Ski Photography

**Powdurr** · 10-07-2004, 02:11 PM

Hey guys I need some help. I am thinking of doing some ski photography this year. Have never done ski photography before. I do only nature/wildlife right now. I am working on gettin my website up but will update on that later. Just wondering what kind of film is best, as I don't shoot anything above ISO 100 for nature/wildlife stuff. I'm thinkin provia 400 would be good, but would like some recomentdations. also what lenses do you find most useful? Becuase right now all I have is a 28, 50, and 300. Since theres a big gap between 50 and 300, I think im gonna order a 70-200 2.8 soon. So i'm just lookin for some recomendations for film and lenses. Thanks

**FNG** · 10-07-2004, 04:31 PM

Helmet cam.

**summit** · 10-07-2004, 11:04 PM

Welcome to the board! There are several ski photographers here. A few are pro like midget and Mtbakerskier.

I came to ski photography from a portrait/landscape/food background.

I use provia 100F a lot. I've used Velvia 100F too on certain occaisons but usually I don't like that much saturation for ski photos (unlike my landscape and macro work). It's too easy to color cast the snow. I use Provia 400F mostly on cloudy days but generally prefer TMAX 400 for those days (expose at EI320)

Frozen Pillows (TMAX 400 17-35mm)

I find myself using my 17-35 and 50 more than anything else but I shoot in chutes and tighter areas most of the time. I've only used my 70-200 once for ski photography. Those longer lenses are HEAVY if you are doing backcountry ski photography and still trying to jump off stuff.

Hang out here a lot and post pics!!!

**midget** · 10-07-2004, 11:27 PM

1st....POST A LOT OF STOKE!!!!
2nd.....Provia 100, occasionally pushed to 400, 800 if you are looking for grain. Otherwise when I shoot film I stick to Provia 100. Velvia 100 is extremely contrasty too...unless you are going for that look, I'd stick with Provia. Provia 400 is extremely grainy, compared to ISo 400 Print film. Also, if you don't have much money the Fuji consumer level slide film isn't that bad, although I can't remember the name of it. It's dirt cheap (you can find it for about $2-$3 on adorama.com)....however Provia is only about $5 a roll online.

3rd....I HATE KODAK....it's too yellow and unsaturated...however it has it's place, just not in skiing....for me at least.

Hope to see yer ski porn here soon.

**mtbakerskier** · 10-08-2004, 12:07 AM

I shoot mostly fuji, but there is always a variety of films in my bag, everything from Fuji, to a few Kodak emulsions to some weird flavors i ude for cross processing. So film brand is really a personal taste, but I have found i like certian emulsons for certian shots. As far as ISO goes I shoot everything from 25 all the way up to 6400.

Lenses
I carry the following in my bag: All Canon Glass
15 F2.8
17-35 F2.8L
28-80 F2.8L
70-200 F2.8 L IS
300 F2.8 L
2X converter

But I priamrly use my 70-200 most.

Basically the key to good ski photography, is the same for all other typs of photography, shoot a lot, and really get to know how film reacts to different combintaions of lighting, exposure etc etc.

And finally have a shit load of fun, and respect your athletes, they bust there ass, so you can sit around freezing for ass off.

**Powdurr** · 10-08-2004, 06:27 PM

Thanks for the help guys. If winter ever gets here, maybe I'll be postin some skiing pics soon.

**powpowpowderwheels** · 10-10-2004, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by midget

Also, if you don't have much money the Fuji consumer level slide film isn't that bad, although I can't remember the name of it. It's dirt cheap (you can find it for about $2-$3 on adorama.com)....

Hope to see yer ski porn here soon.

Fuji Sensia

**Boundary Rider1** · 10-12-2004, 02:37 AM

A good film that I have been using alot is the Kodak Elitechrome 100 and 200. Its a cheap consumer film and I like the colour saturation( Nice Reds and Blues). I stay a little distant from Fuji Sensia, cause I have had some very disappointing results, although If I could afford it I would try Velvia and Provia 100, in Oz its costs a bomb.

Also be prepared to do a whole lotta standing around whilst your build kickers, wait for models and good light, which unfortunately cuts into your skiing time. Which reminds me , it sucks to have to stop mid awesome run to get into position., But then again I love it.

Looking forward to your stoke.