How to Photograph Volleyball - Focusing, Locations, Indoor Light, Settings, Gear

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Whats the toughest sport you photograph?

[@russgifford]

For a long time I'd say Volleyball because of the small space and people moving all the time. I'd love to be able to shoot with that much space as you have in this video, most of the gyms I'm in are much smaller (and darker.) Thanks for the videos!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

@@russgifford I do feel lucky with a few of these gyms, although there is one that is so old with flickering lights that I shoot super high ISO. Not my favorite. haha

[@alexmartins4013]

I would say hockey. Because of the glass and the bad lights.

[@Twobarpsi]

For me, soccer. Mainly because my longest lens is only 200mm.

[@MarcoLiraEdufis]

Even the university gyms in my area (which are supposed to be bigger/better) are ridiculously poorly lit. @@russgifford

[@mikephotos225]

I shoot for a Division I Power 5 college volleyball team and I fully agree with Paul's recommendations. He's one of the first people I've seen on KZbin to recommend focusing on an attacker's legs under the net. That really works because, usually, the thighs will be in the same plane as the face on an attack. One additional thing I would recommend is shooting warm-ups. You have more freedom to move around the court before actual play starts. During warmups, you can ask the referees if you can shoot from the referee stand and usually they will say yes. Also, you can get really low. One of my favorite shots is to put my camera on a Platypod on the floor aiming up to get really dynamic shots of attackers in the air. Thanks, Paul - great info.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Thanks for the kudos! Shooting warms ups can be very valuable. I normally don't only because my schools don't use the photos that much, but you can for sure get great images then as well!

[@johnmadill8344]

Well done. Been shooting high school sports 50 years. Vball is the second hardest for me, i find swimming tougher. You have taught an old dog a new trick or two.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Happy to help. I'm sure you could teach me a lot as well!

[@johnmadill8344]

Putting the focus spot below the net worked a miracle. I the 70s & 80s when lenses were designed for manual focusing and you had a variety of focusing screens to choose from (split image, fresnel, etc) the net wasn't a problem. Nowadays it is. This trick really helped.

[@billwhite2818]

Great video. Could have used this a few weeks ago when I shot college volleyball for the first time. It took me about 2-3 sets to figure out what I was doing. One of the fastest, unpredictable sports in a confined space I’ve shot. Thanks again for the hard work you put into your videos.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Hope it goes better next time and thanks for the recognition of the hard work!

[@mikeguyonYT]

I do follow the entire game and the fans. Learning who the relatives are helps. Getting their reactions are nice and the the family hugs after the game with players and parents.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

The more you know the better the photos. So helpful to follow a team enough to know the families!

[@PeteMazPhoto]

Paul, great tips as usual. Two points I would like to add. Get the basics of the sport you are photographing. Because you will be lost and playing catch-up. Second be prepared to be in some some gyms that are dark as dungeons. I was in one that I had to shoot with my 85/1.8 to save the photos and rethought my positioning. Don’t be afraid to shoot a game with a “non-sport” lens something’s, it might make you into a better photographer.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Love that message of shooting with a "non-sport" lens. Helps to try and see things differently and get you out of the comfort zone.

[@MarkReese]

6:00 - 6:48 was super helpful, thanks Paul! With your 70-200mm, I noticed you shoot relatively wide, allowing you to see a broader view of the game & better predict where the ball is going. However, when using your 300mm f/2.8, are you still able to follow the action well? Or do you find yourself using more of the approach you outlined from 6:00 - 6:48 (focus on 1 type of shot and/or 1 player until you get what you need, then focus on the next)?

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Great question! Yes with the 70-200 I shoot a little looser and crop in. But I will also zoom in at times, when I know that I already have the wide photos. Way harder to follow the action with a 300mm. I do pick a player and hope the ball goes to her or she gets the block. I may try to switch if I notice the ball isn't going to her, but normally it doesn't work out well.

[@MarkReese]

@@Paul_Rutherford - Got it, thanks man!

[@richmatlock2396]

Thank you, Paul. My granddaughter is starting her senior year. First home game is Thursday, and I'll be ready! Better than last year is my goal.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Thats all we can ask of ourselves. getting better year by year!

[@jpnouel]

Un MILLON DE GRACIAS! Excelentes consejos!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

¡De nada!

[@dalehorton8998]

Concise and very helpful Paul. I'll let you know how it goes. Thank you for sharing this 👍

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Glad its helpful!

[@ericmdrs]

Great tip with getting their feet for a spike. never thought of that

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Thanks! Took me a while to figure that one out.

[@Twobarpsi]

That's a great tip.

[@bwhite661]

Best volleyball tutorial! I really like the focus tips. Thanks!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Glad its helpful!

[@michaelkeropian2954]

That info was really helpful. I'm often in a school gym where the light is low. One thing you pointed out was 1/1000 shutter speed, in this way I can cut back on the ISO. I'm going to try that, I'm usually shooting at a higher shutter speed and perhaps I don't need to. This is my second year taking pics of my kids Basketball and Volley ball indoors. Been taking pics of them outdoors for a decade. Just trying to fine tune and get less noise. I also focus manually as there is a lot of movement. I also like your suggestion to shoot from a low position. One luxury is I go to a lot of my kids games and get plenty of practice.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Glad its helpful! And the best way to get better is practice.

[@ShaquilleOatmeal3354]

I shot some beach volleyball for the first time back in the summer and the timing was very different than anything else I’ve done before. It’s a lot of fun to shoot tho!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Very fun to shoot! Even if you miss you'll probably get another chance. haha

[@manduja75]

awesome tips bro thank you!! what about anti flicker? do you struggle with it?

[@Paul_Rutherford]

I've only shot in one or two gyms where its bad enough to use the anti flicker setting. But the setting helps a lot!

[@johnmoore8435]

Great Video Paul, thanks for making this one. Volleyball is definitely the toughest for me to shoot, so any tips and reminders are greatly appreciated.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Glad it helps!

[@AliEdwardsDesignInc]

Really helpful! Thank you!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

You're welcome!

[@LifetimeCre-8StudioLLC]

Great video, thanks for this information. How do you get your shots so clear? I shoot volleyball as well. I'm currently using Canon R10 some of my photos have a lot of grain. Would you be able to give me so suggestions?

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Check out my video on low light shooting. But sometimes in bad situations there is just going to be a lot of grain. I only show my best ones that don't have a ton of it. haha

[@fordresearch2312]

Really nice tips. On my last session I tried with manual focus to avod the net. If you adjust the focus on the attack line, there are many chances that you can have a clear photo of attackers and defenders and avoid focusing the net. It is frustrating when you arrive at home and you see all those good pictures ruined by the net :D

[@Paul_Rutherford]

So annoying when you realize the net messed up your photos!

[@waynelukehart3092]

@@Paul_Rutherford .... check the photos after every sequence! Do not wait until you get home to find out that adjustments were necessary to obtain good captures!

[@EdwardMoniganIV]

Great work as always!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

appreciate it!

[@TimK-i9e]

Would you recommend a full frame body over a crop sensor based on low light in most gyms?

[@Paul_Rutherford]

I have been using full frames for a while so I don't have any direct comparisons and don't get too much into the science of it. I go by what the camera is showing me. That being said, my newer cameras have always done better at higher ISO. So I really think it depends on which two cameras you are comparing. If you can, I suggest testing them against each other either from friends who have them or renting for a weekend.

[@mirandaceef4814]

Muito bom! Obrigado pelas dicas!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Glad it was helpful!

[@inittoo]

some really nice tips. nice video.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Glad you liked it!

[@bquinn722]

Fantastic video! Have really been enjoying watching these types of videos. Always something to learn! Really good idea on focusing on the feet. Question on single point focus generally with sports. How did you practice to become good at being able to both move the focus (any sport) and still get the photo? I have been using center focus which has worked good as I’ve found it very difficult to both move to focus point and still have time to get the shot .

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Great question! I'm generally not moving the focus point as I'm taking the photo. I will switch it if I notice I'm not getting the framing I want using the joystick on my camera. Or in the volleyball case, since I was shooting from the endline I knew I was trying to get blocks and spikes. Which means I want my point low. So I kept it low the entire time in the position. When I switch positions or the type of shot I want I will switch the location of the focus point. Hope that helps!

[@bobstudio4367]

Have you tried using a remote camera placed under the platform for the referee? Just wondering if that would be high enough for a view along the top of the net.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Great question. I havn't tried that. Could be cool with permission, might be tough to get the right focus spot since the blocker/hitter could be at a few different spots. But with a high f/stop I'm sure you could get something!

[@charliejg]

I typically use back button focus as well. I agree with you regarding HS being a bit easier to shoot. Club volleyball was harder because the skills are better and because good shooting locations aren't as easy to find. Question: How do you handle white balance? In the video it looks like you have it set to "S" (sunny)???. But, that probably was on a day with lots of natural light coming through the windows. Do you typically set a Kelvin value or just use auto WB? Thanks for the info, have a great weekend.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

If I'm shooting raw then i normally shoot auto white balance. But if it is jpeg I may switch to Kelvin since inside the light shouldn't be changing, unless you have flickering lights. Not sure what the S you saw was. Maybe it happened to be a bright day, but I almost never use that. haha

[@RivaiKelana]

Is it possible with the Sony A7iii + Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 lens? I only have that lens, for Photograph Volleyball

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Good question. For sure you can photograph volleyball with that lens. You'll probably want to stay in the middle of the court instead of the end lines though.

[@cf.shot.de.]

Hello, thanks for the video and greetings from Germany. I'm still missing one point: how do you set the white balance to manual or automatic? If manual, how exactly? I think the fluorescent tubes in sports halls are the same all over the world, which is why I'm asking.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

There is a white balance setting on the back of the camera or in your options. It has an auto setting and a few other options. There is one called kelvin which allows you to dial in an exact number to help get the look you want.

[@cf.shot.de.]

@Paul_Rutherford So you mean you also set the white balance manually using a grey card, right? I noticed something about the autofocus, I use the Sony a7rv, it even recognises faces across the network and you can focus directly on the person, it works surprisingly well

[@Paul_Rutherford]

@@cf.shot.de. Face focus can help a lot shooting through the net, but it may not always focus on the person you want. I don't use a grey card to set it. I mostly try to get it close in camera and shoot I Raw so i can change the white balance in editing if need be.

[@chrislognshot]

issue i have is this. i am not allowed to be on court unless sit or standing next front row of grandstand aka bleachers. so behind net or left or right sides of doors where can walk in and out too. most time from 3 to 4 row up in bleachers aka grandstand. or top of bleachers since can use my Sigma sports 120-300mm on Z9 gen 2 FTZ or Z9 and 28-75mm F/2.8. also use 3d tracking too. also around 1/1000 to 1/1250 or 1/16000 if day time sunlight coming to gym from windows. if night time then 1/1000 F/2.8 and ISO around 2,800 to 4k at times.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

It can be tough when different venues have different rules. sounds like you've got your settings down!

[@michaelkeropian2954]

Many of the shots I take are from the first level of the bleachers. My knees don't work like they used to so its comfortable to sit. I will stand for shots down the length of the net either left or right of the tower and if Im moving around.. I'll go to the corners and sit on the bleacher. I have even found against the wall facing the net. works pretty good. I find I try and focus on groups of players because they look like a team, however I'll also take pics of individuals, blocking, serving and spiking. Also some pics look great but if there is no ball in the picture they don't have the same feel. Same thing in basketball pictures, if the ball is on the ground when someone is dribbling its not the same if the ball is touching their hand.

[@katelynnsirois4821]

I’m saving up for a 70-200 2.8 but currently I have a 75-300, 28-135, and an 18-135. I’ve done one volleyball game and ISO was 6400, shutter was 1/1200 and aperture was f/5.6. Any tips on what I should try and aim for or what lens would be better? The lighting is also really rough, the pro photographer for the university I shoot for even says he hates shooting in this gym because of the lighting.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Most indoor lighting is bad and you kinda have to accept it unfortunately. I suggest figuring out which photos looks best to you and then figure out if it’s because of the location on the court that has better lighting, a certain focal length, your angle of the play. Then try to recreate that. A 70-200 2.8 is a great sports lens to have.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

You can also try lowering your shutter to 1/500th and ISO to 3200 and get more “static” shots. Then you will have better image quality and no issues with motion blur. So portraits of players, huddles, pre serve shots. Then when you go back to action switch your settings back.

[@TimK-i9e]

Do you use two camera bodies when shooting volleyball?

[@Paul_Rutherford]

I do have two cameras, but shoot 90% on one.

[@boostedmaniac]

I’m glad I shoot swimming outdoors. The indoor lighting would drive me nuts.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

I would love to shoot swimming outdoors, not only is it lowlight, but normally the lights have such bad hues to them too.

[@boostedmaniac]

@@Paul_Rutherford yeah totally understand that. The lighting in those gyms are always dingy looking. I had to shoot a swim meet once inside a gym. It’s a battle keeping shutter up to freeze the action vs noise. And to top it off the light quality.

[@MariahGage-yt9ex]

N favorites are blocks n spikes or a deep dive

[@Paul_Rutherford]

good stuff!

[@angelogarciajr5356]

I used the same gear and settings but did not get all sharp images and for some reason a lot of images were kind of orange, so I did that one match and was done. No more for me lol

[@Paul_Rutherford]

White balance! And also sometimes the light is just bad and will reflect off of the floor to give an orange hue. Don't give up it'll be better the next time!

[@angelogarciajr5356]

Trying a basketball tournament, the next three days@@Paul_Rutherford

[@larryepling]

I want to see the gym that I can shoot 1/2000 at 3200iso in

[@Paul_Rutherford]

I'm lucky when its a sunny day with those opaque windows! Not as lucky with the other gyms I shoot in. Terrible flicker and ISO 10000

[@larryepling]

@@Paul_Rutherford Average for my university gym is iso6400 1/1250

[@ChrisSaunders]

I shot in a very new varsity facility for a tournament last year and it was amazing. 1600iso !

[@garyrivera895]

I've had this debate with people before but why are all of your shots horizontal? I've always felt that volleyball is "mostly" not always a vertical game. So much wasted space from side to side.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Honestly I rarely crop/shoot vertical. No great reason except a lot of my photos will be used horizontally for the clients I shoot for. But totally agree with you that some of the photos can have wasted space on the sides in horizontal crops.

[@mikephotos225]

Paul hit it on the head. It depends on the client but people like Sports Information departments, local or school newspapers want horizontal shots because they fit better in news stories. Some will even have a specific crop factor that they require (my college has this). I shoot some vertical but those are rarely picked up for publication.

[@MarcoLiraEdufis]

No way to use 1/2000 in the gyms I hit up. Any cave is better lit, seriously impossible ç_ç

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Its the only one I've been able to do it in. And only during a sunny day game.

[@mmills006]

Haha, that was the first thing I noticed, and I was quite jealous. If I am lucky I can shoot 1/1000 but usually 1/800 or 1/640 with my f2.8. I find myself shooting volleyball more with an 85mm f1.8 these days as I am normally very close to the sideline so don't need the added reach of the 70-200 and the extra light from the f1.8 helps me stay at 1/800 or 1/1000 shutter speed. ISO is usually around 1600-3200

[@DJCENTIF1]

I can’t sit on the floor. I look like a turtle on its back

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Haha. I tend to look pretty silly as well when shooting. You can try bringing a small chair to sit in as well. Or at least sitting on the lowest part of the bleachers.

[@michaelkeropian2954]

Believe it or not I get a lot a great shots on the lowest level of bleacher. it is generally my go to place. My head is about level with the player's mid body. Also you can go to the far ends of the bleachers and take shots from there. If they have a chair you could move along each back wall as long as you don't mind getting hit with the ball. Since I take mostly pics of my two kids in their sports, I don't want to embarrass them making a spectacle of myself. Heaven forbid I embarrass my kids lol. The sitting on the floor is best when you're closer to the net and shooting upwards. But generally the refs don't want you that close.