Can anyone help with some input taking pictures at a pro bball game?

[charabby]

I am still in the dark ages and use a film camera (Canon rebel) - partly b/c my digital camera is ancient complete with only 2 mp and major delay and parlty b/c I love my lenses and the pics my camera takes.

Anyway, I have volunteered to take pictures of my dd's dance team when they dance at the Pistions pregame show later this week and now I am getting nervous about running out of film, not getting good shots, etc. b/c I have to share them with the rest of the team (and most everyone else was shocked to learn that I won't be using a digital camera).

So here's my first question - is there film available out there that has more than 36 exposures? I think there's not, but I just wondered b/c that would be awesome to not have to worry about changing film in the middle of a 2 1/2 minute dance.

And does anyone want to offer tips for taking pictures at a pro game? I sometimes have trouble getting clear pics indoors with my longer lens.

Thanks!

J

 

[RadioNate]

I'm cross posting from the CB.

check the photography board....but also you should be aware that they may not let you in the arena with a camera that has a detachable lens. Those are considered 'professional' and generally not allowed.

of course YMMV however, I have both been stopped at NBA games with a Digital Rebel and allowed in. The times I've been allowed in it has been in my purse with a 18-55 or 50mm prime lense.

I've worked with the NBA a lot, check with the person coordinating the appearance. They usually have a team photographer on hand to take professional shots.

Actually I just checked http://www.palacenet.com/

CAMERA POLICY*: Non-Professional Cameras Only (No detatchable/extendable lens, camera is small in size)

I just didn't want you to get there and be turned away at the door and not have a backup.

 

[photo_chick]

I have shot a lot at baseball games here, but not many indoor sporting events. I do shoot my DD's school programs which have horrid light. These are things I do....

If you can go up and get a meter reading of where the action is that will help get a better exposure when you are up in the stands. See if the arena will allow you to bring in a tripod, I have been to some that will not allow them. A tripod will help you out here by at least eliminating the camera shake form you. And use fast film, for DD's school stuff when I did it with film I used ISO 800, but they were not moving fast. You will probably want faster for the action going on.

 

[handicap18]

What lenses do you have?

Also use at least ISO 800 speed film.

Pro arena's are lit better than high school gyms, but you'll still want a fast lens that goes down to about f/2.8.

I took some pics years ago at the Fleet Center in Boston during a Celtic's game. We had seats about 5 rows behind the visitors bench. I believe I used 800 speed film, but only had a Quantaray 70-300mm f/4-5.6 lens. The pics I took came out pretty good. Nothing blurry but looking back a wider aperture would have been better.

I had a bunch of pictures online, but I can't find them now. I hope geocities didn't delete my account. I hadn't been there in a while so its possible. If I find it I'll post the pics so you can at least see what an slr with a regular lens in the hands of an amerture like us can do.

 

[tinksdad]

This link has some good stuff on it!

 

[RadioNate]

Anne posted on your CB thread a good suggestion on how to "legally" enter the arena with a pro-style camera.

 

[charabby]

Because our group is performing, we are allowed to have one 'official photographer' for whom they waive their usual requirements. Plus, I've brought that camera in before and didn't even know it wasn't allowed. I didn't bring the extra lens though.

Thanks for everyone's help so far.

I am so excited b/c not only will my girls get to dance, but I get to take pictures too - and I love that!