Jump to content

Photography from the stands


Recommended Posts

I'm getting ready for my week and a half long drum corp vacation, following corps from Atlanta to Massillon, with stops each day along the way.

I'd like to bring some camera equipment along, and try to get some good photos from the stands. Has anyone had trouble bringing nice lenses/multiple cameras into DCI events before?

Any tips on getting good results? I've been thinking I may try to get some warmup/in the lot pictures, as well. But I imagine the lighting will be much better under stadium lights.

Any weirdness with white balances with sunlight/stadium lights on at the same time?

Any other tricks you've used to get good results?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I believe photography and videos inside the stadiums is expressly prohibited for everyday fans. You would have to be credentialed. Maybe you are.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I believe photography and videos inside the stadiums is expressly prohibited for everyday fans. You would have to be credentialed. Maybe you are.

Nope, definitely not credentialed. A bummer to her that photography is prohibited. Seems odd in a world where everyone has a phone with an amazing camera in their pocket.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

No prohibition on photography - just video. Take as many pictures as you like with whatever equipment you want to bring. I've brought a Canon 7D with a big 70-200 mm zoom lens into Lucas Oil and other DCI venues without any problem. I've seen plenty of others with nice DSLR cameras as well. Just be considerate of those around you. White balance can be a problem in outdoor venues, particularly as the sun sets. You might try manual adjustment with the Kelvin scale and experiment. Also, you might consider shooting RAW to correct any white balance issues in post. Need a fast shutter speed (<1/500) to stop motion, so you may need a pretty high ISO for anything under the lights.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Don't forget about the new clear bag rules. They may not allow a normal camera bag in ATL or Indy.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On the 50 is right on. You'll need a fast lens and a high ISO to catch the action. Just don't forget to enjoy the performance.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I always bring my camera to shows. I currently have a Nikon D7200, I usually bring my entire camera bag which includes four lenses: a 18-70, a 55-300, a 105mm macro, and a 50mm lenses. I also a e a 100-400 mm lense, but I need a tripod or monopod with this lens so I do not use it at shows. I could probably get away with just the 55-300 mm lens, which will be important for Atlanta since you will not be allowed to bring a camera bag to the venue and will have to bring wear your camera. I had good seats in Atlanta but the photos were so-so.

The biggest problem I have had is first of all not getting people's heads in my shots and not disturbing people around me. A good DSLR with a good lens can obstruct people's view. Camera clicks, even when on quiet mode can disturb. I never use multiple shots because that disturbs me, so I never use it since I know how annoying it can be. I never stand while taking shots. Space and often times stadium restrictions means no tripod or monopod use. I have seen some with tripods and mono pods, and they do interfere with other people's experience.

Interior stadiums are no problem with lighting. I generally shoot ISO 1000 and have no problems. I never use flash. At outdoor stadiums, I usually have to change the ISO as lighting changes. I usually shoot JPEG rather than RAW. You may take more discards than great shots, but unless you use film, that's not a problem.

If Allentown is in your itinerary, bottom tier gets better shots than top, but bottom tier is tight quarters. If CYO Nationals Tribute in Quincy is part of your plan, it's an easy place to get good shots. I'm usually near the 50 yard line.

Do I get DCW photographers Pat Chagnon or Chris Maher quality shots? Not exactly but they are reasonably good. I am a Facebook friend with Chris Maher and I let him know I look at his photos (not just drum corps either) and use his shots for inspiration. I belong to a camera club and have entered some shots in contests that have fared well. My Facebook friends including drum corps fans enjoy them.

A DCI acquaintance told me that DCI makes it clear photos from shows are never to be sold under any circumstances. If a photo includes a minor, be careful with social media posts and do not tag the person in the photo unless you know the parents. This is common policy for schools, so it is not a DCI rule, it is standard policy.

Edited by Tim K
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I stand corrected! I was at DCI Minnesota and thought that's what I heard announced, but I guess I was wrong about photography

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
×
×
  • Create New...