It's been a long time

But, CSI: Photo is back to shooting....
Today was team photo day for Pace university. They also had a football clinic. Pretty soon I will be back to shooting on a regular basis for several different colleges in the area. hopefully this year I will get to try many different types of shots and a few different angles.
I will have the remote cameras back in action this year and will continue to strive for those unique images from inside the goals....

Different point of view

I saw the type of image on a photography forum I regularly browse and decided to see if I could duplicate it. For this image I pre-focused my camera about 10 feet in front of the plate and waited for the ball to be released. It took a few tries to get it down. But, I think it does have a very different look to it. It is pretty much just a matter of timing, as in any form of sports photography. It's all about timing.

Always looking for a different point of view....

Just something I want to pass along.

I had the opportunity to have my Pocket Wizards modified today. I did this through Michael Bass Designs. I don't live too far from Michael and meet with him today. I had called him earlier in the week to discuss my needs. Michael was very helpful in providing my with the best solution to my needs. He works very closely with the people at LPA, (the manufactures of PW's).

As many of you know I do a lot of remote photography in my sports shooting. Some of which require me to house the camera for safety the my equipment as well as the players. With the camera and PW located in a housing this cut down on the reception of the receiving PW, causing missed shots. After seeing Michael's web page for some time now. I decided to see if modifying my PW's would help.

I meet Michael at his house and we discussed my needs a little further. And we decided that the antenna modification should help me. Michael also is ordering me a special antenna (which we tested at his house) that is set for the PW's frequency. This will enable me to have a set-up which is customizable to my needs.

If anyone is looking for that little something that is a little out of the ordinary, that little thing that you always say, "Where can I get something that can do this". I suggest you wonder over and check out Michael's web page.

Here is the mod I did to my PW's.

Rainy weather stirs up the scheduling

Baseball season is in full swing for CSI: Photo. Along with all the other spring sports.
Today I needed to switch scheduling for a baseball game that was scheduled for Saturday. But, with the weather not looking to good for Saturday Pace University switched it's planned double header to Friday Afternoon. Along with the switch it was also moved to New Haven University. So, I packed up the car and headed out to NHU for some baseball.

Funny thing is I already had 1 softball game postponed due to rain and I will again be heading out to New Haven next week end for the make-up.

The spring schedule goes by really fast due to the majority of the games on March being played down south. So all my scheduling needs to by done in pretty much a five week span. The schools I shoot for have been really flexible as to when I can make these games up. Also, I have been following the weather and anticipating any inclement weather and moving games around to make sure I can get them all in.

So far the weather looks pretty good for the up-coming week. Which again will be a busy one. I have 2 softball game and a women's lacrosse game. The women's lacrosse game will be for Dominican College, in Rockland County. It will be my first time shooting for this school. I was referred to them by one of the school I currently shoot for. I'm glad my clients have been happy with my work enough to refer my business.

Well I will try to up-date this blog sometime soon. I am pretty quite with the updates during the summers months. About the only shooting I get out to do it some stuff for my art portfolio. Although I have been getting quite a few calls regarding weddings and receptions for the summer months.

NCAA Tounaments continue

CSI: Photo continues it's weekend trips to the NCAA tournaments. This weekend I will be shooting the Regional NCAA Hockey tournament in Bridgeport, CT.

I have been contracted by the University of Michigan for this Round of the Tournament.

I am still waiting for the NIT regional round to complete. To see if another trip to the Garden will be made this year.

Another NCAA Tournament passes into the night

Last night was the Division 2 NCAA Eastern Regional Finals between nationally ranked #2 C. W. Post and #24 Bentley University. I shot for both Stonehill College and Bentley on Saturday. For the finals I shot for Bentley again.

This was a very exciting game from the get go. Bentley quickly mounted the charge and held as much as an 18 point lead. Going in to the half Bentley was well in command of the game.

The second half proved to be another story, as C. W. Post took command of the game. The Pioneers held off a late charge by the Falcons to advance to the D2 NCAA's ELITE8 to be held in Springfield MA next week.

Highlights from the tournaments I covered can be viewed HERE.

High flying action in the NCAA Division 2 Regionals

I shot 3 game today all were very exciting. This was the first time I shot at C.W. Post campus on Long Island. It was a fairly dark gym. But, I was able to get some pretty good results with some post processing in LightRoom.

I was contacted by Bentley and Stonehill colleges, both in Massachusetts. And Both are in the NorthEast-10 Conference in Division 2. C.W. Post was playing the game in between the 2 schools. So, for show some examples for my work to C. W. Post I shot that game as well. They are also, the #2 rated school in D2 Basketball. So why not LOL.

Hopefully, Bentley College will make it to the finals on Tuesday cause they have already requested I shoot for them if they make it that far. GO! BENTLEY!!

But, if all else fails I am all geared up to finally start shooting outside. I have already started with LAX and Softball. Baseball is just around the corner.

CSI: Photo now on facebook

CSI: Photo is now on facebook. Join the group CSI: Photo to get updates on special facebook promotions and specials.

The current facebook special is 10% off any order place with the coupon code "facebook". This special runs through March 15th.

As a member of this group you will receive notification as to all the current specials and promotions. Don't miss out on the new promotions that will be available...

Hockey season finally

Well it's been a long season for me with hockey. When the season began I started off with my new in-goal camera housing. I was able to get some fantastic shots with the camera set up in the goal. It was certainly put through all the tests that hockey could have put it through. It survived 3 man pile ups in the goal, goalies flat on their back on top of it, to many other forms of abuse one might not thing a camera should be subject to.

Last week I set up the same set up in lacrosse and it did not last through the first half of the game. In my trek to the glass shop to pick up some more lexan, The shop owner said I had not made some of the bends in the lexan correctly. He explained the correct way to form it to what I needed properly. I will be coming out with a new housing soon to continue with some more of the shots I have been getting known for in and around the goals.

Look for some in-goal lacrosse shots coming soon.

YES Network to Air Images

I got an e-mail yesterday from the YES Network (Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network) regarding some images I took for the Long Island Sled Hockey team. The YES Network will be doing a piece on the hockey team which will air on February 9th. Basically, the Long Island Sled Hockey team is for individuals from 7 to 21+ years of age with physical and/or mental handicaps. The Local WABC in New York will also be doing a piece on the team featuring images from their visit to West Point.

The team is known as the RoughRiders and have been playing for 14+ years and has been incorporated since 2003. I had the opportunity to photograph them both this year, and as well as, last year during the teams visit to West Point.

The following was taken from the web-site for the Long Island Sled Hockey Team.
Long Island Sled Hockey, Inc. is an organization made up of 45 physically and/or mentally handicapped athletes between the ages of 7 and 21+ who participate in a wonderful sport called sled hockey. This sport is described on our Home page. We have been competing for 14 years and were incorporated as Long Island Sled Hockey, Inc. on December 29th of 2003. Our team name "RoughRiders" was chosen in honor of President Teddy Roosevelt.

This amazing group of young boys and girls has captured the hearts of everyone with whom they've come in contact. Their accomplishments are many and are listed in our Scrapbook section. We are the only program of its kind in the United States as we enjoin both physically and mentally challenged athletes on the ice. Our athletes are afflicted with such disabilities as autism, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, dystonia, mental retardation, spina bifida and the like. Their success we measure in smiles not medals, in pride not ribbons, in determination and courage, not wins and losses.

Unfortunately, we are also the only program of its kind without a corporate sponsor to help defray our expenses. With sleds averaging $800-$1200 each, uniforms and protective equipment costing upwards of $2000 per athlete, ice rental currently at $635 per 90 minute session, and the ever-increasing insurance, travel and tournament fees, our yearly budget stands at nearly $220,000. ALL monies raised during the year (see Home page) go directly to our athletes. There are no administrative fees or coaches salaries paid. We are a New York State not-for-profit organization and have been issued a federal ID number and are a 501(c)(3) federally tax-exempt organization.

Your willingness to get involved is admirable, your assistance is very much needed. On behalf of our athletes, coaches, staff and parents, I thank you for visiting our site and hope for your support.

Price Reduction

Due to economic times CSI: Photo has reduced prices by 10% on the following print sizes.

4" x 6" Kodak E-Surface Prints
Was $10.00 - Now $9.00

5" x 7" Kodak E-Surface Prints
Was $15.00 - Now $13.50

8" x 10" Kodak E-Surface Prints
Was $20.00 - Now $18.00

11" x 14" Kodak E-Surface Prints
Was $35.00 - Now $31.50

12" x 18" Kodak E-Surface Prints
Was $50.00 - Now $45.00

These items represent our most popular print sizes.

CSI: Photo is committed to affordable images of family and loved ones through out their collegiate careers.

Please click HERE to enter our gallery.

LensBaby and basketball

I had the chance to play around with my LensBaby Composer during some basketball tonight. I had tried this once before. And came out with some pretty good results. So, tonight I did some more images with it and played around a little more looking for particular shots. This image was the one I was looking for.
I never really take out the LensBaby for sports shooting. But after looking for something different I decided to play. I think I might just have to keep the Composer on one of my cameras for sports from now on. Using the newer version of the LensBaby makes it much easier to compose a picture for some anticipated action around the net (or other key areas of play). Look forward to seeing more with the LensBaby and my sports photography.

How-To instructions on a camera floor plate

I think the Overexposed floor plates are a really well made product. And I have almost pulled the trigger on buying it a few times. Than I started thinking what can I use to make a home made version that would suit my needs.

This is what I came up with.

My "how to" floor plate I use for basketball. The first thing I will list all the pieces and parts you will need to make your own floor plate camera support. The size of my plate is only the size I chose to make mine. You may make it any size to suit your particular needs. Mine I choose to make it 7" x 11" this gave my a 6" spread in between cameras. So, it would not be over crowded with the pocket wizards. Now on to the list.

1) piece of 3/4 inch thick wood. I used 3/4" plywood and cut it to 7" x 11"



4) 1/4" fender washers. Can be found at Home Depot, Lowe's or your local hardware store. Pennies each, maybe .20¢ for all 4



Hex bolts - 1/4-20 for most ball heads - For Bogen/Manfrotto heads you will need 3/8-16 bolts. About a quarter a piece.

2) 3/4" for the hot shoe plates.
1) 2 1/2" for the shorter riser.
1) 6" for the longer riser.

If you want different size risers you will need a hex bolt 1" longer than the riser height.

For the risers I used 3/4" gas piping referred to as nipples. Also available at the same locations as the above items.


The shorter riser is a 1 1/2" nipple, also called a shoulder nipple. Maybe 2 bucks each



The higher riser is a 5" nipple. I chose the 5" because with the hex bolts most retail stores stock only up to a 6" bolt. And remember the hex bolt needs to be 1" longer than the riser. Around $3+ each.



To hold the nipples in place and stabilize them I used flanges. You will need 2) 3/4" flanges. Found right next to the black pipe at the hardware stores. About 4 bucks a piece



For the ball heads I used Sunpak compact ball heads available @ B&H for $19.95 each I just had these laying around. So, that is what I used. These are rated for 4.2 pounds. I have not had any problems mounting a Canon xti with a 85 1.8 lens on them. Longer glass you might want to think about a different head. But. The great thing about these heads is, the head will recess in to the black pipe nipples and hold them in place nicely.



To mount the Pocket Wizard I used these adapters also from B&H for $6.95 each. I had 2 kickin' around.



These are called Nikon flash adapters. I use them in the Pocket Wizard's tripod socket to mount in the on to the plate so in case of any stay balls, players ect. the plastic foot on the PW's does not break. B&H also for $6.95 each. A small price to pay for the safety of the PW's. You'll need a set for each wizard if you choose to use them.

After I have the wood cut to size and drilled I used a black vinyl with a sticky back to cover up the top. This makes it have a nice finished look. I got this at Micheal's Craft Store for about 10 bucks. Also at Micheal's I got a 9" x 12" adhesive backed "Fun Foam" to place on the bottom to protect the basketball floors. This is .99¢



Here you can see I marked the wood in the center, both vertically and horizontally. For the holes I drilled using a 1 3/8" wood bit. And only drilled to a depth of 3/8". This is enough to insure the hex heads are recessed into the plate. To finish the holes I used a 1/4" bit and drilled the rest of the way through.


Here you can see how the hex heads and fender bolts are recessed in to the bottom of the wood.

For the risers I drilled 2 1/2" from the left and right sides. For the hot shoe mounts I drilled 1 1/2" from the top and bottom. Remember not to drill all the way through with the 1 3/8" bit only to a depth of 3/8". So, you'll have a nice 5/8" base.



As you can see I already installed the shoe mounts and the short riser. The white tubing I have covering the gas pipe is called pex tubing. It is not available in small quantities so I did not list it. But, if you have access to it, it is 1" aqua pex. I just think it adds a little finished look. Excuse the gaffers tape. This was already in use and I took it apart for example.



This is just to illustrate how you will be centering the flange with the 5" nipple after you screw the nipple in to the flange. Screw the nipple all the way in to the flange. Use a couple of pipe wrenches.



Now that you have tightened the nipple in to the flange you will have the bolt sticking out the top of the pipe slightly. Go ahead and screw the ball head on to the bolt. Tighten with a ratchet wrench.



Here is the completed floor plate. I wrapped a bit of gaffers tape to the taller riser so it is handy when needed.



Here are 2 views so you can get a good look on how the set-up is when I shoot.

Good luck and happy building.
If you would prefer to have me build you one let me know and we can discuss a price depending on you specific needs.

Images puplished in DC papers.

I got some contact information through a local reporter covering the Army/Navy basketball games for a paper in Maryland. After a series of e-mails they will be using several of my images in the Capital Gazette. It will not be the first time I have had images in the newspapers. But, anytime you can get you name out there in the papers being a new business is a good thing.

For tomorrows game I will be mounting a camera above the shot clock again for a unique view of the game. Hopefully images like the ones I get through my remote cameras will begin to make a name for me. If time allots I will be getting some images of my set-up and posting them here to share.

Goal-Cam got wrecked tonight

But, not before capturing this image.
I had to pull the camera out of the net and make some quick repairs to the housing in time to get it back into the net for the 3rd period. I scurried around to get some duct tape (man I love that stuff) With in a few minutes I had the housing all taped up and ready to go for round three. I really didn't have the time I needed to make all the adjustments to the camera and make sure the angle was good. But, I did come up with some good pictures in the third period. So it was worth the effort. The housing has taken quite the beating the year. But has stood up remarkably well.

Making the best of a remote camera set-up

I think the best way to make use of a remote camera set-up is to make some sort of composite image combining 2 of the images captured at the same time from 2 separate angles. This images 1 was captured from a remote camera mounted above the shot clock. The inset image was captured with a camera I was hand-holding and triggering the remote camera via Pocket Wizards.

The one thing to remember most importantly when using remote camera all precautions should be taken to insure to prevent cameras from falling. Please remember to use safety cables on all equipment mounted above playing surfaces or other areas. Not only will this safeguard your equipment. But, if any mountings or supports should fail safety cables will prevent equipment from falling on to spectators or players.

Goal-Cam is really starting to shine

This image was taken with my goal-cam. Owen Meyer of Army gets one in between the legs of Mercyhurst's Ryan Zapolski to score what turned out to be the game winning goal.

This is the view from my vantage point. Luckily, I have the cameras time synced up pretty close so I am able to match images from several different cameras fairly easily.

Good use of remote camera

This is a set of images I was able to capture using a hand-held camera, as well as, a remote camera. For this I was shooting with a wide angle lens setup on my remote camera. The camera was placed on a tabletop tripod placed next to me on the floor. For the inset shot I was shooting with my 70/200 f/2.8. Again this is just 1 more option for shooting with remote cameras.

Here is a video that I used when I first started looking in to remote shooting.
Thanks, PShizzy.com