Indoor flash help needed, Nikon???

Question

Thanks in advance! I'm not a strobist, and need help!
I'm using a Nikon D50, and have been asked to take some photos of high school wrestling.
1) flash: I don't have a external unit, so I am considering sb-400 and sb-600. Since the gym ceilings are so high, I am assuming bouncing off them is no help. I'm not getting paid for this, so I don't want to go spend alot of $$$, but I want it to be decent. Is a speed light going to be much better than the on-camera flash? (I will be at the mat, which is 40' wide - so most shots will be w/in 20')
Also, if I do get an external, should I buy or build a bounce card?

2) off the flash topic, but: if i were to try to sell reprints to parents, what are the legal issues
a) if it is a cropped shot of only the 1 person (who may or not be a minor)
b)if someone else (ref, other wrestler) is in the pic)

3) I want some of the pics to be mostly black and white, but some color, how do I do that????? (just kidding)

Answer 1

I don't think any of your flash's are going to be much help here. Bounce only works well for nice enclosed spaces with low (<10') ceilings.

You could point the flash right at the wrestlers, but you might be the one pinned!

You're probably looking at a natural light situation, so you are either going to need a fast lens or bump the ISO on your camera up.

I'd set my camera on aperture priority at the largest aperture possible (That is, the smallest number). That way you can use some fast shutter speeds and really capture the action.

Ideally, you need a nice sports lens, but that'll run you thousands of dollars. If you want to invest in a good cheap lens to get low light shots then I'd recommend this one.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005LEN4/kenrockwellcom

Good luck

Answer 2

While the SB-600 is a great flash, I think the 400 would also suit the application you're in. What others have said about using a flash in a sporting event is a primary concern, you said you were asked to take the shots, but by whom? someone who is able to grant you permission? or do you need to speak to someone else who can? In either the 600 or the 400, bounce will do you no good whatsoever. At longer distances you get a more diffused source anyway, but if you really want to diffuse it further I'd say something like the mini softbox from luminex is a good choice, b&h has them for a decent price. Not sure about the legal stuff, sorry.

Answer 3

You will not regret spending the money on the sb-600, and it may come in handy later on, so I'd say buy it.

Selling prints are another matter all together, I think in this particular instance your first concern should be contacting the parents of everyone on the team, let them know what your up to, and perhaps get some pre-orders. Technically your in a public place, in plain view, so I am not sure anyone can stop you from shooting, they can however prevent you from using the images for monetary gain w/ out a legal model release. Your dealing with minors here, so you just can not be too careful.
Also, have you checked to see if they allow flash in the gym during matches, because that very well may prove to be quite distracting not only to the spectators, but also the participants.
G'Luck...

Answer 4

The SB 600 will be more than enough. It will definitely be an improvement over the on-camera flash. Read the review at kenrockwell.com.

You can probably make a bounce card with white construction paper.

As to the legalities of selling prints you'll have to ask elsewhere. You could take individual pictures of the wrestlers.

Answer 5

!. You need to get permission to use a flash during any sporting event. That said, most professional sports hang a bank of flashes from the ceiling to achieve adequate exposure and release rights to approved photographers.

2. Selling your images may be tricky as it will be hard to get proofs printed before the event is over. You are right, cropping out a person from the shot may prove difficult and may prevent you from getting a decent sell able image.

3. Since you will be using digital, it makes no difference for Color or B&W as you should shoot them in RGB color and convert the images you want to B&W later in PhotoShop.

4. If you can use a high enough ISO, you may avoid needing a powerful external flash. As a previous responder said, you may be causing some problems and be ejected if your flash interferes with the match.