The football season returns!

**gmen** · 07-20-2004, 03:22 AM

The football season is back up and running in the UK.

I ventured out on Saturday and took some pics in warm sunshine... trying to push to the back of my mind the thoughts of what is to come, i.e. shooting in mid-January in sub-zero temperatures and driving sleet!

The images feature East Thurrock vs Southend United in a well attended 'friendly' match. It was nice to be able to set the camera at 200ASA as well and still hit those nice fast shutter speeds - another benefit of the July brightness and fast glass.

Comments, as always, will be appreciated.

**Photo-John** · 07-21-2004, 01:06 PM

Those are awesome, gman. You've definitely got an eye for the sport. I always shoot stuff that's fairlly predictable in terms of where my subject is going to be. I've often thought about how hard football/soccer and other team sports must be to shoot. These photos all have perfect focus and you've captured critical bits of action. I'm happy to see these on this forum and look forward to more - especially wet, cold winter photos

**gmen** · 07-21-2004, 02:18 PM

I am addicted to the challenge I think! Every game is different and yields varying results - some good, some not so good. But I keep on shooting... and shooting. You can never have enough practice.

Here's a couple more - one from last night in dwindling light and another from Saturday.

I'm already steeling myself for the cold, wet ones! It won't be long...

**FREELANCE2004** · 07-21-2004, 03:57 PM

DAM,gmen
this is good stuff.im curious to know what speed you shot this at.i saw iso 200 i think.DOF looks kinda mid f stop.am i right.let me know if you have time.
killer job
freelance2004

**Photo-John** · 07-21-2004, 05:03 PM

That header shot kicks ass!

I know what you mean about the addiction thing. I'm completely addicted to sports photography. I think it's the randomness of it. No matter how good you get and how controlled you are, there's a whole lot you can't control. You never know quite what you're going to get and there are no guarantees. I'm always so excited to see what I really got

**gmen** · 07-22-2004, 01:35 AM

Just checked the EXIF - the shots involving the team in stripes are 1/1250s at f/4 at 200ASA (one is in fact at 400ASA - while big dark cloud passed overhead)... the other shot is the same combo of aperture and shutter speed but at 800ASA (early evening game) - all with the 300mm f/2.8.

**Sebastian** · 07-22-2004, 06:49 AM

Originally Posted by Photo-John

That header shot kicks ass!

I know what you mean about the addiction thing. I'm completely addicted to sports photography. I think it's the randomness of it. No matter how good you get and how controlled you are, there's a whole lot you can't control. You never know quite what you're going to get and there are no guarantees. I'm always so excited to see what I really got

I'm with John 100% here, that is the best of the bunch! I can feel the pain... It's stuff like that that makes me excited when looking at sports photos, much more so than proper form or a ball on bat or whatever. When you can get a feel for the strength and pain, THAT is a great shot to me.

**gmen** · 07-22-2004, 09:45 AM

Cheers guys! Fortunately I have a couple more matches lined up over the weekend for the local rag - so I'll be seeking some more pics showing the 'pain of participation'. Should have some rugby soon too... that's peachy for some crunching tackles.

**gmen** · 07-25-2004, 01:28 AM

Here are a few new ones from yesterday - some of the pics that the local paper didn't get! An evening game so tricky lighting at times: Low bright sun and hard shadows followed by gathering gloom - but an enjoyable shoot nonetheless.