Brenna Crabtree (#3) scores in a Graceland University Volleyball Match.

I was watching a football game on TV when my phone dinged with this text message: “What is the best set up and lens for a VB game shot?” My quick answer: a mid range zoom like a 35-80, or better yet a 24-105. From up in the bleachers a longer range zoom lens. 

Kaylee Baker (#6) and Allison Long (#12) with a block for a point as the ball careens off the back of a Peru State player.

After answering the question, I went looking for some of my photos from a Graceland University volleyball march to see what focal lengths I actually used. When I picked my 6 best photos to send to the editor, the focal lengths were: 88, 45, 67, 70, 85, and 75mm. That is a range from 45mm at the widest to 88mm at the longest.  I tended to shoot a little loose and then I cropped some of the images I sent to the paper.

All of the photos were taken with a 24-105mm zoom lens. If I was farther away and up in the bleachers I would use a longer range lens like a 70-200 or 75-300mm. 

Ali Gillen (#13) scores a Yellowjacket point.

After an important photo I would make notes on a 3×5 card. If I didn’t take notes, by the time I sent the photos to the paper there are details I might not remember. For example, in the photo immediately above, I might not remember if Peru State returned Ali Gillen’s bump, or if Ali scored a point.

Exposure Data: My photos were all taken at ISO 5000, f/8, and shutter speeds of 1/160 or 1/200 second.