Sports photographer Tsutomu Kishimoto visited Nextorage to discuss sports photography and share his reviews of Nextorage products.
Kishimoto’s Preferred Gear
Nextorage:
Could you tell us about the camera equipment you use for your shoots? Which camera did you use for the recent sports events?
Kishimoto:
I primarily use the Nikon Z9. Depending on the venue and the sport, I typically carry three cameras, sometimes four. One of them is used for remote shooting. For lenses, I use NIKKOR lenses, with a 400mm lens being my standard for sports. In some cases, I use a 600mm lens. Recently, I’ve been favoring prime lenses like the 135mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.8, and 26mm f/2.8 over zoom lenses.
Nextorage:
You mentioned carrying three or sometimes four Z9 cameras. Why do you choose the Z9?
Kishimoto:
The integrated vertical grip and its status as a flagship model are key reasons. Occasionally, I use the Z8 as a sub-camera, but my main setup consists of Z9 cameras.
Nextorage:
Do you often use tripods for your shoots?
Kishimoto:
When using a 400mm f/2.8 telephoto lens, I use a monopod. However, for sports like ski jumping, I sometimes shoot handheld.
The Joys of Sports Photography in Challenging Conditions
Nextorage:
How many shots do you typically take in a day?
Kishimoto:
This summer, I was photographing activities like swimming, diving, and artistic swimming almost daily. During those sessions, I typically took around 6,000 to 9,000 shots per session—just in the morning alone. I would take about the same number of shots during the afternoon sessions as well.
Nextorage:
Do you shoot in JPEG or JPEG+RAW?
Kishimoto:
I primarily shoot in the largest JPEG size.
Nextorage:
Were there any particularly memorable or challenging moments during the events?
Kishimoto:
In diving, capturing the beauty of the athletes’ movements requires precise timing. I track the subject with a half-press of the shutter, but it’s not just about continuous shooting; it’s about knowing when to start pressing. In swimming, I focus on the moments when the swimmers’ faces or heads emerge from the water.
Nextorage:
Do the movements vary by athlete?
Kishimoto:
Yes, the splashes vary depending on the swimming style, such as breaststroke or butterfly, and even between individual swimmers. That’s one of the fascinating aspects of swimming.
Experiences with Nextorage Products
Nextorage:
What do you think about Nextorage’s CFexpress Type B cards when using the Z9?
Kishimoto:
Nextorage’s CFexpress cards have excellent capacity, eliminating the need to swap cards frequently. Additionally, when using the auto-capture feature, I can take a large number of shots with a remote camera without worrying about running out of storage.
Nextorage:
How do you back up your data?
Kishimoto:
After the morning session, I select the best shots and back up all data to an SSD at the end of the day. I also copy the data to the computer’s internal SSD as a precaution.
Nextorage:
How is the data transfer process?
Kishimoto:
I use the NX-SB1PRO, a card reader compatible with USB 40Gbps, and it allows me to import data incredibly fast. After returning from swimming coverage, I can quickly transfer the shooting data to my computer and get straight to work, which is a big help.
Nextorage:
Do you select the images yourself?
Kishimoto:
Yes, I mark the good photos with a key icon during the shoot and later adjust their size depending on their intended use.
Nextorage:
Do you edit your photos?
Kishimoto:
Yes, I do edit the photos. I sometimes adjust the contrast and colors, and if I need to post something quickly for social media, I transfer the photos to my phone, do some quick edits, and send them directly from there.
Nextorage:
How do you archive your photos?
Kishimoto:
I keep older photos, but finding them can become slow over time. Currently, using Nextorage SSDs, I can locate them smoothly. I place the marked photos in separate folders.
Expectations for Nextorage
Nextorage:
Lastly, do you have any suggestions or requests regarding our products?
Kishimoto:
The Portable SSD P2SE is small and lightweight, making it convenient to carry. However, when carrying multiple units, having only one color can be confusing. It would be great to have color variations. Also, if the card reader could be more compact while maintaining speed, it would be even better.
写真家
岸本 勉
BIOGRAPHY
Born in Tokyo in 1969. For over 10 years, he photographed various sporting events in Japan and abroad as a staff photographer. In 2003, he became independent and established PICSPORT. He has covered 15 Olympic Games (summer and winter), 8 FIFA World Cups, and various other sporting events in Japan and abroad. He has been the official photographer for World Aquatics since the 2015 World Swimming Championships in Kazan. Member of the International Sports Press Association (A.I.P.S.)/Japan Sports Press Association (A.J.P.S.)
SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @picsport_japan
X: @picsport_jpn
