Norfolk State Spartans vs Norfolk Tides

Here are a few pictures from an exhibition game between the Norfolk State Spartans and the Norfolk Tides. The Spartans are members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) and the Tides are the Minor League affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. However, both teams have participated in this annual event for quite some time. The contest allows the Tides to prepare for their upcoming season and the Spartans to experience life in the Minors. Proceeds from the game go to the NSU Athletic program.

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.

Altoona Curve vs Richmond Flying Squirrels

This entry exhibits photos from the Altoona Curve and Richmond Flying Squirrels Minor League Baseball game in April 2014. As usual, I sat on the first base side of the field in the lower bowl of the stadium. Although the most of the backstop is covered with netting at The Diamond, I was able to focus on the action.

The Flying Squirrels 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.

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.