Myself and another photog were discussing this same thing earlier today.
Jumps look great in person no doubt! We have noticed a lot of MX mom's and even the local photo guy at the track take all jump pictures. Most of these are from way back, and not zoomed in. They also usually have no appealing background, and at a high shutter speed and smaller aperture. THis mostly adds up to a bike that looks like it is pasted into a picture. I AGREE that there are good jumping pictures as you have posted, but you have to do more composition, and thought than amatuer photogs are willing do usually do.
Example of a fairly boring jump pic, even if it was from the front.
Little better Jump photo
A lot of parents just don't shoot turns and stuff like this at all.....
THis mostly adds up to a bike that looks like it is pasted into a picture.
I agree, but if that's what sells, that's what I'm shooting.
I just don't get why someone would say, "don't shoot jumps". Seems rather odd to me, being that's where the most people congregate to on race day. For me, my best sellers are jumping shots.
A blue sky isn't necessarily boring, unless the rider has boring form.
I like more WA stuff as it show more of the jump, etc. On this I could have gotten closer or cropped tighter (which I took another similar shot but much much tighter), but I liked the overall perspective.
I agree, but if that's what sells, that's what I'm shooting.
I just don't get why someone would say, "don't shoot jumps".
assuming you're referring to me, the person I said that to was looking for advice and tips. if he or she is getting it wrong they could come home with a card full of out of focus or small subject shots that looked good while they were shooting. you seem to be pushing the viewpoint that its simple and it makes no sense to advise someone to not shoot jumps. I don't get why you would question prudent advice. obviously you know how to shoot jumps. try selling a lot of bad jump shots and see how they sell.
Jumps, corners, blah blah blah. Hills is where it's at.
Hills take a BIG set! I mean even if you aren't riding! That is pretty close! Ever get hit by a bike? I've had a few close calls on the MX track... Can't imagine a steep hillclimb!
It is definately more dangerous and unpredictable than shooting MX. I try not to think about it.
The two hills I shoot are relatively slow. Real steep and the bikes aren't coming up smoking fast. But when the open bikes are on the line, I'm nervous. 200hp nitro burning four cylinders are heavy and fast. Bikes can launch 90 degrees sideways in a split second.
Unfortunately, to get good face shots coming up the hill, I need to be right on the sidelines. I'm shooting a 70-200 zoom and manipulating the zoom all the way up. When the bike starts filling the frame at 70mm I'm starting to back out of the way. This is tough on hill you can barely stand up on.
Some of my best shots have been from running away while pointing the camera in the general direction and keep shooting.:D
jump debate aside (man you guys can get twisted over anything ), I just want to comment how cool it is that MX remains a sport that is actually accessible, as evidenced but all the cool shots here. It's nice that the lawyers haven't relegated parents and friends to outside a 1 mile radius of the track.
Comments
I don't get your discouragment of telling others to not shoot jumps.
Can you not shoot jumps and turns all in the same day?
you under estimate yourself. that jump shot is sweet, and not likely to be taken by the average non MX kind of photog.
I just think the jump as an art form has overshadowed the sport, though they certainly are part of it.
nothing like a shot of a bike under a full head of steam though. freestyle be damned.
Jumps look great in person no doubt! We have noticed a lot of MX mom's and even the local photo guy at the track take all jump pictures. Most of these are from way back, and not zoomed in. They also usually have no appealing background, and at a high shutter speed and smaller aperture. THis mostly adds up to a bike that looks like it is pasted into a picture. I AGREE that there are good jumping pictures as you have posted, but you have to do more composition, and thought than amatuer photogs are willing do usually do.
Example of a fairly boring jump pic, even if it was from the front.
Little better Jump photo
A lot of parents just don't shoot turns and stuff like this at all.....
Jason
http://jbr.smugmug.com/
"When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced... Live your life so that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice"
http://www.knippixels.com
I just don't get why someone would say, "don't shoot jumps". Seems rather odd to me, being that's where the most people congregate to on race day. For me, my best sellers are jumping shots.
A blue sky isn't necessarily boring, unless the rider has boring form.
I like more WA stuff as it show more of the jump, etc. On this I could have gotten closer or cropped tighter (which I took another similar shot but much much tighter), but I liked the overall perspective.
assuming you're referring to me, the person I said that to was looking for advice and tips. if he or she is getting it wrong they could come home with a card full of out of focus or small subject shots that looked good while they were shooting. you seem to be pushing the viewpoint that its simple and it makes no sense to advise someone to not shoot jumps. I don't get why you would question prudent advice. obviously you know how to shoot jumps. try selling a lot of bad jump shots and see how they sell.
Hills take a BIG
http://www.pymatuningmx.com/index.html :thumb
The two hills I shoot are relatively slow. Real steep and the bikes aren't coming up smoking fast. But when the open bikes are on the line, I'm nervous. 200hp nitro burning four cylinders are heavy and fast. Bikes can launch 90 degrees sideways in a split second.
Unfortunately, to get good face shots coming up the hill, I need to be right on the sidelines. I'm shooting a 70-200 zoom and manipulating the zoom all the way up. When the bike starts filling the frame at 70mm I'm starting to back out of the way. This is tough on hill you can barely stand up on.
Some of my best shots have been from running away while pointing the camera in the general direction and keep shooting.:D
Heres some recent stuff i shot with my Rebel...
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