FIRST Photography

[Bharat Nain]

What are the good spots to view from at competitions?
Usually close to the field or somewhere at an angle from the field..

How do you capture the true excitement that everyone feels at competitions?
One thing I would say is make sure your camera turns on and off fast, and has a fast shutter speed... Be ready for a picture at any time.. When people are cheering during the rounds.. get it.. see someone doing the chicken dance.. get it.. hopefully you know the basics of photography

How do you translate the fast paced action during a match into a still image?
a fast camera.. fast shutter speed..

How do you get the team to stand still during the group photo?
I have noticed that when the surrounding is quiet then the group tends to be more obedient..

How do you make a photo of a robot look interesting to a person not involved in FIRST?
Take pics of the robot doing something or interacting with something rather than it just standing in one place doing nothing. Non-FIRSTers are usually attracted when they see a robot doing something like carrying a 2X ball rather than just standing in one place doing nothing..

What types of photos do sponsors like to see?
A robot in action.. sponsors would like to see performance in scores rather than just photos

What types of photos do you like to take during the build season?
Someone doing something on a drill press.. tightening a bolt.. something of that sort.. as long as a person is involved in doing something than just standing in one place next to the half built robot

What equipment do you use?
I personally dont have any decent equipment.. it really sucks but I manage. I have a Nikon Coolpix 950 which is not well suited for this purpose.. Look for something with a fast shutter speed so you can capture the action on field and something that will turn on fast if you need to take a pic of something that happens on the spot