Sports Photography- A different sort of Sports shift!

[@robertlawrence7958]

The lower the leagues the harder it is to get decent backgrounds. That was a pretty difficult assignment for you. On the plus side you have some great action images there.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Robert, yes, I was really happy with the action I got considering I wasn’t really going for it but it is all good practice. Thanks for watching

[@bbsphotography2187]

Funny enough I had my first rugby match Friday evening! Lol

[@MarkKerton]

Hope it went well Barry

[@bbsphotography2187]

@@MarkKerton yes thanks, it was really interesting too! Definitely want to do more in future.

[@orion2250]

I shoot my local Rugby Club here in Texas..every backdrop is horrible..but it’s my mates that matter. When the other clubs come down it’s a treat for them to see themselves at play..clubs are really under represented here and even fewer have full time togs.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching👍🏻 Keep up the snapping. Great to supply your mates with some images👍🏻

[@orion2250]

@@MarkKerton its 7s season here and your video inspired me to keep on shooting!

[@kevinhumphries763]

Am I made up you said it’s really difficult shooting rugby. Thought it was me 😜. Another great video

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Kevin. Rugby’s never really been my thing! Just never been into it snd so not great with the rules🙈

[@martinstokes5596]

Nice one Mark..loving the sports vlogs..think I am going to have to give it a go with some of my local teams..

[@robbrennan6293]

I love the darts and l am shooting my first national league game at Eastleigh fc today

[@NikCan66]

Some great shots and an interesting assignment with spot the ball competitions in mind.

[@gunamerstravels]

You should try in Gainsborough for rugby.

[@matthewmockovic]

Hi Mark, loving the videos. I shoot a lot of local rugby and you’ve just got to suck it up when it comes to backgrounds. If I’ve got a grandstand, I’ll make that the background even if the lighting is a comprise. One thing about local rugby is we’ve got access to run up and down the sideline which dramatically increases your hit rate. I don’t know what the restrictions are where you are. Good opportunities for shots - when the ball comes out of the back of the scrum and the scrum-half passes it to the fly-half. If you place yourself up the field and the attacking team is running towards you, there are passing the ball shots out the backline and ball carrier being tackled. Line-outs have been mentioned. I’m just an amateur so its weird making suggestions to a pro, so take my comments with a grain of salt. Having access to roam up and down the field is the big one for me though. Keep ‘em coming

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Matthew, I might just try roaming about for the next game, this Saturday all being well. I am so used to plonking myself down in one position for each half with restrictions so tight for top level football and rugby, I didn’t really think that I could RoamAbout! Great point and if I can next time, I will certainly give it a go. Thanks Matthew

[@HeadGirl1]

@@MarkKerton Following up on this exchange of views on a). Roaming About and b). Sitting Down, in one place for a period of time, whilst covering sports such as rugby, or football, is this principally because the latter is all that you’re generally permitted to do - or are there compositional / perspective advantages in having a lower point of view? So, photographing amateur sport, where we have free rein to wander around as we please, would you recommend option a). or option b).?! Really enjoying your videos, keep them coming!

[@photosteven]

Try looking out from lineout's players lifted into the air, lots of chances of spot the ball. During scrums where the no.10 reaches for the ball to throw out to teammates. Usually very clean backdrops for cloning out the ball!

[@tedk2814]

Rugby doesn't have a huge following here in Florida but I found out there are a few teams and surprising to me, a girls high school rugby team. I've researched the game, certain plays etc but sill can't quite fully understand it. Thanks Mark

[@pappap3788]

Looks like the weather was on your side, unlike us here in West Scotland where it has been grey skies with rain, rain and more rain. One of the best ways for any inspired photographer who wants to learn sport photography is to attend their local sporting events. As your portfolio grows so does your experience as well as building up a relationship with other people, other togs and gaining a net work. It is a pitty that our Shinty-2021 season is all but ending, likewise for the hurling, photographing a small white ball and players is difficult, fun, dangerous and highly enjoyable. Both sports claim to have some of the fastest speeds for any ball game. I am sure you would enjoy and find the atmosphere somewhat different to the matches you go to. Just finished editing a load of Scottish premiership football, off to bed before I make more editing mistakes.... Take care and great wee vlog once again. Paul Paterson Photography

[@debbiegould4548]

You captured some great action shots Mark. I remember when I first started shooting football and posted a pic for critiquing in my camera club and the one and only comment I received was 'watch your background' ! Having discussed the 'why's and wherefores' of shooting local sport, I challenged the experienced photographer to come to a match one day, she never did !

[@markfuller4506]

At the first football league game I ever did, 25 years ago, I was using a Nikon body, a Tamron zoom lens with an f stop of 5.6 or 6.3 and film of course. I chatted to a guy from Liverpool who it turns out was from the pools company and he was there to get spot the ball pics. He was shooting wide and kindly said, “Why don’t I use his Nikon 70-200 2.8 for the first half and then my Tamron for the second half to see the difference”. That was really kind of him and of course when the film was developed, it was clear as day which were the better shots. A nikon 2.8 arrived a few weeks later and that’s how I got into the pro footy/sports photography that I still do. I didn’t know spot the ball was still going until you put this video up Mark…- clearly spot the ball snappers are still generous folk prepared to give their advice and time freely. 👍

[@davidmag479]

Have had the same conditions shooting football and rugby into low winter sun for the last 3 Saturdays here. Evaluative metering was giving me that silhouette shot even with over exposing the image. Partial metering worked most consistently with over exposing by 1/3 or 2/3, especially when the ball was in the air.

[@Jess_hornby1]

You might not have gotten exactly what you came for but....the actions shots you have taken are ace! You should definitely do more rugby games, really enjoy seeing the outcomes from the matches. Keep up the good work 👍

[@Johnnyboy665]

I always enjoy your sports videos as its what I do at a much lower level of football. I was a canon shooter for a while but moved over to Fujifilm however I am moving back to canon and I have took the leap of pre-ordering a Canon R3. I’m really excited about getting it and building up some RF lenses over the next 5 years. Fuji are great cameras but they are not great with poor floodlighting.

[@bngr_bngr]

Canon now has the 400/2.8 & 600/4.0 in R mount. Enjoy your new camera.

[@steadycamman1]

Thanks for the video Mark, some great action shots you should be proud of, good luck with the rest of your assignment, Pete 👍

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Pete. I actually managed 71 frames in the end to look at closer to see if they will fit the bill so not too bad a game in the end👍🏻

[@seanpualic9834]

To get exposure compensation to work. You're not shooting in manual no?? I shoot with a 1DX mk1.

[@jjmoyles]

That's a tough old gig, Mark, you got some excellent action shots, I love shooting rugby, got my first women's game this Sunday and boy do they get stuck in.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Ken. Managed 71 frames to have a closer look at to see if they are good enough for spot the ball so not too bad in the end. I hope you had a good game with those feisty ladies🤣

[@bobblack4048]

Loved the video Mark. As I said earlier, I'm new to your chanel. I also said I'm starting my sport photography at my Local RFC. I have a few photos. I think are ok, but I'm not happy with my lens and camera. 7d mk11 and a 70-200 2.8 IS USM. I bought them both 2nd hand and I've never been happy with the quality. How can I send you a few shots to get your professional opinion. Thanks Bob.

[@MarkKerton]

Feel free to email a few frames over Bob. [e-mail] 👍🏻

[@juelraun]

Great to watch and see how you cope with the difficulties :D Just got a used 1DX I last week, great feeling and images at an indoor handball match. Looking forward to a pair of R6s next year with RF glass and a 300mm f/2.8 :P I used your video on 1DX settings - great help...

[@MrShumanski]

I want such a lens for my birthday, which will be tomorrow ...

[@MarkKerton]

Belated happy birthday! Did you get the lens you wanted?

[@kentaufderheide8454]

Really enjoyed the video. Good luck with the project!

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Kent, appreciate you watching the video.

[@richardpill8322]

Really like watching your videos. I have that same kit and use it for wildlife, it’s brilliant and I use the silent electronic shutter for deer, badgers, etc. I use it with a loupe so that the rear screen becomes an eye piece. I find watching you photograph is quite intense where wildlife for me is really relaxing and helps me forget the day job! Love it! All the best.

[@RDPHOTOGRAPH]

What tips and equipment do you recommend as I'm doing grass roots Rugby sports photography for my team

[@MarkKerton]

Watch my videos👍🏻 Haha, keep your eye on action off the field as much as on it. Subs warming up, coach giving instructions, that sort of thing👍🏻

[@bobbruce4509]

Job a good one.

[@steveparent8788]

Hi Mark, good action shots. Difficult indeed. Which metering mode(s) did you used?

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks for watching Steve. I tend to stick in evaluative metering mode as a rule, unless the Sun is playing tricks or the players are very well backlit then I might switch to spot metering. Hope that helps

[@steveparent8788]

@@MarkKerton Thanks Mark. How superior is the Canon 1DX III metering vs Canon 5D IV metering?

[@Davyscales]

Great photos though

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks David👍🏻

[@Gazzab6]

Hi Mark, what is the model of your Sirui Monopod you are using in your video?

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Gary. It’s a P-326👍🏻

[@Gazzab6]

Mark Kerton, Thanks Mark. I have a Manfrotto monopod which is aluminium and when folded down to its shortest length, it's probably still twice as long as your Sirui at its shortest length. I will make some enquiries into the Sirui thanks. I know their products are great because I have a Sirui ball head and it's brilliant quality.

[@paulhendren5603]

Hey Mark. I have a question to you and the group. I have an assignment coming up and need some advice on how I can utilize my hardware. I have a 1DX and 7D2 bodies with a 300 mk 1 (rented) mm, 70-200 and 24-70 glass (rented). I will be shooting the League 1 Ontario Final (football) on November 7 under a horrible flood-lighted pitch. How do I utilize my 7D2 as a secondary body for shots like celebrations, starting 11 team photos in such poor lighting? Is it possible? Lowering shutter speed and thus lowering ISO. Thanks Paul

[@MarkKerton]

Hi Paul, thanks forgetting in touch. I know when I owned my 7D Mk2 it really struggled on the low light once the iso-went above 3200! I found I was always lowering the shutter speed which kind of defeated the object of using it for sport under floodlights! It was a great body in good light but really struggled once dark! I’m sure for The starting 11 team shots and slower subjects it will be fine on the night but just be careful with high I suppose. Definitely try and use the 1DX as much as you can for the game it self. Hope that helps mate and do ask any more questions if I haven’t answered that enough for you👍🏻

[@markglenday7291]

Hi Mark I just found this video, I realize it is 12 months on but I have a couple of questions please. The first is are you in AV or M mode with manual ISO or are you shooting in M mode with auto ISO, the second is a silly question in regards to the exposure comp were adding comp to get your images brighter or were you dropping the exposure comp to get the correct exposure. The last question is are we going to see you and Rob Sambles doing a video together shooting the Soccer/Football. Thanks Mark from Australia

[@berrandjiafaresdiga877]

💚🖤🔥📷

[@user-jt3fc2pb8o]

Been watching all your videos last couple of days, honestly fantastic mate I'm really loving the effort you put into these videos. Was thinking of questions I noticed you moved away from your gear sometimes isit a worry that somebody might steal your equipment or mess about with it when your at the match? Does your milage get paid you must be driving some distances now and in the past? Is it a lonely gig? Thanks Mark keep making these videos I'm not massively into photography but your passion keeps me watching lol.

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Ashley, appreciate your support. It’s very rare that we move too far from the kit nowadays, always within view and under the eagle eye of a steward too. There’s always a good bit of banta to be had so it’s not lonely really. Mileage does get paid when on shift for the lucky ones yes Thanks for the Q’s Ashley👍🏻

[@howardesse1686]

I really think you underestimate yourself! Your images look good with the closing sequence!

[@chrise4835]

Hi Mark, great effort putting this together, really enjoyed it. I've been a 1DX II shooter since 2017, bought the R3 (arriving this week along with a 300 2.8 L IS USM version I) I have to shoot a rugby union game on Saturday and I'm wondering whether the 300 2.8 is going to have the reach. I'll have a 100-400 L II sitting on my 1DX II but interested to know if it were you and you in my position would you be comfortable cropping on the 24MP sensor with the 300 2.8 or would you throw a 1.4 III extender on it? I've been pouring over the DXO charts and digital picture comparisons and it is rather remarkable how that 300 2.8 handles the 1.4 III extender. I would just prefer to shoot this beautiful lens at f2.8 rather than f4. Keep the good content coming mate. Subbed.

[@benelliott8745]

Well done, Mark. I agree that there were some cracking action shots. Are you upgrading to the Mark 3? You won't want to give it back:-)

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Ben. Unfortunately the work has dried up somewhat again at the moment so no upgrade just yet! Fingers crossed shifts improve soon🤞🏻

[@milliex04]

Do u have any sort of photography qualifications?

[@MarkKerton]

Not really no, totally self taught. You soon learn from your mistakes! 👍🏻

[@NCRphotography]

Welcome to the dark side Mark :-) The weather conditions you had I absolutely hate for sports photography.. My motto is "The Wetter The Better' :-)

[@MarkKerton]

Thanks Neil, ha ha! I certainly enjoyed shooting the lower league rugby and it was an extra nice treat not to be sending pitch side for once. More lower league stuff this weekend all being well

[@41stclair]

R3 haha sell your car !!!!!!

[@MarkKerton]

I don’t think I will ever own an R3 ha ha!

[@zfiddy]

Loved the video.....but what a boring sport 😜

[@grantwinter7275]

Got to love the fella "refereeing" the game from the sidelines in the first action sequence.. :) Most sports "tutorials" talk about clean backgrounds but that's not always possible at amateur level events. Sometimes you just have to accept they won't be as beautiful as a pro level and concentrate on the quality of the action in front of you. A lot of new sports shooters may not have a 2.8 lens that helps them throw it out of focus and can be demoralising and so as good as KZbin is to help people learn it can set unrealistic expectations and I hope it doesn't put too many youngsters off continuing a sports photography journey. More an observation of others than anything you are doing Mark but mentioned it as the background was a challenge for you based on what your brief was. Keep making the vids. always enjoy watching

[@MarkKerton]

Great point that Grant about owning a 2.8 lens, something I now take for granted and something I am very guilty of after owning one for some time! Saying that, I don’t own one at the moment, not a 400 anyway🙈