Another failed attempt...

michswiss

At capturing traditional Chinese exercise or dance in the park.

Aaron, I've basically given up on these. I've no doubt that someone else can or already has gotten this one right.

Justiceiro

I don't know man. I dig this one. It's interesting. Don't know how I feel about the bike though.

bfjr

I read what you wrote about trying to get one of these you like

Maybe try this:
shoot from the front
use a slow shutter speed to create some motion blur and
then use fill flash to keep faces/expressions in focus.

I know I know easy to say
It just what struck me that might work and this image gave me that idea

michswiss

bfjr wrote:

I read what you wrote about trying to get one of these you like

Maybe try this:
shoot from the front
use a slow shutter speed to create some motion blur and
then use fill flash to keep faces/expressions in focus.

I know I know easy to say
It just what struck me that might work and this image gave me that idea

I've shot from the front from three corners, multiple times. I think this is one of those cases that you can't really get the shot without enlisting the chorus. The cyclist managing to get between me and the ladies with only a meter or so space sorta said "this is the end of this idea." The ladies knew I was there and were comfortable with it. I only hoped at the time that I'd managed to at least have caught the bike at a good moment.

So it goes.

bdcolen

michswiss wrote:

At capturing traditional Chinese exercise or dance in the park.

Aaron, I've basically given up on these. I've no doubt that someone else can or already has gotten this one right.

This is a wonderful image - and the bike makes it, fer gds sake!! Having the bike in the image provides context; it says 'this is an everyday event,' that people ride by all the time. It is also a powerful visual element.

Also, looking at this I clearly 'get' the idea of the exercise/dance in the park.

I believe your overwrought reaction to/disappointment with your image is a matter of being too close to the subject, and of having some sort of preconceived notion of what it must look like.

You know me, Jen - I'm not going to tell you it's really good just to be nice.

Justiceiro

It's the woman in the right foreground that keeps me coming back to this photo.

rainbow

Don't give up... yet...

I am trying to imagine the shot here. I would try shooting with one of the subjects being the foreground subject AND having the facial expression that captures the peace and serenity that the movement brings forth. Then other exercisers diagonally fade off (in both distance and blur) while capturing a sense of the unity that their synchronized movements create.
See how easy this can be...

BTW, this may be better captured with a longer focal length to deliberately get some compression between the people.

Or how about a compression shot showing all hands only or all feet only...

So while this photo may stand alone as a good capture, it probably is not capturing the essence that you are trying to achieve. Good luck. I await your impressive shot!

Flyinggina

I agree with BD. I love this picture.

Virginia