SSC Sports Photography Workshop (Session 1: Russell Boyce)

[Danntbt]

...agree, too amny came late, definite a no-no if one aspire to be an event or sports photographer, this point was made by both Russel and Mindy as well. Perhaps for future workshops, SSC could rope in Apple to simulate a media center as there is really no space for everyone to work comfortably. It is essntial also for participants to realise that one can do batch rename using bridge or other similar application. Some were seen trying to change file by file.

The organiser are definitely excited about the response, but participants should also take the initiative to move on, on their own rather than waiting for SSC to come up with the next workshop....frankly speaking, so far sports photography has not paid off as well as other things I shoot, but its one thing I enjoy most.

Redsport is one organisation that came about with non-profit motive...maybe we will have others like Sports-on, Sports lens etc.......

 

[telefax]

.......frankly speaking, so far sports photography has not paid off as well as other things I shoot, but its one thing I enjoy most.

I am glad that you brought this up for discussion.

So whose fault is it that you dont get paid enough? Is it because the sponsors/agency who dont have the budget? Or is it because you enjoy doing it that you are willing to go down low on price or even shoot for free, for some?

Seems like following other herd of photographers, who is willing to shoot for low budget or even free just because one gets the enjoyment out of it?

 

[dev2k8]

I do lots of sports photography and i do it for free. Why? First and most important is because i love photography and especially the sports genre. Secondly i do not need to make a living out of photography. Of course if somebody thinks ( which i dun think so ) that my photos are really so good that they insist on paying me...i dont mind too

Bottom line is...does that mean that photographers who are so passionate abt their photography be it sports or weddings etc... and who dont charge for their services bcos they dont need or do not intend to make a living out of it....are to be blamed or looked upon as " rice bowl breakers" ?

I believe that to be a pro...you need to be really very good in what you do. If your works are up there...people will come looking for you. You wont even be bothered abt how much others are charging or having to follow market rates...you will command your worth.

My 2 cents

 

[Danntbt]

In reality , there is little demand for sports photographers because various sports body do not budget much for photography, and often direct assignments from SSC are not easy to come as they have regulars in place, so its a matter of how to break into the circle. I have worked for various publication agencies through their various writers/editors, they do not pay so well, but usually are not very demanding, so if one is doing it for a living, its probably very difficult to survive on that and be driven.

However, things are picking up, as Singapore is beginning to move towards being a sports hub in the region....opportunities will definitely be there. If it is of any indication, this series of workshops could be a signal that SSC is looking to encourage the development of photographers in this field, which could be translated as tehy would like to raise the standard of sports photography to serve their needs.

Do bear in mind, these are my own personal opinion, and there are many of you out there who may have a better idea of what is going on.

However, I must add that Sports photography requires passion, otherwise one would not likely to lug the heavy gears in the hot sun or wet rain just to capture the action, even if the money is there. Getting the shots require total concentration as actions do not wait nor give you a second chance. And as the pro has mentioned in the workshops, the race do not stop when the game or event ends.......you still have to race against the clock to wire your shots in with all the neccessary input and adjustments....all within 20mins from the end of the games/events....

 

[Reportage]

here is my set,

hit the max clean iso of my camera body to get the shutter speed i needed. I can see the practicality of having a 400mm f/2.8 thanks to this workshop. Maybe next workshop can add how to clean up the images. I really dont mind paying for such workshops as this one certainly helped by explaining the kind of images usually requested aka can sell one.

on a side note, i dont really mind volunteering my services for sports events that dont really have a budget for Pro photographer as in a way i am helping the community at large and perhaps the photos will encourage them to do more sports. Still some ways to go before can submit my CV to the various sport images companies.

 

[Danntbt]

Ya.400mm seemed to allow you to get the action at the other end of the field, but I guess because of the focussing point, the DOF is not as shallow thus less isolation of the action. I shoot alot of the school sports mainly to encourage the young athletes, many would never know how awesome they look in action as they usually do not get the attention from the media thus no coverage. In most schools, unless they have more experienced students or teachers who are enthusiatsts, photographic coverage are mostly focussing on the medalist getting their their prizes.

In this respect I m really disappointed to note that SPH was making the event they sponsored like the iinter-school relays exclusive to their own photographers and yet did not make any of their images available to the public. This is myoptic as interest in the event through images share in public web domain could only raise interest in their events and at the same time raise their profile.

It has been reported that they have chased away Redsport from covering, I was liekwise refused permission when I asked on Saturday and was asked to shoot from the grandstand. I disregard the instruction and spent 4 hours in the sun shooting the action from the opposite side of the grandstand and luckily they did not take action, but was not able to go on the field which would have allow me the better angle as they pass the baton. SAA should rethink on this and come out with a clear stand on the matter.

 

[Reportage]

"In this respect I m really disappointed to note that SPH was making the event they sponsored like the iinter-school relays exclusive to their own photographers and yet did not make any of their images available to the public. This is myoptic as interest in the event through images share in public web domain could only raise interest in their events and at the same time raise their profile."

Understandably its their marquee event and since they are also the official media + sponsor. They may have some arrangement with the schools on the photos that we are not privy to.

One way of officially "getting in" would be by getting accreditation from the schools themselves that would make you the team photographer. Security is the law in this aspect and as long you are cleared by them, happy shooting. It helps when the lens you bring is sibei bigger then the official media at least in the eyes of the schools and parents.

 

[dev2k8]

It's really disappointing that the most of the schools' sporting activities are usually held during the weekdays. Like Dan had mentioned, it is also not encouraging to the parents as most would not take a off day to attend to school's sporting activities. I have written to SSA for media access this wknd for the upcoming SSA T&F event but i presume the chances are pretty slim...

 

[Reportage]

cost and convenience plays a factor i suppose as facilities and such should be cheaper and easier to book during the weekdays. Sometimes there is no helping it.

 

[Danntbt]

...think its the govt policy to encourage procreation.....longer weekend, hopefully more would be produced....so no saturday nor sunday

 

[Reportage]

I have written to SSA for media access this wknd for the upcoming SSA T&F event but i presume the chances are pretty slim...

regarding the SSA T&F, i havent actually gotten accreditation but have received a reply to meet with the Meet Manager. I wont say its a guarantee but a slim chance is still better then none. PM me if you want the details.

 

[nonchann]

cost and convenience plays a factor i suppose as facilities and such should be cheaper and easier to book during the weekdays. Sometimes there is no helping it.

Well, yeah, kinda can't help it one. With school sports, you will need teachers around to look after the kids. For them to come back on weekends can be quite taxing on them. just having to manage a sport cca on weekdays is enought to max them out. they need the weekend to rest and recharge. also for the kids to rest and relax, spend some family time too.

Actually, you will be surpised at the number of parents that bother to support their kids these days. Regardless of their work background, they try to take leave/mc, stop their work if they can, just so that they come support their kids. very touching to see that.

 

[telefax]

In this respect I m really disappointed to note that SPH was making the event they sponsored like the iinter-school relays exclusive to their own photographers and yet did not make any of their images available to the public. This is myoptic as interest in the event through images share in public web domain could only raise interest in their events and at the same time raise their profile.

It has been reported that they have chased away Redsport from covering, I was liekwise refused permission when I asked on Saturday and was asked to shoot from the grandstand. ---.

1. Go to their photobank. It is open to the public.

2. Why dig up an old news on Redsport being chased away ? News was an old news. If you have already that news, you should anticipate the same thing at last week event. If SPH wants to have exclusive rights let them be. Why cry father mother.... ...... A stranger enter your bedroom and wants to take picture, you allow?

 

[Reportage]

1. Go to their photobank. It is open to the public.

2. Why dig up an old news on Redsport being chased away ? News was an old news. If you have already that news, you should anticipate the same thing at last week event. If SPH wants to have exclusive rights let them be. Why cry father mother.... ...... A stranger enter your bedroom and wants to take picture, you allow?

The photobank looks a lot like Stock Images kind of website with pricings and not all photos are there.
http://www.photobank.com.sg/pricing.html
http://www.photobank.com.sg/imageNotFound.html

doesnt seem easy to navigate too.

as for stranger entering my bedroom to take picture...well if it helps increase the valuation of my property and spread the word on how it is better then other properties, why not.

Redsports and SPH (Photography/Newsdesk Unit?) has somewhat of turbulent recent history but in my opinion is good as that way neither side will rest their laurels and we all benefit from better local sports news coverage. Thing is i find Redsports the writing to have more flesh to the story but thats my opinion.

 

[Reportage]

Actually, you will be surpised at the number of parents that bother to support their kids these days. Regardless of their work background, they try to take leave/mc, stop their work if they can, just so that they come support their kids. very touching to see that.

could eventually be a thing of the past since i now see more and more grandparents and even the maid rather then the parents supporting the children. No choice, bills/loans to pay and a education fund to save for. Hopefully providing quality images might persuade them that its better to see the event live.

 

[Danntbt]

"In this respect I m really disappointed to note that SPH was making the event they sponsored like the iinter-school relays exclusive to their own photographers and yet did not make any of their images available to the public. This is myoptic as interest in the event through images share in public web domain could only raise interest in their events and at the same time raise their profile."

Understandably its their marquee event and since they are also the official media + sponsor. They may have some arrangement with the schools on the photos that we are not privy to.

One way of officially "getting in" would be by getting accreditation from the schools themselves that would make you the team photographer. Security is the law in this aspect and as long you are cleared by them, happy shooting. It helps when the lens you bring is sibei bigger then the official media at least in the eyes of the schools and parents.

I asked through one of the schools at the meet who was the champ last year, but did not have much of photo record to show of it......My lens was definitely bigger than the ah pek who was holding a 70-200 F4 whom I assume is one of the officials doubling as photographer.....he was so busy moving here and there, while I tried to just stay as discreet and to stay as long as possible before I get told off...but that did not happened probably I looked like an official photog...

 

[Reportage]

For the benefit of those who missed the soccer workshop by Jeremy, here is the gist of it.

Best shooting locations and what kind of shots is best from which location as well as personal photography experience.

Gear and Settings Discussion.

Examples of pics worth sending or for archiving as well as recognising types of photos.

Practical.

 

[Slash56]

Thanks for last few pics Reportage!

 

[ge0tay]

Kick big....

 

[dolina]

For the benefit of those who missed the soccer workshop by Jeremy, here is the gist of it.

Best shooting locations and what kind of shots is best from which location as well as personal photography experience.

Gear and Settings Discussion.

Hi, what do the colors stand for in the first image?

The 2nd image shows faster shutter shot wide open and progresses to slower shutter speed stop down. Does this mean we should shoot like this?