The advantage of photographing one's favorite subjects with no deadline or rush is that we can try different techniques with the goal of discovering a surprising image.
So it was on Saturday while shooting the boys and girls YAIAA basketball championships. Another photographer was scheduled for those games, so I took the opportunity to experiment with extremely long lenses (for basketball), blurs and pans, different levels and angles. On my day off, it wasn't necessary that I get the picture that provides readers with the photograph that illustrates the game's outcome.
So next time you're wandering with your camera, shooting landscapes, still life, people, closeups, nature or architecture, try something different.
Remember that good 'different' is terrific, but bad 'different' is useless. Keep in mind what you're trying to show in the photo and don't muddy it.
I'd usually use medium-long lenses to shoot basketball, with high shutter speeds to stop as much action as possible. This photo was done with a 17-55 wide angle lens, 1/30 second shutter speed and flash.
This photo still showed the action during the basketball game, but with a twist. If it was to be used in the paper or on the web, it would probably be used as a feature piece. Do you agree that's the best place?
Better yet--the cover of S. I.
I may be biased because basketball is my favorite sport but I think pictures from basketball events are some of the best you can take. The action is confined to a relatively small area, compared to a football field, and the lighting, usually, is pretty good. Add in come good action and the picture usually turns out pretty good. I don't do photography but I do appreciate a good picture.