FIRST Photography

FIRST General Forum
1

Hey Everyone,

This applies to anyone that has a camera or takes photographs at FIRST events.

During my past 4 years of FIRST I am the one on my team that always has a camera. I have been to dozens of competitions and photographed thousands of robots and matches. This year I have decided to make a sort of photo documentary of the entire FIRST 2005 season. It will include everything from pre-kickoff to the off-season competitions. The documentary will cover all aspects of FIRST. I hope to make it very professional and possibly put it on a website someday for everyone to use.

What I need from you, other than cooperation at competitions when you see me snapping away, is advice. I have been taken photos for many years and I have taken many classes in high school and college. However, I have always learned the most useful information from peers. What I want to know is how you take pictures of FIRST?

What are the good spots to view from at competitions?
How do you capture the true excitement that everyone feels at competitions?
How do you translate the fast paced action during a match into a still image?
How do you get the team to stand still during the group photo?
How do you make a photo of a robot look interesting to a person not involved in FIRST?
What types of photos do sponsors like to see?
What types of photos do you like to take during the build season?
What equipment do you use?

Basically I want to know what works for everyone else. I have done many things throughout the years but I am still having trouble capturing FIRST perfectly (perfect is impossible but I want to get close).

Thanks

2

One problem I’ve noticed at pretty much every event is the lack of light on the playing field. If you’re trying to take pictures of the matches, expect dark pictures, because unless you have a minature sun as your flash, it won’t throw far enough. Now, granted, I’ve used a Canon S45 for pictures, so it’s not the most powerful camera, I’m sure an SLR (film or digital) would be much better, but I don’t have the money for one ;-).

3

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

4

What are the good spots to view from at competitions?
I like to go up on high places so I can get birds-eye views of the field, the stands, etc. It’s the best way to get good pictures of anything big. Anywhere that’s high and no one’s in front of you to block you. It’s great!
How do you capture the true excitement that everyone feels at competitions?
I make sure to get shots of teams jumping up and down, cheering, scores on the screen, videos of exciting matches where robots are really competing, etc.
How do you translate the fast paced action during a match into a still image?

How do you get the team to stand still during the group photo?
I just get really strict and make sure it’s at the end of the competition, so they’re tired and won’t feel like moving. =D
How do you make a photo of a robot look interesting to a person not involved in FIRST?
What types of photos do sponsors like to see?
Well, on our brochure we use our latest team photo, a photo of our robot in action, etc. On our trifold board, we have other group pictures, more photos of robots and our team together, photos from events we attend, like our team for example held a Chick-Fil-A fundraiser during the MD State Fair, and we have funny pictures of our team members and the Chick-Fil-A cow.
What types of photos do you like to take during the build season?
I used to (and probably still will) take photos of our team just strategizing, our CAD people cadding, etc. I probably would like to take some funny ones too, since our team sometimes likes to goof around. It’d just show we’re not always serious, but we are when we need to be, which is good. =D
What equipment do you use?
Digital cameras and lots of floppies. =D

5

How do you capture the true excitement that everyone feels at competitions?

I would go for candid shots, perhaps close-ups of faces. I think too often at high school events you see posed pictures, and that takes the life out of the picture.

How do you translate the fast paced action during a match into a still image?

Another option here is to use a slow shutter speed and pan the camera with the action. Try to match the speed of the camera to the speed of action you are trying to capture. This will keep your object in focus but blur the background, giving the appearance of speed.

**What types of photos do you like to take during the build season? **

I try to get pictures of people interacting–a mentor and a student having a discussion, someone handing someone else a tool, the robot chasing a student across the parking lot. :slight_smile: I also like shots of the mechanical components of the robot, but that is for discussion and learning purposes for later and not about trying to capture the essence of FIRST.

What equipment do you use?

I primarily use a Nikon FM and an FM2 manual SLRs. I like the control I have over the picture that way. I sometimes think an autofocus would be more useful, and most of the digitals make the majority of the decisions for you, which I think is good for most of the consumer “snapshot” market, but not for “photography.” My ideal setup would be the Nikon D80, which would give me the immediate feedback of digital with the advantage that I could use all of my existing lenses during the transition.

6

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 :slight_smile:

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 :slight_smile: 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.

7

Those are all some really great ideas.

I figure I would also try and answer my own questions and include my own pointers so that we can all benefit from this post.

One of my best spots to shoot from is at any of the four corners of the field. I find that these shots allow for a lot of different perspectives. Sometimes its cool to get the ref in the picture waving or throwing a flag and sometimes its nice to get the teems on the spectators side cheering.

As many of you said its a great idea to capture the excitement by simply by photographing people cheering and rejoicing. After a good win the high fives and hugs are when I usually snap a few extra pictures. Sometimes even the sad moments can have a deep impact in still form.

I find one of the best ways to translate fast paced action during a match it to make sure to get a human reaction in the same frame as the robots action. Although this is very difficult I always try and wait for the robot to get close to the player station. There, a lot of times the drivers will point or jump or clap or yell while the robot is about to do something. If two robots are about to ram each other by the player station you know coach is going to be yelling. That’s one of my favorite shots to get during a match.

The team photo is always a hassle. It really should be the easiest but it isn’t. I really have no advice for this.

The best way I find to make a robot look interesting to outsiders is to make them question what it is. I love showing really detailed photos of just the internal workings of the robot. Like a photo of just the wires running from all the speed controllers. Or just a photo of an elaborate mechanism. This makes the person ask “what’s this”? and when you tell them its a part of your robot they usually ask to see the whole thing.

In the sponsor book that I am making I am trying to put as many photos as I can of team members working with engineers. I think sponsors like seeing the teamwork. I will also make sure to put photos of the logos on robots and banners and all those free give aways with sponsor names on them.

During the build season I love taking photos of students working with engineers and mentors. I really believe this shows one of FIRST’s most important aspects. I also like taking photos of the kit of parts completely dissected and tools everywhere- basically a complete mess. Then showing photos of the completed robot in the end makes people wonder how we did it all.

About a year ago I went completely digital. Although I still carry my Canon Rebel 2000 (35mm) I currently use a Canon EOS 20D. I use a quite a few lenses my favorites being the Canon EF 70-200 f4, Canon EF-S 17-85 F4-5.6 IS, and the Canon EF 50mm F1.8. I also use the Canon 580EX Speedlite and I process with Photoshop usually.

8

I as well, am one of the team’s photographers…
(one of my many hats)

But, I strive to take the quality pictures as found on the unofficial 191 gallery, and also the cool pics that Heidi from 116 takes. (The non-photoshopped ones) :).

My plan in the future, is to upgrade my current camera.

While it is a very nice digital camera, it takes forever to turn on, something that is not a good thing while trying to capture the action shots, common to FIRST events.

If anyone knows of a good digital camera, that is pocket sized, and prefferably takes video with sound, and… one that can turn on very quickly to capture those action shots, let me know.

I’m not looking to buy one anytime soon, but any info on new cameras, or old cameras will help with my research when I do buy one.

Oh, and due to a bad experience, one without a manually sliding lens cover would be just dandy.

9

Everyone has given you a lot of great suggestions.

One thing that I can add is to look for a digital camera with a LCD screen that swivels so you can see what you are shooting. This allows you to either raise or lower the camera when the situation warrants. Keeping the camera low hides the fact you are taking pictures and allows more candid shots. Raising the camera high and shooting down helps when you are in a sea of people.

Additionally using the LCD screen a lot really eats batteries. Bring at least two extra batteries with you for a days shooting. Another battery saving tip is to keep the auto focus off continuous. Allow the camera to focus only when you depress the shutter release.

My camera is a Nikon 5700. A great camera for the price.

jb

10

What are the good spots to view from at competitions?

I would think each competition would be different. I’ve found that in Richmond, taking photos from the bleachers works, but in Annapolis, there is too much foot traffic so you have to get closer. The ideal spot would be back with the Refs and other FIRST Importants, but that’s not going to happen anytime soon…

How do you capture the true excitement that everyone feels at competitions?

With luck. The more people are jumping around and cheering, the more likely you photos will be blurry. You can use a flash to help with the motion, but I prefer not to flash people. To show the intensity of the matches, I like getting photos of our flight crew during pivotal moments of their match (like trying to hook onto the bar with only 15 seconds left to go). This is also a good time to get pictures of team members from all of the teams competing in that match.

How do you translate the fast paced action during a match into a still image?

A little luck, some experience and a lot of patience. Figure out what part of the games are going to be the most “exciting” from a spectators point of view (Stack Attack: autonomous mode when robots slammed into the crates. Raising the Bar: when the balls are released, the final battle for the bar, etc.) Now, if you don’t like flash, you should own a camera with image stabilization, it will help some with motion. Sometimes a little blur isn’t that bad because it portrays action. Another trick is using the sequence mode on your camera if you have one because at some point or another what you are photographing will be slow enough to not be blurry, just make sure it is in focus on the first shot otherwise they will all be out of focus. And of course, know your photo editing software and don’t be afraid to use it to clean up your photos, the sharpening tools, the curves tool are especially useful.

How do you get the team to stand still during the group photo?

You have your head teacher (or any loud, bossy adult) get them to line up and you try to get the picture done as quickly as possible. Putting your camera on a tripod and taking the photo with a timer or a remote can help, plus you then get to be in the picture as well. Take several shots, some with flash and some without (okay, on rare occasions flash is needed). Of course, with my team, you end up with this

How do you make a photo of a robot look interesting to a person not involved in FIRST?

Showing the robot in action helps. Showing the students working on the robot can be interesting to people not involved in FIRST and showing other people (little kids, police officers, referees, etc.) looking at the robot can be interesting as well. If all else fails, a photo like this works (just kidding, a photo like that makes people look at you with worry in their eyes).

What types of photos do sponsors like to see?

Robot in action, students working hard on their robot, students interacting with the engineers (especially if said engineer is from the company sponsoring you), people looking at your robot in awe…

What types of photos do you like to take during the build season?

Photos of the students in their subgroups working on various projects in an effort to get some training. Outreach photos. Lots of photos of Dave so that I have plenty of angles to work with on later photo-manipulation projects. Pretty much the same type of photos I take year round. I have to admit, I love taking funny photos, so if someone is being foolish, whether intentionally or accidentally, I’m there with my camera ready to go… Also, when at an event, I take pictures of everything, not just the robotics stuff (like at the MD State fair, I have pictures of the rides and the farm animals. And we had a meeting at Dave’s house, so there’s a picture of the Lavery Family Cat mixed in with our pictures…).

What equipment do you use?

My camera is an Olympus 2100UZ (ultra zoom) otherwise known as an Uzi. It has 10X optical zoom and image stabilization. It also has an additional 3X digital zoom, but I almost never use that because it just blurs the pictures. Personally, I love the big zoom, it allows me to lurk about and get sneaky shots… The flash is very slow, but since I rarely use it…

I don’t know if my photography portrays FIRST perfectly for other people, because the pictures are taken from my viewpoint, which is admittedly, sometimes askew. I absolutely adore my team and every year I fall more and more in love with FIRST and I hope something of these feelings show in the photos I take. If it does, than I say it it’s perfect representation of FIRST.

Heidi

<==========>
Just uploaded another batch of team 116 photos last night.

11

I don’t take pictures for my team but I have a request. When running up and down the sidelines try to shoot the crowd in the background not the curtains. Also please stay out of the Refs, MC, Announcers and all Scorekeepers way. It is really frustrating when we trip over people trying to get close to take a shot when we are trying do do our job. :eek:

Edit - to add the important job of Scorekeeper.

12

Assuming they’re needed again this year, add real-time scorekeepers to that list, too. We’ve gotta be able to see the goals and all, y’know! :wink:

13

I just have my trusty Cannon PowerShot S110. It is an inch think credit card sized camera, so it fits in my pocket and goes with me all over the place. It is only a 2mp with only 2x optical zoom, but it is portable and works great for short shots of me and friends and robot parts, which is what I wanted from my camera- candids of what I am doing.

That said, I am not a photographer, I just take pictures of things I see and keep them on my computer. I go back and look at them later and it helps me remember. :slight_smile:

Wetzel

14

I was also a team photographer during my years on my team. I filled about 5 or 6 photo albums with hundreds of photos. Taking photos with the guidance of Mr. Reynolds helped me learn quite a bit!

What are the good spots to view from at competitions?
A fantastic spot to take a picture is in an area where no one will step in front of you and behind you. These folks can easily cause you to be distracted from your view points!

How do you capture the true excitement that everyone feels at competitions?
Capturing the true excitement involves you to experience the excitement. Afterall, the photos are your memories and your team’s!

How do you translate the fast paced action during a match into a still image?
In order to capture that single awesome shot is to sometimes to take several pictures. A scene may consist of several pictures but include only 1 or 2 acceptable shots! Having a camera that is easily winded and reloaded is key!

How do you get the team to stand still during the group photo?
In order to have everyone stand together in the group photo you must offer some sort of incentive. Try to get Dean Kamen or Woody or someone on the ups with U.S FIRST!

How do you make a photo of a robot look interesting to a person not involved in FIRST?
Keyword! Multiple angels! The more of the robot and the robots features being displayed the more interesting it will appear. Also, focusing in on special components whether it be a transmission or an arm mechanism.

What types of photos do sponsors like to see?
Sponsors like to see in my opinion what the robot looks like. They also like to see that the students are actually doing most of the work. They’re not paying the engineers to build the robot (like some of the teams do). They want to see that they’re money being donated is being put to good use!

What types of photos do you like to take during the build season?
I figure there are about 6 weeks of the build season. I would try to use one - two rolls of film each week. Towards the last 2 weeks, more rolls may be needed. The important aspects you must cover during the build season may include how the robot is actually being pieced together.

What equipment do you use?
3.2 Megapixal Digital Camera
120mm zoom lense Minolta (fully automatic with digital display)
250mm zoon lense Minolta SLR (RETIRED)