I was dubbed 'shutter bug' on 71...I wonder if they still do those individual awards/names? Anyway, I've taken lots and lots of pictures at FIRST events an on my teams...this is what I've noticed/learned...
What are the good spots to view from at competitions?
THE spot is on the long side of the field opposing the side where people gather to cheer and watch. In 2001 a single person from each team was granted the option of a media pass which allowed them to this position during the qualifying rounds. The best pictures I have from competition are from there because I was able (and did) run up and down the field, snapping pictures from the angles I wanted. If you can't get to that place, I suggest staying as close to the field as possible and changing angles and hoping for the best. I find that if you go into the stands and try to do pictures that way it doesn't look very good. The perspective is just odd and it's often hard to tell what's going on.
How do you capture the true excitement that everyone feels at competitions?
First, I'd look for those crazy (not in a bad way!) people who go all out - such as mascots or a group from a team that has gone overboard with their costume and spirit (and yes, that's a *good* thing).
Second, I'd look to the field. Capture shots of the drivers and coaches as things go well. Or get an upclose shot of the winners hugging like the 2003 winners from wildstang
How do you translate the fast paced action during a match into a still image?
I always tried to do that by getting as much interesting stuff into the frame as I can. Obviously you don't want gigantic panoramics with tiny robots in the middle. I mean get a wide angle shot showing goal structures, goal objects, and three robots with appendages going at it. Something that is obviously interesting at first glance, but gets better as you keep looking at it. In the pits, get pictures of a bunch of people going at a robot to do one of those last minute full drive train replacements
I think the expressions and the tools and parts everywhere will do the trick.
How do you get the team to stand still during the group photo?
Impossible. Well, not really. If they've won the competition or a great award (e.g. chairman's) then they'll probably want to gather themselves on the field for a great picture for themselves. Take that opportunity to get your own pics. Take a few of course because people blink so much. Otherwise I would suggest getting the pictures in the morning before the doors open. If you catch a team coming off of the bus and they aren't going to be the first in line, you can probably convince them to gather for a picture if you ask nicely. If they are in line already, make your way through the crowd and try to gather them into a picture. Teams will usually gather and bunch into the mass of everyone waiting to get inside for the day. If it's cold and they're really bundled up, try to compromise...get them to show something on themselves that represents their team.
How do you make a photo of a robot look interesting to a person not involved in FIRST?
I forta covered this earlier somewhere. In addition though, pictures with people are often better than pictures without. If you're on the field, try to get a good angle showing the action and the reaction of the drivers or the teams standing on the other side. I'm not too good with making pictures interesting to people not in first, so that's all I got.
What types of photos do sponsors like to see?
It's probably obvious that you'd want anything with a logo or name in it, giving them the idea that their logo/name could have exposure. Also maybe try to show how engineers are teaching and working with students and how excited the students are to be working with those engineers. That speaks to the idea that their investment is helping bring them more/better engineers in the near future.
What types of photos do you like to take during the build season?
My favorite is a collection of photos showing the progression of the build process. For one, I plan on marking a spot to place the robot and a spot to take the picture from and taking a snap shot every day. Then I'll have a sort of animation. Also, it's cool to have pictures of the various good and not-so-good models/prototypes that are built. Then of course there's always the shot of a student working on something. Don't forget to get a shot of people when they're just beat, frustrated, and practically falling asleep...followed by their realization of the solution the next day. Pictures of members drawing and discussing strategy and design are typically good. Of course, any awesome accomplishment should be captured the first time, such as pulling up onto the 10' bar.
What equipment do you use?
I just use a basic point and shoot digital. It's 1.2 mp...somewhat old (ancient in the tech world). I don't feel the need to upgrade because I can keep this in my pocket and snap shots on the go. If I was only at the event to take picturse, I'd gladly lug around something bigger and better - larger lenses, wider angles, better zoom, higher resolution. I don't think I'd want a tripod for most shots, but if you can take one with you easily, it'd be great for taking team photos and you could use it to take pictures over or past a crowd. For instance, if standing behind a crowd at the field, snap the tripod on and leave the legs together - use it as a pole to capture pictures with a remote or just set the timer and hope for the best.
I would gladly contribute any past and future pictures to your project, just let me know if you'd like them and if you'd like anything in particular to be taken during the build.