KiteSurfing - First Time

stevehapp

I went down to the beach this afternoon and shot some kite-surfing for the first time.
It was extremely difficult and I had quite a few problems with framing and focus. It is not easy trying to follow these guys..

Anyhow, here are my best ones.

1.


2.


3.


4.


Thanks for looking. Any tips mightily appreciated..

cheers,
steve

winger

Those are pretty bad ass.

torags

Nice shots.

Did you use a polarizer?

I like #1, but I think it might do a little better cropped (to the end of the red line). It would bring him closer and show his muscle tone better.

Just the opposite with #2. His hand is clipped holding onto the thing that's having him wipe out. I think more of the line should be shown to complete the image story.

just my .02

Rags

crmitche

Very cool shots. I think the empty space in #1 adds to the idea that he's soaring and we can see where he's looking to land. It's hard to tell from the angle, where you shooting from the beach or a pier?

Cheers
Craig

stevehapp

Thanks for the comments, guys

Winger - thanks, dood

Rags - not a polarizer, a hoya UV - (0) prophylactic filter.
#1 - I actually like the space but understand where you are coming from.
#2 - I completely agree with you..
Thanks for your critique, muchly appreciated.

Craig - from the beach , but I felt too close with the 400 lens..
I reckon a 100-400 would be a better lens for kite-surfing..

I will just keep on practicing and take all your feedback on board..

cheers,
steve

torags

You might like to try a Polarizer, it gives color to the sky and removes glare that seems to DEsaturate colors


San Francisco Bay

stevehapp

wow, rags you are so right..
those colours do pop out...

What sort of polarizer do you recommend?
It would be good for surfing as well..

torags

I have a circular (vs linear) Hoya which is reasonably priced.

I also have a expensive thin B&W which I wouldn't recommend. Quality is excellent - vignetting reduced; but my end cap doesn't stay on and I crop anyway.

Rags

stevehapp

Thanks rags,
I will give it a go.

cheers, mate..