Norfolk Tides Turn Back the Clock Night

Here are a few pictures from Tuesday's Norfolk Tides "Turn Back the Clock" game. The Tides lost to the Lehigh Valley Ironpigs 2-3. However, fans were treated to hot dogs, popcorn, and soda at a special price of $.50 each. The Tides also wore replica jerseys dating back to the era of the Norfolk Tars.

I hope you enjoy the few pictures that I took. I normally capture more photographs at a Tides game, but I was too busy indulging in hot dog and popcorn heaven.

Gwinnett Braves vs Norfolk Tides

Here are a few photos of the Gwinnett Braves baseball team at the Norfolk Tides baseball game that was played on August 15, 2014. The Tides wore gnome-themed jerseys in honor of the gnome figurine of Tides manager Ron Johnson, a trinket that was handed out prior to the game in honor of the man. Also, during the game, a silent auction was held giving fans an opportunity to acquire a game-worn jersey. The proceeds of the auction went to the United Way of South Hampton Roads. The Tides won the game 5-0.

Hampton Roads Independence Day Fireworks

Independence Day is a time for vacations, food, fun, and fireworks! Like most Americans I prefer the first three before the latter, but firework shows can provide any photographer with a great series of captures. Unfortunately, shooting fireworks can be a little tricky, especially for someone who has little to no experience doing so. But why is something so fun so difficult to capture? Below I have posted a few pictures of local firework shows and some tips to help you when shooting fireworks. Enjoy!

Tips for Shooting Fireworks:

Survey the location and frame your photo prior to the show: There is absolutely nothing wrong with an isolated picture of the fireworks, but you can add more flare to your photographs with the surrounding scenery. Try to locate the setup prior the show and frame your shot around the fireworks. Focus on a fixed focal point and use a small aperture (between f/8 and f/16) to increase your depth of field.
Be careful of your surroundings: You do not want to shoot in a place where anything might obstruct your view, nor do you want to obstruct anyone else’s view. Shooting at a higher point can be a great advantage when photographing fireworks.
Use a tripod: It is almost impossible to properly shoot fireworks without a tripod due to the long shutter speeds needed.
Shoot in a low ISO: Shooting at a low ISO will allow you the necessary time to shoot fireworks and decrease any grain (noise) in your photo.
If possible, use a shutter release remote to decrease the chances of camera shake. If you do not have a shutter release remote, you can also use the timer on the camera to prevent/decrease the chances of camera shake.
Once you have framed your photo, turn off the auto focus (as well as the image stabilization or IS) on the lens. This will prevent the camera from searching for new focal points between shots and waist critical time between fireworks.
There are two ways to shoot the firework explosion:
- The first method is to use the bulb mode on your camera. The bulb mode allows you to keep the shutter open for as long as you hold down the shutter button (or button on the cable remote). Ideally you want to use a remote when using this method to decrease any chances of camera shake. Understand that timing is the key! You should anticipate the explosion of the firework and open the shutter (by pressing the button) right before the explosion, keeping the shutter open until the firework is finished exploding. Do not keep the shutter open for too long! Fireworks are a good source of lights and a long shutter speed can over expose the fireworks, washing out the colors of the explosions.
- The second method is to use the manual mode on your camera. From past experiences I have noticed that the best settings are somewhere between f/8-f/16 and between five to seven seconds. I usually start with f/8 and five seconds and make any necessary adjustments between explosions. You should not use the aperture or shutter priority modes. Shooting in aperture priority mode can mislead the camera to use a shutter speed that is too long. Shooting in shutter priority mode can mislead the camera and change your depth of field.

Baltimore Orioles at Norfolk Tides

The following pictures are from an exhibition game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Norfolk Tides in Norfolk, VA. The Tides are the minor league affiliate of the Orioles. This was the last preseason game for the Orioles, and the first outing for the Tides.

Normally, when I photograph baseball games from the stands, I prefer to sit on the first base side of the field. This view gives you a great perspective of right-handed batters (the majority of players are right-handed), however you are exposed to the backs of the left-handed batters. The first base side can also give you a good perspective of the pitcher and better action shots at first base and home plate.

Although the game was rained out and ended in the 6th-inning, a large crowd came out to support both the Orioles and the Tides. Most of the fans stayed for the majority of the game. Hopefully, the powers that be can make this exhibition an annual meeting between these two teams.

The Orioles won 4-3.

Tips for Outdoor Sports Photography:

Shoot in either Manual or Shutter priority modes (Manual is ideal).
Use a shutter speed of 1/300 or faster to freeze the motion of the sport. However, understand that you must shoot much faster than 1/300 to stop the motion of the ball.
Expect to shoot at a high ISO to achieve a high shutter speed.
Use your high-speed continuous shooting mode.
If possible, use a telephoto lens to get closer to the action.
Try your best to anticipate the action of the sport to yield superior photographs.
When photographing a baseball game, try to sit/shoot on the first base side of the field. This will give you an ideal perspective of the game.