Wrestling Meet lighting

5 years 3 months ago #627426 by AlletahGanino
Hello!  I'm learning to take better photos as I go thanks to the internet and a local photography class, but am having trouble with photographing some of my son's wrestling meets.  On top of the challenges of taking photos in a high school gym, at some meets the wrestling mat is dramatically lit with a bright spotlight and most of the other gym lights are off or very dim.  This means the center of the mat is very well lit, the edges not quite so bright, and my position, in the bleachers, is quite dark. 

While I can now get pretty decent shots in normal gym lighting, the spotlight throws me every time.  I have never tried exposure compensation and don't know where to start but also want to have a solution that allows me to photograph each match without stopping to adjust camera settings.  My photos tend to be overexposed when the wrestlers are in the middle of the mat.  I'm including two unedited examples from the most recent meet that featured a spotlight.

I have a Canon EOS 7D with a 70-200 2.8 lens.  I choose shutter priority, ISO 4000ish, shutter speed 1/320ish.  Any suggestions for settings that will allow me to shoot continuously are much appreciated!

Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 7D
Lens: 70-200mm
ISO: 4000
Aperture: f/2.8
Shutter speed: 1/400 sec
Captured: Wed, 23 Jan 2019 1:53am
Make: Canon
Model: Canon EOS 7D
Lens: 70-200mm
ISO: 4000
Aperture: f/3.2
Shutter speed: 1/400 sec
Captured: Wed, 23 Jan 2019 1:40am


Attachments:
,
5 years 2 months ago #628078 by garyrhook
You have harsh, directional light from a relatively small source. You have to expose for the highlights, and do your best to bring up detail in the shadows in post.

That said, you don't mention what you're doing to process these. If you are simply shooting JPGs, then I can't understand why, if you are using that kind of equipment.

Metering is going to be hard here. Are you metering the entire frame or spot? That said, your camera is probably wide open, so lower the ISO value until the whites are barely blown. You can probably then recover them pretty well. I'm not a fan of EC, in that you can just as easily adjust the sensitivity.

This is an extremely difficult environment, and there won't be an ideal solution. You'll have to compromise in some way.


Photo Comments
,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

The Canon EOS R50 is one of the newest R-system cameras from Canon. Is it worth your money? Find out all the details you need to know in this comprehensive review.

Apr 10, 2024

The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II is Sony’s flagship mirrorless zoom lens. As such, it’s loaded with features and has a top-shelf build quality that makes it a top pick!

Mar 27, 2024

Latest Articles

Creating impactful photos of landscapes depends on many factors, not the least of which is your talent behind the lens. This guide explores other elements required for the best product.

Apr 23, 2024

The Canon EOS R100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera introduced in 2023. But just because it’s an entry-level camera doesn’t mean it’s a bare-bones camera. Find out why in this review!

Apr 22, 2024

Are you ready to upgrade your camera? Before buying new, you might consider the value of purchasing used gear to save money.

Apr 18, 2024

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a micro four thirds camera released in 2020. It’s an entry-level system along with the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Use this guide to determine which one is best for you!

Apr 17, 2024

Blue hour photography might not be as well known as golden hour photography, but it is every bit as good a time to create epic images of landscapes. Learn how in this quick tutorial!

Apr 17, 2024

Nikon’s retro-looking Nikon Zfc is anything but retro. Under its classic body is a host of features and amenities that make it a worthwhile compact mirrorless camera for 2024.

Apr 15, 2024

Moving from taking snapshots of your dog to creating beautiful images doesn’t have to be that difficult! Use the tips outlined in this dog photography guide, and you’ll get better results in no time.

Apr 15, 2024

Acrylic print photos are a beautiful way to display your favorite images. But they don’t come without some questions. Get all the answers you need about this medium in this guide!

Apr 15, 2024