First shot at Rugby photography on Saturday

CarlukeDave

CarlukeDave

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In my continued quest to get as much experience of photographing different sports, I have managed to get a pass for a rugby game on Saturday.

I have very little knowledge of rugby, other than it's a funny shaped ball and it only lasts 80 minutes. I have shot a quite a few football games now and I'm reasonably comfortable with the settings, but was looking for some tips on the differences between the 2.


Positioning wise, am I best behind the posts? Is that where the action is going to be, tries etc, anything else I should bear in mind?

Cheers

Dave
 
Union or League?

I love my rugby both watching and playing...

I can't add much but positioning wise I'd say anywhere behind the try line is fine. Its not like football where the goal is a set area, they score anywhere behind the line so as long as your somewhere behind there you should get a few shots.
 
And just too add... depending on the sort of shots you want it might be worth concentrating on a certain player...

In League for example.. if your wanting some big hits/collision shots then follow the props who will usually be numbers 8 and 10 as well as the second row guys (11 and 12). If you want to see some kicking action shots or some nice little side steps the scrum half (usually number 7) will be the best bet or the stand off number 6.
 
Thanks Alex, to be honest, I'm not sure! It doesn't say on their website, it's National League Divsion 3, does that mean Rugby League?

I will find out!

Dave
 
What game?!
 
There is a national league 3 in rugby union too but it is split into North and South.

My club, Rochdale, play in National League 3 North.
 
If its Union....Take a book :exit: Only messing, League v Union is like Canon v Nikon and lets not go there, :lol:

Hey Tom Do you watch Hornets? I done them on Sunday just gone v Town
 
Should have mentioned it's in Scotland as well, so far as I can see, it's only Scottish teams in the league.

The team are GHK RFC, if that means anything to anyone, not sure of the opposition yet. Although I have been told it should be a tasty game!

Dave
 
Just had a quick surf and it's union.:clap:

Apart from scoring, side-steps, and tackling look out for:

Jumpers catching the kick-off, restart, and line-outs. The jumping player will be lifted (er, supported) by his team-mates.

Simliar shots can be had of catchers following a kick ahead.

Scrums. If it's cold & damp you'll often get a cloud of steam rising from the scrum.

Rucks and mauls where the forwards (mainly) will be competing for the ball.

In open play, you're best off concentrating on one player (hopefully the ball carrier or his tackler). wide shots of rugby just look like a random bunch of guys in a field.

Hope this helps,

Pete
 
I stay on the sidelines - not much happens behind the posts. Tries don't often make good pics unless you're right on top of it when it happens. Concentrate on shots of players coming towards you, tackles, line outs, scrums - always with the ball in shot. You should get some good facial expressions. I've used 80-200mm and 300mm on FF. Look forward to seeing some shots.
 
Thanks everyone, will get the photo's posted in the Sports section over the weekend!

Dave
 
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