The first step is to enroll in the University of YouTube and watch a couple of basic 2 minute videos on how the game is played. When I found Rugby for Beginners: An Idiot’s Guide, I knew I was in the right place. https://youtu.be/BAf9pxOysY0. Then I found this short Wiki-how How to Play Rugby at https://youtu.be/Q8bdqMeuIiM. Plenty more tutorials on Rugby will come up if you want to dig a little deeper and learn what are tries, rucks and scrums. The Beginner’s Guide to Rugby-How to Play Rugby by James Haskell is about 20 minutes and found here https://youtu.be/F22A_V77Tic.
Ok, so now you have an idea of how the game is played and here’s how to get the best photos.
Gear: If you have two camera bodies, use them. Put a 70-200 zoom on one and something stronger on the other, like up to a 500mm. Using a tripod or monopod for the heavier lens will help keep you from reaching for the Advil later.
Settings: Shoot wide open, which is a small F stop. Like F2.8 or F5.6, for example. This will blur the background and allow you to shoot at a faster shutter speed. If you have a lot of sunlight go with 1/ 1000 of a second but otherwise 1/800th of a second typically works. I like to shoot Raw so I have the most information when post processing. Use auto-white balance because the camera typically does a great job and you can adjust it later in post processing if needed. Auto-ISO will help accommodate for changing lighting conditions. I tend to shoot in manual mode but you can shoot in shutter priority because you want sharp photos above all else. Shutter settings would be a continuous high so that your camera sounds like a machine gun when shooting the action. You can delete the bad ones later. Experiment with focus settings. I typically will use single point auto focus because there is just so many people/objects coming in and out of the frame, a large focusing point can grab on to the wrong thing. I will place the focusing box slightly below the center line so I can lock on to the torso. Back button focus: It is worth learning this so you can be focusing with your thumb on the back of the camera tracking the action and using your index finger to release the shutter. Focusing is a skill which takes experimentation and practice. There is lots of help on line for your particular camera settings.
Positioning: There is so much action in Rugby, you can stand anywhere around the pitch perimeter (at safe distance) and get great shots. I tend to position myself closer to the opponents try-line so I can get more front-on photos and tries. Feel free to reposition yourself during the game especially to get any sunlight in the players faces.
Strategy: First and foremost you want your action shots to have a ball in the picture. In one of the videos I watched, the narrator said, a rugby photograph without a ball just looks like an assault. So following Gretzky’s advice, get a feel for where the ball is going and anticipate it. Try also to anticipate action and trip the shutter just before something happens because if you see the action your camera missed it. You can get some great shots without the ball, like the emotional reactions to scoring and penalties and side-line coaching activity. Actions shots should have a ball in it. Finally, there is one more tactic that will give you the most powerful images: Get low. Sounds simple but many photographers do not think to do this or avoid it because it is frankly physically uncomfortable. First, getting low makes your subject look more powerful and imposing. In rugby, there is frequently action on or near the ground. Rucks and scrums have lots of ground level action with the ball and facial expressions. Shooting at ground level inserts your viewer into that action.
You are all set! Now go sit on your butt and take great rugby photos!
As I have gotten more familiar with Mandy's process, I continue to be impressed with her design sense, knowledge of the industry and her dedicated and holistic approach to working with clients. Below is her mission statement which sums up her philosophy and process.
I believe each person should have the freedom to choose whatever element they like to include in their interior spaces. There are so many wonderful colors, textures, materials, and works of art to appreciate and welcome into your home.
Often when a client doesn’t quite know where to start, they seek out trends. Design trends have the ability to inspire great creativity and can establish a starting point. They serve as guides to many people, including professionals. Although trends alone are unable to fully capture the essence of one’s home, personality and lifestyle.
The interior of a space should reflect the person who lives there. When I meet with a client I will ask questions not only about what they need in terms of functionality and style preferences but also their interests, hobbies, passions, collectibles or travels. This information tells me how to navigate their project by looking for certain patterns, textures, and colors that reflect who they are and how they enjoy their time.
My goal is to create an atmosphere that feels fresh and inspiring to the client. I look at natural light and shading, landscaping and architecture. These elements tell me how to use color and material effectively so that the space feels balanced. Each project is unique because every person is different and that is what I love about this work. I’m putting together a puzzle for them that ultimately affects their day to day living so that things feel natural, organized, and inspired to them.
I work with all design aesthetics and project budgets. Consultations are billed hourly and Design Concepts and Procurement Services are billed at a percentage of the project budget. For more information, please contact me at (703) 244-1913 or [email protected]. Follow me on Instagram at mandyemiliedesign.
Upon arrival, Wendy welcomed me to a sunlit room with one area with a couch, chair and coffee table for conversation and another with a padded healing table surrounded by a wall of white crystal singing bowls. I learned that the human body exists in a state of vibration and that vibration is interrupted when out of balance or in case of illness. Wendy’s hand’s on and intuitive energy healing methods helps restore vibration and balance. In our photo shoot, we used a model to help illustrate the patient experience.
A little about Wendy: Wendy is a gifted intuitive healer and empath who uses energy healing to help people achieve their health, relationship, and career goals. Energy Healing clears unconscious patterns and heals unresolved feelings. Free-flowing energy allows our natural healing mechanisms to heal the body, mind, and emotions. Her science-proven and practical spiritual growth tools empower her patients to consciously choose to live life more fully, authentically happier. Wendy is a holistic healer, Reiki Master Teacher, interfaith minister, and Director of Radiant You’s CAM for Recovery. Learn more at www.radiantyou.us or 202.549.7954.
