Guest Author: Kelly VanderBeek
I photograph sports, a lot. Ok, a lot a lot. I have helped cover 8x Olympic Games, 9 if you include this:
Yeah, that happened 😉.
WHY I’M UNCONVENTIONAL
When photographing sports my primary job is as a TV reporter/host. However, I’ve always been a photographer and a multi-platform storyteller, even before IG and YouTube made everyone a version of this.
Although I'm not competing for a medal in Paris, I still strive to be Faster, Higher, and Stronger.
(Catch that? It's the Olympic motto - Citius, Altius, Fortius.)
Anyhow, you get it. I strive for excellence on ALL metrics and thanks to SONY, I can do that.
That's why the best camera setup for the Paris Games will be in my bag:
This will be my camera & lens set up at the Paris Olympic Games.
TOP 5 Reasons Why This Camera/Lens Will Be With Me In PARIS:
#1 FOR ATHLETES - EYES ARE ON THE PRIZE, BUT FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS - EYES ARE THE PRIZE.
In the past, when faces and eyes were obscured by glasses/goggles/cages, facial recognition struggled. Now, with SONY’s Alpha 9 III Real-Time Recognition, eyes remain in focus even when equipment gets in the way.
For anyone who's photographed hockey, you'll understand what a HUGE improvement this is.
#2 DON’T FEAR, IT’S CLEAR
Nothing is worse than capturing an important moment, only to end with a blurry image. Now, with the world’s first-ever Global Shutter, you capture clear images even at Olympic-level speeds. This camera can produce shutter speeds of up to 1/80,000 of a second.
Yes, you read that correctly and yes that's fast, crazy fast.
#3 BE STABLE MISS MABLE
The 5-axis Image Stabilization is my saviour when I’m in the field juggling TV and photography (or as a Mom on the sidelines). I travel as lightly as possible, so tripods are never in my kit - I only shoot handheld.
Another bonus to this feature is that I can shoot more video on the fly than ever before.
#4 GLASS THAT’S BADASS (& light)
Sony’s new FE 2.8/300 GM OSS lens is the mac-daddy for sport. The glass is world-class, but another strong reason why it's in my bag is because it weighs a mere 1.47 lbs. Yes, I am an Olympian (present tense) but I retired a long time ago, so the fitness is (sadly) past tense.
Compared to other glass from this class of lens, I consider it feather-light. And, if I can carry less weight, I WILL!
 #5 LOVE ME MY CB!
I affectionately call the Custom Key button on my lens my Creative Button (CB for short). I set that up to quickly and easily add creativity to images whenever possible. When I'm reporting on an event, telling the story with clarity is my top priority. However, the artist in me LOVES switching things up.
I set my CB for a slow shutter speed, typically 1/20 to 1/60 of a second. That enables fast access to some creative magic.
So yes, I may be unconventional, but I remain world-class thanks to this setup, SONY Alpha 9 III & FE 300mm f2.8 GM OSS.
BONUS: GOT KIDS?
Make those kids feel like the superstars they idolize with images worthy of the effort they put into sports.
Plus, this setup will undoubtedly make you a popular parent as everyone will want YOUR images.
I hope you have a great summer and feel free to follow my Olympic journey @KellyVSki & @CBCOlympics.
Featured in this blog:Â
Sony a9 III Body
Sony FE 300mm f2.8 GM OSS
