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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Question for you MLS Photographers
Steven Bisig, Photographer
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Seattle | WA | USA | Posted: 11:10 AM on 03.16.11 |
->> Any secrets or tips on how to identify players while captioning and keywording? I use Jason's code replacement file in photo mechanic, but it's difficult when the player's number is only located on the left leg (small number) and on the back.
I ran into this problem last night shooting the Sounders vs Galaxy. Had a deadline to make and it was time consuming to identify the players when I could not see the players number. The only thing I can think of is to create a team roster contact sheet before each game for a quick reference if needed.
Any tips or suggestions would be awesome. Thanks!
Steven b~ |
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Stew Milne, Photographer
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Providence | RI | USA | Posted: 11:15 AM on 03.16.11 |
| ->> I try to shoot the backs of the players after a play. I also look for identifying clothing or tattoos as well. When I tag a photo I like and it doesn't have the number of a player, I also tag a photo in the series that does have the number of the player. It's not perfect, but works pretty well. |
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Craig Mitchelldyer, Photographer, Assistant
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Portland | OR | USA | Posted: 11:23 AM on 03.16.11 |
| ->> shooting the backs of the players after every play is helpful...but also try to shoot tight photos of everyone in pregame so you can ID faces later if you have to, there are very little subs used in soccer so generally its the same 11 guys most the game (and only a couple subs throughout). The teams also have mug shots on the websites. Or do what I do, get to know the team so well, you don't need numbers because you can recognize everyone :) Ok, maybe that's not an option unless your around the team a lot, but by mid-season you should be able to look at a guy and know his name...maybe... |
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Steven Bisig, Photographer
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Seattle | WA | USA | Posted: 1:29 PM on 03.16.11 |
->> Thanks everyone for sharing your workflow and ideas.
steven b~ |
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Clark Brooks, Photo Editor, Photographer
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Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 1:50 PM on 03.16.11 |
| ->> Also shoot full body shots, head to boots, so you look for unique identifying markers. Sometimes you can ID players by shin guards, bracelets, socks, moles or birth marks, shape of their ears, hair style, tears in clothing .... you get the drift. It can be every bit as helpful as shooting iso shots of each player. |
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Jack Megaw, Photographer, Assistant
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Philadelphia | PA | America | Posted: 2:47 PM on 03.16.11 |
->> Personally I'm absolutely mad about soccer so I remember the players, who they are, position, checking the teamsheet before the match to see the formations so I know which players are playing in which position to make it easier to work out who is who. Also knowing who takes free kicks and who comes up from the back for corners.
Sometimes I'll even identify player by their boots or whether they wear long or short sleeves for example knowing that Sebastian Le Toux (Philadelphia Union) wears brightly coloured Nike Mercurial boots or that David Beckham always wears long sleeves in a match can make them much easier to pick out in a tight crowd. |
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Matt Strasen, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Plano | TX | USA | Posted: 10:59 PM on 03.16.11 |
| ->> Be careful IDing off of their boots. I had a guy IDed from them in the first half Saturday during a friendly, and he changed them at halftime. One of the team shooters told me that some players regularly change boots at halftime to cover different sponsor requirements. |
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David Minton, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Denton | TX | USA | Posted: 3:48 AM on 03.17.11 |
->> Shoot em as they're lined up before the National Anthem starts so you have something to reference.
Learned that from a buddy who's shot MLS since the beginning. |
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Ted S. Warren, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Seattle | WA | USA | Posted: 11:16 PM on 03.17.11 |
->> Hey Steven, I was at the same match - advice here is good - shoot frames after (and be sure to tag them) that show numbers, and always double check that code replacement against the paper roster that comes out right before the start of the match - that's usually the most up-to-date list of players and numbers.
Also, I've found that in addition to boots, you can look at different styles of socks (stripes, how high, etc.) and if players wear any support gear/underarmor under their kit.
-Ted / AP Seattle |
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Rick Yeatts, Photographer
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Dallas | TX | USA | Posted: 12:47 AM on 03.22.11 |
->> In addition to David Minton and Ted Warren suggestions and everyone else suggestions / Take photos of the (MLS) teams in question just before the national anthem or during - from the back, when they turn to the flag snap a few a few more at an angle - wide and tight. Shoot the players on the bench then shoot the starting 11 team photo for ID of the face. Keep a preview of these images open on you desktop for reference while captioning.
When you have to ID the players use those photos and the online PDF media guide. The haircut / beard growth usually change every game and that can throw you off trying to identify by using the face. When all else fails you have the fore-mention photos. More importantly learn your home team faces/names and numbers after that you just have to worry about the visiting team. If you have the opportunity get to know the equipment manager and the team liaison. It helps a lot when learning who wears what boots and laces combos, who the subs are.
After a while you will be able to tell the difference between midfielders, left / right sides, strikers, defenders just by their position on the field from the photos. Once you can recognize those type of photos it really helps because it will narrow down you search and ease the stress. It will come easy once you develop your own system.
You can also record a short message after a frame too when you know you may have an issue identifying players during a crucial play.
Watch who's warming up after half time. |
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Gareth Irvine, Photographer
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Portadown | Armagh | Northern Ireland | Posted: 8:56 AM on 03.24.11 |
->> Ok this is going to sound a tad harsh but sometimes it has to be said.
I'm from Ireland and even I realise that level of soccer is top notch and not easy to gain access to. Image rights etc etc..
Anyone who has served their time shooting sports where all you have are numbers on backs of shirts knows to "shoot backs"
Why would someone who is unfamiliar with shooting Soccer be allowed to jump straight into shooting games of such prestige? My guess, "someone got you in" and you just did your own thing or you got a ridiculously lucky break and the editor didn't know you hadn't shot soccer before.
Either way there are many people would give and arm and leg for an opportunity like that, me included, I've been shooting the same "lower league" soccer for quite a while and when I do well I get rewarded by the agency and get to shoot a premier league game.
I'm not usually a negative person but sometimes it just has to be said.
ps I've had a look at the images from the game, they dont look bad, 1 point though keep your horizons straight ;) |
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Scott Evans, Photographer
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Bay Village | OH | USA | Posted: 12:31 PM on 03.24.11 |
| ->> you can always use your camera's voice recorder as you shoot. I've found this very useful at USL matches. Isn't there a media guide with a roster and photos available at each match as well? This can save your bacon too if you're under time constraints. |
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