HS Football in the RAIN?

[sgriggs2006]

Ok, what are some of the secrets to shooting high school football in the rain?
I've noticed that usually the flash just makes a mess of stuff reflecting back (sort of like in the heavy mist/fog that rolls in in the 3rd/4th quarters...)
So, do you guys go sans flash, crank up the ISO, etc. and hope for the best?
I hate being in a cold rain.
cheers,
sue.

[groovehouse]

I don't get paid enough to shoot in the rain. Sorry, no help here.

[sgriggs2006]

Haha, Groovehouse, I hear you...and being that you're in Houston, does it rain? Hah. Nah, gotta cover this one, its at home, and the first one in the playoffs. Our team should go to the state championship game, so we have our loyal readers to keep happy. That and the fact that next week is away, and I'd rather use a file photo for that week....its a long ride next week.
cheers,
s.

[SmartWombat]

Never shot football, but I agree on the flash, it lights up the weather not the action.

I think it'll be that same as motorsport, crank up the ISO.
And wish you'd bought that new body with better high ISO and less noise ;)

You may be able to use contrast enhancement post processing.
Contrast Enhancement
Haze Removal with Targeted Local Contrast Enhancement - Lonestardigital.com
Sharpening 101

[sgriggs2006]

I don't worry too much about the D700...its got decent enough seals to keep out the weather....I throw one of those $5 camera trashbags w/ a drawstring on it to keep most of the weather out, and keep it under my poncho....Then I put it under the heater in the car on the way home (not too hot!!) and leave it on the heat vent when I get home to keep any forgotten moisture out of it...My beef is that I don't like to be in the cold rain...my camera could care less!! :-)
s.

[mattbikeboy]

Baggy it and shoot the D700 at ISO 6400 with your 80-200 f/2.8 at 2.8. You'll do fine if your on the sidelines. Also stay below the stadium lights and use what little they give you.

mbb

[JETA]

I live in rain country so I have to shoot football in the rain all of the time. I stay away from flash, but in the end zone that doesn't always work out on some fields. When shooting a w/a shot and going for more of an effect than action shot I'll use flash. With some minor ps adjustments it really shows it was raining like heck. Parents like those for scrapbooks and I like them for slideshows.