Soccer Pics

[Pokie]

I was drafted to take pictures for the high school soccer games.
I've included several from both the girls and boys games for comparison.
The boys games are generally later and entirely under lights.
I really can't get what I want with a 70-300 4.0-5.6, or 18-105 3.5-5.6, especially since the games are generally starting at twilight.
With the light and my lens selection, I've had to bump up the ISO (and noise!) as far as possible to get anything.
I've used flash from the stands, but not from the sideline - seems to me to be too distracting to the players.
It's taken some work to find the right white balance - not sure I have it yet - each stadium is different and changes pretty rapidly as the sun sets and lights are turned on.
I have made some minor color adjustments to most photos and bumped up the contrast a hair.
I could probably cut down some of the grain with Noise Ninja (haven't downloaded it yet) or another noise reduction program.

Appreciate any suggestions as to how I can improve the capture (besides investing in a 2.8 300 VR!)
and suggestions for post processing to make the best of what I have captured.

Oh one more thing - good guys in white jerseys in all but the last pic!
GO HAWKS!













Thanks!
Pokie

[Bonish Photo]

Pokie, for what you're shooting with, you're doing a great job.

Try shooting in RAW which will give you better control over the white balance issue.

If this is something you're being recruited to do, talk with the league or the school and see if they can afford to move you up to a f/2.8 lens. With the added stops, you'd be able to get images that would be 10x better

[Traumuh]

How do you get good at soccer over the summer? I am 14, and I really want to make the jv soccer team at my highschool this fall. Is there any way I can become good enough to make the team over the summer? I'll be competing against girls who have been playing all their lives. I've never played soccer before, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes! Is it possible, and if so, how can I do it?

I used to play classic soccer and honestly... No.

Pokie, try to find out what kind of lighting that is and the corresponding color temperature. Might solve your w/b problem.

[Pokie]

Thanks!

May not be shooting soccer/futbol until spring.

Pokie