Tom,
You photos are fabulous.
Out of curiosity, how many photos do you take in the course of a game? How many do you consider good versus bad? I once read that for amateurs like us 4 percent good versus bad was a fabulous percentage.
Your skills are polished. Your equipment professional grade. Did you notice an improvement in the percentages and quality of the best shots when you changed your equipment?
I ask these questions because I am considering upgrading my equipment, but just like Festools, I suspect the equipment can make a difference, but skills need to be polished to get to the next level.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Peter
Thanks Peter...... Usually I shoot about 500 images per game. Percentage of keepers is now about 90% of all shots. In addition to the action shots, we will also shoot tight head shots, bench shots, wide angle shots and individual players shots for playing cards. Honestly, yes the equipment plays into the quality of the shot, but like you said experience makes up about 50% of all your work, just like building, (Woodworking or contracting). I am fortunate to have been able to have the opportunity to hone my skills as a photographer over the years. I also do wildlife and motorsports photography along with the sports that I shoot. The best advise that I can offer is become familiar with your equipment, just like we do with our woodworking tools and go out and shoot as much as you can and use the different settings that your camera offers. Remember, your not buying film anymore, if you do not like what you see, just delete that shot and go on.
I enjoy helping anyone who asks for help. I still learn something new everytime I go out and shoot something new. You have to have fun and enjoy getting out and shooting with your equipment. I am currently enjoying the break that we are getting with all the NHL teams on the Olympic break. I do have my full time job as a contractor along with being a photographer. So, if I can get all my work completed by Friday, I will be going to Iowa to shoot some eagle's along the Mississippi river. Another little piece of advice is, no matter what camera you decide to purchase, take the time to think about your choice before jumping in with both feet. I made the decision to use Canon equipment and I have stayed with this brand for over 10 years. The reason for this is that your major investment will be in the glass that you choose (lenses). That is the biggest factor in achieving some great shots. If you purchase a pro consumer body, flash, software and a good lenses, you will have spent over 2000.00 intially, so that in a year or so if you decide to upgrade you will still have that lenses to use on the new body. My choices today would be either Nikon or Canon if I was looking to get into photography today. Sorry about the long rant, but if you have any other questions I will be happy to help if I can!!!
Tom
