Shots on Goal:Goalie Photography

Goalie Masks: Photo Tip

Part of the fun of shooting a hockey game for me is capturing the the detail of the goalie’s mask. Those of you who are frequent readers of InGoal Magazine have seen the articles that David has written on these artists. Their attention to detail is phenomenal. One of my goals when I get to the rink is is to capture these masks and detail on film.

I try to get to the rink at least 30-45 minutes before the game starts for a couple of reasons. This for me is the time I adjust my camera settings, white balance/color temperature, aperture, shutter speed and ISO for the lighting in the rink. I’ll expand on my techniques that I use in future articles but for now I’ll focus on how like get my mask pictures.

By arriving early I can catch the goalies warming up. While one is in net the other one or two goalies are usually standing along the boards waiting their turn. This is how I captured Canicius goalie Andrew Lowen.

Another way I have been able to get a good mask shot is to watch the goalie when play has stopped. Sometimes they will leave the crease and skate over to the boards and skate back to the crease. I saw Mercyhurst goalie Ryan Zapolski doing this one night and got myself in position for this shot. Notice the tombstones on the bottom of his mask. I’ll see if I can find out what the meaning behind them is.

One other method I like is to watch the goalie during introductions. From time to time the goalie will place the mask on top of the net before skating to blue line with the rest of the team. I was behind the net when Merrimack goalie Joe Cannata was introduced and got this shot of his mask.

These are just some of the ways I like to get my mask pictures. I’d like to hear from some of our readers and how you get your pictures. Please feel free to send us your mask pictures with a little caption of how you took it and whose mask it is.

If anyone is interested in viewing the game photos just click on the pictures.