Low light sports photography

K

Katy Conway

Suspended / Banned
Messages
3
Name
Katy
Edit My Images
Yes
Hi, I have been taking photos for the local football team which has been fine during the summer, but now I am struggling with low light issues for evening matches, and as the night draw in this will affect the afternoon matches too.

I am using a REBEL XS, I have a Sigma 200mm telephoto lens f2.8. I put the ISO up to 1600 but still I can't get sharp images. If I have fast enough shutter speed to freeze the movement the image is too dark to see, if I slow the shutter speed down I get blur of movement. The pitch has flood lights but still not enough light, so I am wondering how the pro's capture their shots?

Am I missing a trick with settings or do I need a new lens? Would appreciate your suggestions.
 
Hi Katy, And welcome aboard TP, looking forward to hearing from you and maybe seeing some of your images on the various forums."Enjoy".

Katy, This is really just the Welcome section. You'll probably get all the help you need with your qustions if you post them in one of the other sections. Maybe General or Beginners would be a good starting point.

Hope this helps.
 
Presume by local football team this is grass roots stuff. the lighting will be quite bad.. your lens is as good as your going to get at f2.8 ..But your camera is going to let you down.. iso 1600 just isn't good enough.. sorry to say but its a myth that a good photogrpaher can get a picture with any camera.. sometimes the equipment isn't up to the job..

Aperture, Shutter speed and ISO are the only three things you can change to get more light that you need.. your iso is at its limit.. your aperture is at its limit.. that just leaves shutter speed and as you can see to get a properly exposed shot the shutter speed is too slow... using slow shutter You can stick to players running directly towards you.. this is best done shooting behind the goal line not the sides.. wait until the player fills the frame.. under expose and try to bring back up in software... use a monopod (tripod not good at a football match) a monopod will help stay steady on the slow shutter

Other than that its a simple case of needing better equipment with higher ISO capabilities :(
 
Last edited:
You could try a 1.2-1.8 prime if you have one, limited in ability of what you can capture but a way of getting more light with kit you may already have...
 
Hi Katy, And welcome :welcome:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top