I signed up to contribute "how-to" articles to eHow.com this morning. I figured the more times my name gets out there - the better. The articles will focus on how to shoot sports in low-light, tips and tricks I've learned, etc. Actually, it'll probably look like a summary of my blog on a weekly basis.
I also created my first Twitter account @heffran - so if anyone wants to follow me, go ahead. I'll be primarily using it to send tweets when new articles are online, or when I will be somewhere on assignment. Definitely a business use - not really for personal things. That's what facebook is for.
Facebook Fan Page: Sports Photography - click to become a "fan"
Heffran Photography: Sports Photography - click to view my work
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iStockPhoto.com
I am looking into becoming a contributor for iStockPhoto.com. I think that when I have nothing else to shoot, I can shoot some sports-related sports stock. We'll see where that goes. The pay is up to 40% so if you get talented enough at this, I guess there is some money to be made.
Updates to come...
Updates to come...
Aim High
Since I continually read negative stories about how the photography industry for professionals is dying, I thought, "ADAPT or DIE". It's true, if the industry is really playing on the theory of supply and demand, then adapt to it.
Will I ever be able to command ridiculously high rates? Of course not. Will anyone? I think only a select few. So, we as photographers of the GWC generation have to be edgy, smarter, willing to work more for less and to always be informed on new technology and what is "hot".
Now, there are those "dream jobs" for those of us in the sports photography industry. For me, it is to become a team photographer for one of the professional teams in Pittsburgh. We have the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates. To shoot for them full-time would be the accomplishment of my dream.
How do I think that gets done? Ask. Yep, simple just ask. You'd be surprised the doors that open to those who pick up the phone and ask questions. I have learned that it's not actually what you shoot (pro, college, high school, pee wee) that matters. What matters is the uniqueness of the shot. Are you getting what everyone else is? If you are, change it up. Make your shots stand out, regardless of what level.
Was I surprised at that? Yep, the first time I heard it I thought it sounded crazy. But I have heard it more than once from several "great" phtoographers - so it must be true.
Will I ever be able to command ridiculously high rates? Of course not. Will anyone? I think only a select few. So, we as photographers of the GWC generation have to be edgy, smarter, willing to work more for less and to always be informed on new technology and what is "hot".
Now, there are those "dream jobs" for those of us in the sports photography industry. For me, it is to become a team photographer for one of the professional teams in Pittsburgh. We have the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates. To shoot for them full-time would be the accomplishment of my dream.
How do I think that gets done? Ask. Yep, simple just ask. You'd be surprised the doors that open to those who pick up the phone and ask questions. I have learned that it's not actually what you shoot (pro, college, high school, pee wee) that matters. What matters is the uniqueness of the shot. Are you getting what everyone else is? If you are, change it up. Make your shots stand out, regardless of what level.
Was I surprised at that? Yep, the first time I heard it I thought it sounded crazy. But I have heard it more than once from several "great" phtoographers - so it must be true.
Fan Photos
Well, since I couldn't be where I wanted to (and didn't want to break the rules), I took a different approach. First of all, I opted for the 50D instead of the 1D. Why? I can take teh grip off and it is smaller. The fact that you can buy it at Best Buy makes it a consumer camera. Plus, the 1.6x crop factor gives me some extra reach.
Also, I left the 70-200 f/2.8 at home since I figured I could get away with higher ISO and f/4.0-5.6 in that lighting. I took a "kit lens", a 55-250mm with me. It is a lot smaller and passed right through security with no problems. I didn't measure it, so I guess it fit the guidelines. Nothng was said about the camera body, so I guess it's not abnormal for a fan to bring one in.
NOTE: I did, however, see a few pro lenses at the game that were obviously fans. I guess it's hard to police 17,000+ fans when you have a job to do.
Here are a few shots from tonight. Granted, these are not professional. These are not ones that would ever end up in any publication. But, as a fan, I feel "accomplished" this evening. These are shots that didn't come out too bad, considering I had to leave my "good gear" at home.
Also, I left the 70-200 f/2.8 at home since I figured I could get away with higher ISO and f/4.0-5.6 in that lighting. I took a "kit lens", a 55-250mm with me. It is a lot smaller and passed right through security with no problems. I didn't measure it, so I guess it fit the guidelines. Nothng was said about the camera body, so I guess it's not abnormal for a fan to bring one in.
NOTE: I did, however, see a few pro lenses at the game that were obviously fans. I guess it's hard to police 17,000+ fans when you have a job to do.
Here are a few shots from tonight. Granted, these are not professional. These are not ones that would ever end up in any publication. But, as a fan, I feel "accomplished" this evening. These are shots that didn't come out too bad, considering I had to leave my "good gear" at home.
Oh, and these were shot at 3200 ISO mostly. I'll sharpen them 300%, apply "I'm Feeling Lucky" in Google Picasa and maybe use Neat Image if the noise is an issue. It doesn't seem too bad unless you view at full crop. And, before you ask, the ONLY image I actually adjusted the levels, contrast and sharpness on is the first one.
Oh, and lastly, below is where I "wanted" to be. It's only 8 rows closer to the ice but it takes the netting and glass out of play. This guy was crafty, he had his laptop right there with him - he was updating whatever website he was working for (probably NHL.com or the Pens directly) between periods. Never had to go to the Media Room.
Covert Mission - Mellon Arena
Well, since I was denied any credentials the traditional way, I decided to take a more "fan" approach. I am just going to take the consumer 50D without the grip and one of the kit lenses. Collapsed, it follow the rules and shouldn't cause any problems.
I will, however, take a high-priced Sony consumer camera in case. It has 10x optical and 24x digital zoom. Why this is allowed and a straight 200mm isn't, I have no idea. I think it just comes down to the fact that the pros with the credentials don't want people in the stands getting any shots that might rival theirs. Working on assignment for Pitt, I can totally see the issue. I wouldn't want a GWC to shoot when I have worked hard to get credentials and a paying gig.
Well, off I go... wish me luck. 3"?? What in the world does the length of the lens have to do with it. Hell, the 18-55mm that comes with most Walmart cameras is longer than that. Not to mention... the optical zoom on some of these consumer cams is easily more than 3.
I feel like a camera-toting, 007 today...
I will, however, take a high-priced Sony consumer camera in case. It has 10x optical and 24x digital zoom. Why this is allowed and a straight 200mm isn't, I have no idea. I think it just comes down to the fact that the pros with the credentials don't want people in the stands getting any shots that might rival theirs. Working on assignment for Pitt, I can totally see the issue. I wouldn't want a GWC to shoot when I have worked hard to get credentials and a paying gig.
Well, off I go... wish me luck. 3"?? What in the world does the length of the lens have to do with it. Hell, the 18-55mm that comes with most Walmart cameras is longer than that. Not to mention... the optical zoom on some of these consumer cams is easily more than 3.
I feel like a camera-toting, 007 today...
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