Today's soccer game (8 images)

[jorgemonkey]

This past week I picked up the Sigma 2x teleconverter to put on my 70-200 until I can afford some longer pro glass. Its a little soft around 200mm (400 with the teleconverter on) but it really allows me to photograph more of the game with that extra reach. My bro in law plays for the red team, which they tied this game 1-1. Because of their wins yesterday (its a tournament) they advanced to the championship game, though I'm not sure how they did. Here are a few samples from what I got.

I can tell that its not pro glass quality, but I am very happy with the results. All the shots were taken in RAW with my D2h. Converted to jpg in Nikon Capture using the D-lighting, WB adjustment, sharpening, and tone adjustments, some cropping done in PS.

Trying to win the header


Bringing the ball down the field


Fighting for the ball


Clearing the ball down the field


First goal of the game. A beautiful shot from the top of the box


Another shot on goal, this one went off the post


Goalie coming out to challenge a high ball


Another header challenge

[JSPhoto]

4, 5, & 6 are the best timing wise, 7 is from the back and side and not a good angle to shoot from. The ball is completely missing in that shot as well. Crops: Tighter crops, especially off the top as that area lends nothing to the photos in these shots, and in some it's very distracting. If you shoot from behind anyone make sure it's the goale, where you can shoot the shooter as they try to score. Some leagues will not allow anyone behind the goal though, so I normally get those shots in warmups.

JS

[jorgemonkey]

I'll remember those tips for next time

I've been lucky with the leagues out here. It seems when the refs see a person with a big camera & lens they let us go everywhere. I haven't tried shooting from directly behind the goal, but I have done some shots from the endline near the corner flags.

I purposely went to the sideline so I could get some goalie shots, but almost every shot came from the opposite side of the field

Of course, ya take what you can get when it comes to sports!

[SmartWombat]

I agree there, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are clear winners for me.
They're also the least cluttered, with little non-action.

#1 has that huge pole right in the middle of the action.
#2 has half players each side of the image.

But the rest, for the players in the picvtures, they're usable,