Gymnastics Help!

[krg1962]

Hi All, Tommorrow I'll be shooting my first gymnastics meet. I have a nikon d300, 85mm 1.4, 80-200 2.8. I was thinking about my settings to try. I'm not sure what the lighting is like (probably not good) and there is no flash. Would 500 shutter, WB Auto, ISO 1600, shutter priority, single area focus (21 point selection) be a good starting point? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[dhyravy]

From what I hear from users of the D300, a 9 or single point focus is the way to go for sports. I use single point on both of my cameras for most sports shots. Also, depending on the type of lighting (ie whether or not it's prone to cycling) you will probably want a Custom WB. As far as the "shutter priority" setting, I don't use any auto mode for sports or anything else for that matter, so I would recommend manual mode with a minimum of 1/500 shutter and push the ISO to whatever is needed to get a proper exposure. You will likely have the aperture wide open to gather enough light to get good results.

[ciddog91]

Not sure what the settings wold be for your Nikon as I don't know how it handles high ISO. But when I shoot, I push the ISO to the upper limit and shutter speed up as far (higher than 1/250 if possible) as possible. I shoot in RAW so I can adjust a little as they will still be dark. Normally for my Canon 30D I shoot manual, ISO 1600, f2.8, 1/400, center weighted. Sometimes I custom WB if the gym is "off". But in RAW I can adjust that.

You have some great gear for gymnastics. Use it at its limits and you will find some great pics.

Sorry I was late on the post, as I know you were shooting this weekend. What level were you shooting?? Boys or girls?? and where?? Were you going to regionals in OH????

Phil

[krg1962]

Sorry I was late on this reply. The gymnastics meet was in Saginaw Michigan. Was only small kids about ages 5-10. I ended up using 2000 iso 500 shutter Auto White Balance , 1.4 aperature, +1 on exposure. The lighting was horrible.(a converted warehouse) with florescent and incandesent lights with some natural lighting from some windows. Not a good white balance combination. With a lot of photoshop I got a few decent photos.

[ciddog91]

Was it at Gym Jetsers of Saginaw?? I have sot there and it is like a dungeon. Most of the places for younger kids are. I have shot at most of the gyms in Michigan that host boys events (and some girls). The best is the Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek, and U of M.

Some times with the younger kids you can do 1/250 for shutter as they are not moving as fast. You will get some motion blur, but if you like that, it helps tell the story in a picture.

Good Luck....

Phil

[krg1962]

Yes it was at gym Jesters. The floor events were probably the best place to shoot because I think there was one pair of extra lights in the middle. Still one of the worst places I been in to shoot. That was my first gymnastics shoot so hope the next place will be better.

[ciddog91]

I doubt you will get much worse.... But most will not be much better. You will still get some great pics. Post a few..... People here can look at the picture and help you figure out what may help next time...

Phil