[Played with the FX6 for the first time.. WOW.]

I just sold my FX3 and looking to buy an FX6. I can't wait to get one and go shoot some sports. The FX3 was nice but I was  going to end up spending more than an FX6 by the time I finished building the rig. 

[What’s your favorite focal range to use?]

The one lens that never leaves my bag is the 70-200 GM II. Doesn't matter what I'm shooting that day it goes with me along with the necessary lenses for that shoot.  

[What photographers have influenced you?]

There were two specific photos I saw growing up that made me want to be a sports photographer. I was looking at sports history book at the library. I saw the historic image of John Madden being carried on players shoulders while holding up the game ball. I immediately looked to see who took the photo, Michael Zagaris. I then found his iconic photo of Bill Walsh and Joe Montana, I was hooked. I have followed his work ever since. Because of Michael Zargaris, I found Peter Reid Miller, which led me to Patrick Murphy-Racey, who, through Sony, introduced me to Jean Fruth. @pm-r @Jeanfruth

[How many lenses do you own?]

Lens maintenance day, everything off the shelves to be cleaned. 

 

[FE 14mm F1.8 GM Full-frame Ultra-wide Prime G Master Lens]

Playing around with the 14mm today at the BMX track. Can get really creative with it. 

[Light is the key to success]

@Wojtsobi Amazing shots! Thanks for sharing! I enjoy chasing the light for the perfect shot as well. 

[Hello from California!]

My name is Larry, I am a sports photographer from California. I started my Sony journey with the A6000, thanks to PM-R. I found Patrick's Youtube channel and was instantly impressed with the Sony lineup. I upgraded bodies roughly every other release, to where I am now with multiple A1's and a complete lineup of GM lenses. Sony Artisans,  Patrick Murphy-Racey and Jean Fruth have influenced my photography, and helped me create my own sports photography style. The Alpha Universe has incredible tools and resources for photographers and I am very excited to be a part of it. 

I look forward to sharing my work with all of you and enhancing our photography skills together. 

Larry

[Hi from Missouri]

Welcome to the forums, and the Sony family! 

[What was your biggest learning curve when it came to learnng photography?]

Decision making and anticipation of potential upcoming shots. When I started sports photography I had a bad habit of always following the action, no matter what. For example, I would take a low percentage action shot, because it was action, and end up with a back, no ball in frame, or an umpire/player moving into my frame. I learned to stop forcing the shot and take what the game is giving me in my current position. Took a while to break that habit, what a difference it made. 

[What’s the most important non-camera item that you always have in your camera bag?]

A Ziplock baggie, full of Ziplock baggies and ZipTies. 

[FE 14mm F1.8 GM Full-frame Ultra-wide Prime G Master Lens]

On 5/1/2023 at 12:11 PM, pm-r said:

I LOVE the 14GM.  It's so small and compact for as wide as it is.  I bring it to every game to shoot stadiums and arenas.

110% agree! I love this lens for stadiums. 

[Favorite Sony Alpha Feature?]

As a sports photographer, Eye-AF at 30 fps, in compressed-raw is a game changer. 

[Tripod]

On 5/20/2023 at 4:20 AM, RBPalacio said:

I recently bought my first real tripod. I went for the MeFoto carbon fiber. This tripod is small but solid. So far so good...

Congrats on the purchase! Let us know how it works out for you.

[New to Sony - Looking for suggestions]

@AndrewNeary Can I ask your budget for the new camera? If money is not an issue, and you want the best of both worlds, (photo/video) then I would have to suggest the A1. If you are working with a smaller budget, then the A7IV would be my suggestion. I am firm believer that there is no such thing as overkill, only over budget spending. 

[Best website service?]

I was on Photoshelter for years, recently their customer service is non-existent, no features have been added since 2020. I moved over to Pixieset. Works quite well for me. Handles my fairly large sales volume with no issues, and most importantly, Pixieset does not take a commission on my sales! I am not affiliated with or partnered with Pixieset in any way other than being a customer. 

[Is "Auto" setting on pro bodies still necessary?]

I recently taught a sports photography workshop here in California. I had multiple, beginner level students, show up with A1's. If money isn't an issue and you are confident in your decision to pursue photography, even as a hobbyist, the A1 is a great investment. I teach all my sports photography workshops with Sony A1's and Sony GM lenses. 

As for the auto setting on a flagship camera, why not? In my opinion, a flagship camera should have every available option. I rarely switch my A1's off of manual, but if I wanted to go auto, at $6500 I would expect that option to be there. Not everything has to be done the hard way or manual way. I prefer it, but that is my preference, and by no means do I expect my preference to apply to other photographers. 

We all love options!