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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
1st or 3rd basline for baseball?
Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 9:49 AM on 04.10.09 |
| ->> What's your favorite position when shooting baseball? I have my favorite but am really curious as to the insights of others. So, where do you try to plant yourself and WHY? |
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Dan Mendlik, Photographer
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Elyria | OH | USA | Posted: 10:06 AM on 04.10.09 |
| ->> Third base dugout for me. My team uses the third base dugout so I can shoot them in the dugout. And the first base dugout gets you sun in the face until the sun sets. |
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Andrew Sullivan, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Kissimmee | FL | USA | Posted: 10:12 AM on 04.10.09 |
->> Is the batter righty or lefty?
Andrew Sullivan
www.picandrew.com |
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Pouya Dianat, Photographer
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Atlanta | GA | | Posted: 10:13 AM on 04.10.09 |
| ->> Inside first base dugout for action at Turner Field (closer to home plate). That being said...I move around 5-6 times in any given game...depends on who's pitching, batting, what I need photos of, what the light is like, etc. |
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Richard Uhlhorn, Photographer
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Chelan Falls | WA | USA | Posted: 10:52 AM on 04.10.09 |
->> I switch between the 1st base dugout and third base dugout at our field. I'm shoot at first base when my team is at bat or until my team has a runner at third base.
I shoot from the third base dugout when my team is on defense. |
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Jim Pierce, Photographer
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Waltham | MA | usa | Posted: 11:01 AM on 04.10.09 |
->> Eric,
Righty pitchers and lefty batters from third base and the lefty pitcher and righty batters from first base. All pitchers from behind home plate if this is possible either on field or through the fence.
Alot of moving around for sure.
Jim |
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Matthew Ginn, Photographer
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Jeff Brehm, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Charlotte | NC | USA | Posted: 11:19 AM on 04.10.09 |
->> It depends on how long I can stay. If I only have a few innings to work with, I like first because you can usually get a good shot of a guy eating dirt diving back to the base, and you're in position if there's an attempted steal at second. Add a few shots from behind the backstop (assuming you're in a park when you can go there) of the pitcher in motion and you've got at least something decent to take away. Plus behind the screen is a good angle if there's a play at second.
I also like first for plays at the plate IF you want the runner's face. Third is best for the collision and catcher's grimace. |
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Eric Canha, Photographer
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Brockton | MA | United States | Posted: 11:34 AM on 04.10.09 |
->> For all of you that move around..... I do too. Personally I cover the lineup from 1st and move to 3rd at the top of the lineup to catch the lefties at the plate and cover for pitching variations. Then I'm free to roam......
I know some shooters who swear that they get better overall action from 1st and some who swear that more action happens facing the 3rd base well or line.
So all things considered..... The sun not being an issue, your assignment card not listing a particular player, just a day at the park with a choice of ONE location and you're planting your butt in one spot for the next 3 hours which ONE spot do you think holds a house advantage for a better group of 'keepers'.
I just thought a thread that dealt with sports and photography would be refreshing.... I'm not so much looking for advise as trying to gauge what is going on in other shooters mind's when faced with the choices that many of us have.
Matt thanks for the link. |
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David Manning, Photographer
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Athens | GA | | Posted: 11:40 AM on 04.10.09 |
->> It really depends on the game situation - who's up in the inning, which team is at the plate, whether I'm setting up for game-winning jube.
At an average game I will shot from behind the plate (in the stands), from right-center field in the outfield, first base side and third base side.
I just don't sit in one spot (unless its a midweek game against Winthrop and there's no one in the stands) rather i like moving around.
The high schools around here all have netting so you can shoot from inside of the dugouts all the way around from first to third, so I'm always moving based on whats going on in the game. |
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Jeff Stanton, Photographer
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Princeton | IN | USA | Posted: 11:56 AM on 04.10.09 |
| ->> When I shoot baseball, which is rare, I shoot with the sun at my back. If it's overcast, I favor third base side. All the home teams here use that side of the field's dugout. |
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Craig Mitchelldyer, Photographer, Assistant
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Portland | OR | USA | Posted: 12:32 PM on 04.10.09 |
| ->> I don't think there is a magic formula. Depends on situation, and the biggest key for me, the light. I like to shoot backlit in the middle of the day, so I'll shoot whichever side has the best light and backgrounds. Basically, roam. If one angle isn't working out, move to another. Go high, go low, 1st base, 3rd base outfield, etc. I also generally put a remote on home plate, allowing me to shoot from the opposite side and still get both sides of the plate covered for righties/lefties and plays at the plate. Baseball is the perfect sport for remotes since most of the action/collisions are in one of 4 spots. |
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Kevin Seale, Photographer
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Crawfordsville | IN | United States | Posted: 12:38 PM on 04.10.09 |
| ->> Eric, to answer your specific question I like the 1B dugout better. More right handed batters than left and virtually all infield defensive plays come to first so they are generally looking and acting in my direction. The other reason is that the 1B dugout around here is the visiting team dugout and they tend to have fewer players milling about during the game which makes it less cramped. |
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Scott Rovak, Photographer
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St. Louis | MO | USA | Posted: 12:44 PM on 04.10.09 |
| ->> I prefer inside 1st if I have to make a choice. I feel like I get blocked less and I can shoot lefty and righty pitchers, and shoot left handed batters during their follow through. I can also concentrate on our dugout and our manager. |
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Nick Morris, Photographer
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San Marcos | CA | United States | Posted: 1:02 PM on 04.10.09 |
| ->> I research each game invididually and check the players to see who's been hot. I go early for batting and field practice and watch for the players who are intense during practice and not standing around joking or signing autos. I found I get more keepers with this method than just showing up and shooting. Last year I managed some decent actions shots because I was focused on a couple players I noticed were working just a little harder in practice and it spilled over into the game. As far a where I am it depends on my findings durig batting and field practice. I never stay in one place though. |
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Chad Ryan, Photographer, Assistant
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Fort Wayne | IN | USA | Posted: 1:30 PM on 04.10.09 |
->> We have a spot in the brand new ballpark here in Fort Wayne from behind the plate that allows for a look right down the third base line. There is no backstop, only a net, and on opening day for the Class low-A TinCaps (Midwest League affiliate of the S.D. Padres) Thursday, I'll have a camera there. I'm actually kind of excited about shooting in this park as our old stadium was just a concrete bowl. Other than that my favorite spot, if the light is right and I have total choice, is generally inside first base.
Who am I kidding, I like shooting baseball from everywhere because you can always find something going on from about every angle. I just love baseball I guess. |
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Bradly J. Boner, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Jackson | WY | USA | Posted: 2:16 PM on 04.10.09 |
->> During one of my internships my photo editor said he wouldn't publish any photos taken from EITHER the first or third base dugout because he said they were too cliché and all looked the same. I was kind of pissed but it only made me work harder, and I was all over Alex Box Stadium at LSU looking for a good angle.
As it turned out, it was a good exercise for a young photographer because it eliminated the "safety" spots and really made me think outside the box. |
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Clay Begrin, Photographer
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Petaluma | Ca | USA | Posted: 3:57 PM on 04.10.09 |
| ->> Eric, like others, I move all around. That being said, to answer your question, I would choose First base. For me that side would usually offer more batter shots, dives back to first base, some second base plays and a good angle for many plays at the plate. |
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Dennis Wierzbicki, Photographer
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Plainfield | IL | USA | Posted: 4:36 PM on 04.10.09 |
->> If I had to choose only one, I'd go for first base. More right handed hitters than lefties; you can get the infielders throwing to first with them facing you; the batter coming out of the box heading to first makes a decent stock shot, etc.
However, count me in the camp of starting off in first base, moving to third after once through the line-up to get right-handed pitchers and left-handed batters and plays at first base shot across the diamond with a 400, and then roam around looking for unique angles (as much as is allowed) |
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Tom Gannam, Photographer
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St. Louis | MO | USA | Posted: 5:37 PM on 04.10.09 |
| ->> If I have to plant myself in one spot for a game I usually take the first base side. More action coming at me and the majority of the batters are righties and the lefties you can get the follow through. That being said, I like to try and move around early in the game from behind the plate to third or wherever the situation dictates then settle in first when I have to transmit. Sometimes I will move to outside third if the game is close and the home team may end up with a walk off home run or something of that nature. |
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Steven E. Frischling, Photographer
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Live HVN : Work SFO-NYC | | | Posted: 7:05 PM on 04.10.09 |
->> I like 3rd base.
Less crowded, easier to shoot plays at home plate at get the catcher in action since everyone else is going after the runner in action. Different point of view for plays at 1st base with a long lens cutting across the field.
Everyone clamors for first base, which means everyones angle is similar. You need to try and stand out and sometimes it is as simple as switching sides of the field, or going towards the outfield and looking back inward at the field if possible.
My favourite spot in a park, if possible, is the overhead looking down from a spot between home & 3rd. |
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Louis Lopez, Photographer
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Fontana | CA | USA | Posted: 1:29 AM on 04.11.09 |
| ->> Between home and third. |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 1:42 AM on 04.11.09 |
| ->> Behind home plate. :) But yeah, you gotta move around! |
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David A. Cantor, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Toledo | OH | USA | Posted: 2:34 AM on 04.11.09 |
| ->> My seats, upper deck, just shading on the right side of home plate, with a beer and a dog....and blue stil can't call the slider |
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Gary Slickman, Photographer
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Natick | MA | United States | Posted: 12:58 PM on 04.11.09 |
->> Eric-
Thanks for posting a simple yet thought provoking question. I enjoy reading comments from our community members that address the craft and philosophy behind the camera.
My preference between 1st and 3rd base would be 1st. I find it very compelling when the action is coming towards you and this POV seems to offer more of those opportunities. I do concur with several others that moving around during the is key for good coverage.
For me baseball action is so dependent on situations and anticipation and if you are able to change angles during the game then you can create more chances to capitalize on these opportunities. Then of course there is the total unpredictable nature of the game because you have no idea where in the field the ball is going to be hit. |
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Matthew Sauk, Photographer
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Sandy | UT | United States | Posted: 3:54 PM on 04.11.09 |
| ->> I will shoot 1st base for a few innings to start the game then move behind the plate then to 3rd base side to finish off the game. |
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Richard Favinger Jr, Photographer
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Pottstown | PA | USA | Posted: 6:24 PM on 04.11.09 |
->> I move around... I start the game at 1st, and shoot it for about 2 or 3 innings, then I move to 3rd for another 1 or 2 innings... But depending on the play and how close the game is, I hang close to home plate. I try to get pitcher shots and catcher shots before the game starts at warmups.
Some of my best shots I have gotten on the back side of players with good follow threw... When it works, it's great, if they choke the swing, the photo sucks.
SS member, Paul Alesse has a great manual on shooting baseball. Though it is targeted on Little League, the concepts are the same for all of baseball.
http://www.digital-eos.com/PDF/Shooting_LLB_Baseball_Handbook.pdf
SS article, On the Road with Little League, lists his equipment, and setups.
http://www.sportsshooter.com/news/1628 |
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Mark Watkins, Photographer
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Acworth | GA | USA | Posted: 5:58 PM on 04.12.09 |
->> Ditto what Richard just said.
There is no "best side" you have to move to get RH and LH batters. IF I had to pick a single spot it would be on the 3rd base side. |
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Darren Whitley, Photographer
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Maryville | MO | USA | Posted: 10:54 PM on 04.12.09 |
| ->> Neither, esp. when the ump is making up rules and booting photographers off the field like yesterday. The 2009 NCAA rule book states that news media are permitted on the field at the discretion of the home team. |
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Will Powers, Photographer
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Brad Mangin, Photographer
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Pleasanton | CA | USA | Posted: 1:04 AM on 04.27.09 |
->> This is a fun thread and I am sorry it has taken me so long to chip in with my answer on this subject but I have been so busy shooting baseball!
Of course there is no perfect, textbook answer. The easy and safe place to shoot is from outside first base- thus I hate going out there :-) Everyone else is already there and the light (at my two parks in Oakland and San Francisco) sucks out there till after 3pm.
My decisions are much easier these days as I do not have to worry about Bonds being in the lineup- he always dictated what I needed to do for the past many years while covering the Giants at home. Now I am free- at both parks- to move around a lot and try to come up with pictures that many others do not get.
I do this by shooting lots of overhead and some from the outfield. I always look for the light. Day baseball is great to shoot, but if the sun is out in the summer in the Bay Area the light sucks so bad you really need to shoot backlit- which means starting at third base or shooting from an inside position.
My assignments every day also change, depending on who is pitching and what team is in town. I can honestly say that each and every game I shoot is different- and the best inspiration to move around is to not bore the crap out of MYSELF as I have to edit this stuff :-)
The more you shoot the more this will make sense. If you get sick of looking at your stuff- what do you think your editor who PAID you to shoot the ballgame will think? Since I shoot over 80 big league games a year it would be easy for me to go nuts looking at crappy pictures of guys swinging the bat from first base. Thankfully I work in two parks that allow us to move around freely into many cool positions during the game.
I also learned from some of the best- like V.J. Lovero. V.J. loved shooting from third base and especially liked having fun shooting from inside third base- which he called the "creative position."
The old advice that you read in many interviews with guys like Walter Iooss can be related to this topic:
"Look for where all the other photographers are- and go someplace else."
Sure- it aint as much fun and you miss out on chatting with your friends, but shooting by yourself in a weird spot can be very thereputic- and it just might result in you making a very special picture.
Good luck in the 2009 season!
http://www.manginphotography.com |
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Chuck Liddy, Photographer
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Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 1:43 AM on 04.27.09 |
| ->> I like shooting from the end zone with a long lens....usually a very clean background..... |
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Troy Taormina, Photographer
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Richmond | Tx | USA | Posted: 6:41 PM on 04.27.09 |
| ->> Good discussion. I prefer the first base side myself due to the majority of right handed hitters, and the potential for defensive plays by shortstop and third basemen- not to mention the double play. But moving around is almost mandatory. |
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Clark Brooks, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 7:09 PM on 04.27.09 |
| ->> Since I shoot mostly college and down level baseball, the light dictates my position usually. I like the third base side because I can get faces on steals at second, dives back to first on pick off attempts and guys sliding toward me on third. Also, easier to catch the catcher making a tag at home. I have real long glass and like shooting from center field toward the plate when batters are up or plays at second with the runner coming toward the camera. I like both of these when the light is favorable for the field I'm shooting since it is a view that not too many people can get because they have short glass. |
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Alan Look, Photographer
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Bloomington | IL | United States | Posted: 7:42 PM on 04.27.09 |
->> This past weekend it was 3rd base line. That was the only place you could shield yourself from the wind well enough to hold long glass on a pole. I had to hug the dugout!
Glad it rained or it would have been a miserable dust bowl.
On a positive note, got to see a Missouri recruit pitch - something he doesn't excel in. THe rest of the rotation was tired out from a couple of other games. Blake Brook pitched 5 and 2/3rd's innings and did a wonderful job. He backed it up with some hits and good base running.
1st base side and behind the plate were a challenge - something like 40 mph winds.
Guess I'm only good for an indoor stadium :)
http://chimperscage.blogspot.com - click the widget for the pics or look on my member page for a selected 7 or 8.
Other than the weather, I really move around - both sides, behind the plate and if I'm dragging the 600 the outfield looks fun.
Alan
www.alanlook.com |
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