quite good timing though as the arrows leave the bow around 220fps for a recurve or higher if it's compound bows. The clicker can be used to help you time the shots, it's basically a bit of metal that clicks off the riser giving the archer a signal to release. You should notice it a slight click as they release if you press the shutter as soon as you hear that click you would have a high chance of getting the arrow comming out of the bow.

With Compound bows (they have wheels on the limbs) mostly have magnified sights so you can play with the focus doing things like this

None of those are my images im usually too preoccupied wondering why im shooting so badly

Thanks for your reply, I'm due to go when they register and I have a couple of forms to fill out with all my details etc and I think I need to take my CRB form as well

I don't think I'm brave enough to go next to the target and probably won't be allowed so side on shots will be order of the day. I'm taking my 2x converter as well so should get a bit of extra length to stand well clear (and safe and not distracting)

Thanks for the advice about the click, will definitely listen out for that, very useful

Have been trying to work out what RF, C U and LB means next to the archers names in the target list - any ideas? Also what G or L means

 

[mole2k]

LB could be longbow RF could be Recurve but i've no idea why there would be an F attached to it, G and L could be Gent and Lady.

Generally most shots are done side on or behind the archers due to the danger of being infront, i've taken a few shots a bit infront before but generally its a strict no-no.

Here's a few i've taken indoors before. This is a 10mm shot between two archers

These shots are slightly infront of the line, mostly you wont get a chance to take shots like these.

You probably will find yourself taking pictures of the people at either end of the line the most as they will be the easiest to actually take as the rest of them will be standing quite close together.

 

[Andysnap]

This isn't in the same league as the ones above but I took this on an awful day at Martin Mere. It took about 20 goes to get the whole arrow in shot, but its fairly do-able even with a D40x and very little talent.

Andy

 

[Markk]

I was thinking that afterthe tournament, I could set up some posed shots, ie, zooming in to the side of the archers face when they are pulling the bow or one of my looking down the bow (Dan seems to think that's a bit too risky though in case they slip)

Has anyone shot an archery tournament before, if so, any tips?

TIA

As for slipping - Its hard to imagine but it could happen I guess...

Tell them not to 'nock' the arrow but hold it slight off the string. So even if they do slip, the string goes forward but the arrow stays still!

I couldn't help but put in a picture of my archery days I really wish I had a nice recurve with me here in Poland, but oh well, one day I'll be back. (A friend took the pic)

Oh, and when they go to take their arrows from the target, take pictures of where they hit, that might be interesting.

 

[JumboBeef]

No, no, no, you've all got it wrong.

This is where you need to be to get the best view of the action

 

[inaneredstripe]

no one will let you get infront of the archers.
if you can get a good shot of an arrow leaving a bow, i would be amased.
i would get permission from the organisers too.
some clubs can be real funny about togs wandering about.
is it an indoor shoot , or field archery?.
field archery is my area of (lack of ) expertees.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e39/redstripe101/IMG_0034033.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e39/redstripe101/IMG_0025024.jpg

 

[kelack]

LB could be longbow RF could be Recurve but i've no idea why there would be an F attached to it, G and L could be Gent and Lady.

Generally most shots are done side on or behind the archers due to the danger of being infront, i've taken a few shots a bit infront before but generally its a strict no-no.

Here's a few i've taken indoors before. This is a 10mm shot between two archers
pic taken out to save space in quote

These shots are slightly infront of the line, mostly you wont get a chance to take shots like these.
pic taken out to save space in quote

pic taken out to save space in quote

You probably will find yourself taking pictures of the people at either end of the line the most as they will be the easiest to actually take as the rest of them will be standing quite close together.

Thanks very much, have started making notes

This isn't in the same league as the ones above but I took this on an awful day at Martin Mere. It took about 20 goes to get the whole arrow in shot, but its fairly do-able even with a D40x and very little talent.

Andy

pic taken out to save space in quote

I have the whole day so will have fun trying Thanks for your reply

Tell them not to 'nock' the arrow but hold it slight off the string. So even if they do slip, the string goes forward but the arrow stays still!

pic taken out to save space in quote

I couldn't help but put in a picture of my archery days I really wish I had a nice recurve with me here in Poland, but oh well, one day I'll be back. (A friend took the pic)

Oh, and when they go to take their arrows from the target, take pictures of where they hit, that might be interesting.

Thanks so much, good advice there, can only ask
Seen some good Olympics photos so have also drawn up a list of what sort of thing to take and the target is one of them

No, no, no, you've all got it wrong.

This is where you need to be to get the best view of the action

pic taken out to save space in quote

no one will let you get infront of the archers.
if you can get a good shot of an arrow leaving a bow, i would be amased.
i would get permission from the organisers too.
some clubs can be real funny about togs wandering about.
is it an indoor shoot , or field archery?.
field archery is my area of (lack of ) expertees.
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e39/redstripe101/IMG_0034033.jpg
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e39/redstripe101/IMG_0025024.jpg

Thanks for your reply. I don't think I'd really want to get in front of the archers All those sharp pointy things flying around I can but try with the arrow leaving the bow - I already have permission from the organisers, I am the "official tog" not in a working capacity but when they booked the rugby club for the tournament, I spoke to them and asked if it was okay to come and take photos and they said, I was welcome to as long as they could use some of them on their site and I have to fill out registrations forms etc
It's outdoor target archery over the size of three rugby pitches with 33 Targets with average of 4 people in each. Have been reading up on it, with the bows and the different types of rounds etc. Been watching it on the Olympics this morning and starting to get an idea (ish).

 

[Lensflare]

Make a picture list before you go - literally, write down a list of pictures you WANT to take.

You might ot get to do them all, but at least you will then have something of a brief to work to. When you have got a shot (they don't have to be taken in the order you write them down) cross it off the list and then go and take something else. Otherwise you will find you get engrossed in one particular aspect of the proceedings.

Might be worht getting some shots of the signing on procedure.

Pulling the arrows out of the target - close up of fingers, target and part of the arrow shaft.

Close up of the arrow knocked on the string.
Close up of release mechanism or fingers wrapped around the string.

Just some ideas away from the norm.

Patterns of arrows in quiver?

 

[kelack]

Thanks for that, have added those to my list

 

[StewartR]

No, no, no, you've all got it wrong.

This is where you need to be to get the best view of the action

You swine, you beat me to it! As soon as I saw the thread title, I thought I'd post that photo...