Friday Night Lights with the Nikon Z9: Workflow and Shooting Tips

by Stanley LearyPhotography

[NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 25600, 1/400, ƒ/5.6, (35mm = 400)]

Capturing high school football under the Friday night lights is all about preparation, precision, and a solid workflow. Here’s how I approach it, from setting up at the stadium to the final image uploads.

Preparation and Setup

I arrive early to set up and ensure my Nikon Z9’s settings are dialed in. I start by creating a custom white balance with an ExpoDisc to capture the colors accurately under stadium lighting. This step is essential for achieving true-to-life tones, especially with inconsistent lighting.

[NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode Aperture Priority, ISO 25600, 1/250, ƒ/5.6, (35mm 340)]

Gear and Initial Setup

  • Camera: Nikon Z9
  • Lens: NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, perfect for action shots across the field
  • White Balance: Custom setup with ExpoDisc
Using AI background mask

Workflow Steps

  1. Ingest Photos: I load all photos into Photo Mechanic to cull and add metadata. This allows for quick organization and eliminates unnecessary shots.
  2. Editing in Lightroom: I import the best images into Lightroom after culling. I adjust backgrounds using AI masking to reduce distractions, allowing the players to stand out more. I also use AI Denoise for cleaner images, which is invaluable under low light.
  3. Export and Sharing: After editing, I export the images to JPEG. I upload the finished files to my PhotoShelter account via Photo Mechanic, resizing select pictures for social media sharing on Facebook and Instagram.
[NIKON Z 9, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, Mode = Aperture Priority, ISO 25600, 1/400, ƒ/5.6, (35mm = 130)]

Shooting Tips for High School Football

  • Stabilize and Track: Use the NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S lens for sharp, action-packed shots, leveraging the Nikon Z9’s focus tracking to keep up with fast-paced plays.
  • Stay Dynamic: Anticipate the action and adjust positioning around the field for varied angles.
  • Lighting Adjustments: Dial-up ISO as needed; the Z9 handles higher ISO settings well. However, consider making background edits to mitigate distractions.

With a streamlined workflow and attention to detail, each game becomes a storytelling canvas, capturing the energy and excitement of high school football.