shooting aerobics gym classes

SweetScenePhoto

Okay, I know that I'm really new and learning (thank you to this site and others). I photographed some aerobics type classes at a local gym (unpaid - more for the instructors).
I shot with what I have - a Canon Rebel Xsi 18-55mm IS (my 50mm 1.8 was just too far away) on P - with Sigma EF-530 DG Super (pointed to ceiling) and Gary Fong (knock-off) inverter dome diffuser. The lighting was bad (actually, they were off, and they had spot lights) and two of the walls are completely covered with mirrors.

This photo (one of my favorites, due to her reflection - talk about a perfect back kick), anyway - it's at 1/60 and 4.5/f.
BodyCombat


I have other ones on my website:
http://sweetscene.smugmug.com/Sports/SH/


What could I have done better? I know that's a broad question, and I know there will be loads of different answers.
Thank you!
~Jasa

SweetScenePhoto

bumping up, cause I really would like some advice on if anyone else has done this - or what I can do better. Or, maybe the shots are fine as they are - or maybe I'm just full of crap....
thanks.

Jeffro

I would suggest a less intrusive watermark on photos you post here for c&c.

SweetScenePhoto

that's where the smugmug watermark goes - right in the middle - and I've gone to the gallery settings and selected NO watermark, but it still shows up.
Let's try this one. Thanks.

Gringriff

Jasa,

For the watermark issue it works good to make a separate unlisted gallery and put copies of the ones you want to post in there and then remove the watermarks. That keeps people from going in there and taking non-watermarked copies (unless they follow dgrin).

Comments about the photo.

The photos are not bad but they do seem underexposed.

I am not familiar with your flash but am surprised you are not getting more light with such a short ceiling. Did you try aiming it straight up or maybe a small angle like 10 degree from vertical and at the ceiling. That may cause problems with reflections in the mirrors - I'm not sure.

Maybe they will let you return when they get the lights fixed.

If you were able to use the 18-55 then how could you or them be too far away for the 50mm. If I was using my XSi I would use either my 50mm f/1.4 or my 85mm f/1.8.

Couple other things. Make sure you shot in RAW then you can increase the exposure a little. Also you want to rotate the images using some of the vertical lines as guides. The WB could be just a little warm bu tit is hard to tell because they are a little dark.

But still these are not a bad start. Keep it up and share some more.

Andy

johng

yeah you should have no problem whatsoever generating enough light from that flash with those ceilings. If course get rid of the fong diffuser - no need for that contraption for a bounce shot like that. That may be a part of your problem. The subject is definitely underexposed and it's tough to tell if the WB is off because of that. As it is she definitely has an odd skin tone but that could be because of the underexposure.

And she does have very good form on both her kicks. Always nice to see an instructor who uses proper form

SweetScenePhoto

Thanks. The gym has a few classes that are purposely done with the ceiling lights off & the indstructors use harsh sportlights directed on them so that the members can see.
The problem with the 50mm was that I was getting too much participant stuff (hands & such) in my shot. But, I will tey that with the fong off and try a few different bounce angles with the flash. Thanks so much. It can be so frustrating for me, cause I know that my timing is good with the action, just have to correct all the other camera settings. Thank you so much! I really appreciate this so much!!!

time2smile

I like your comment on using what you got..
The fong thing is good if you want a salid during the shoot., just tape up the bottom, i know i have one.
Use a better bounce card style and bounce off the ceiling or wall, shot in raw or double check your WB