Figure Skating - looking for tips
My daughter has been getting more into figure skating, which is typically indoors. Depending on the rink, lighting can be challenging. I recently upgraded to a 5D3 and would be shooting with the 70-200 f/4L IS.
Looking for any tips from camera settings, technique, or post processing. Obviously the 70-200 f/2.8L ISII would help, but that will probably wait due to the camera investment. I also have a monopod on the way (RRS MH02-Pro package is $60 off at the moment).
Here are a few shots from a recent show. With the 5D3, should I use AF Point Expansion or Zone AF (or other)? These are slightly cropped, should I get in closer? Any suggestions are welcome.
Thanks,
Eric
1/320, ƒ/4, ISO 1000
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2814/...bf193710_c.jpg
2M3A0238.jpg by EricPvpi2, on Flickr
1/320, ƒ/4, ISO 1250
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/...e992efaa_c.jpg
2M3A0240.jpg by EricPvpi2, on Flickr
1/320, ƒ/4, ISO 2500
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/...c8fb9103_c.jpg
2M3A0243.jpg by EricPvpi2, on Flickr
Figure Skating - looking for tips
I think your technique is fine. With the 5D3 you should be fine with the f/4 IS. My only suggestion would be to up the exposure and get closer to the ice (if that's possible). I think shooting at their level would be a better spot than up high. Shooting at f/4 as you have will yield pretty good blur if you are shooting toward the 200mm end and filling the frame with your subject. If you wanted to get creative, you could slow your shutter speed and do a little panning as your subject moves across the ice in front of you. I view ice skating the same as I would view photographing youth soccer. Get on their level and try to fill the frame as best you can. If you can't fill the frame, have the subject to one side of the frame to give a sense of motion for where they are moving in the frame.