Out!

Jeremy_22

Another from Jeff's HS senior portrait session.

Handheld at 1/25 for motion blur - surprisingly enough they key subject, Jeff (catcher), is in focus! 3 Canon 430 speedlights triggered with PocketWizard FlexTT5s for lighting - one main camera right and 2 for rim on either side.

jpc

It would have been nice to see more of Jeff's face and less of the runner's. A better angle in front of the plate might have worked, assuming this shot was staged. Also, some dirt flying can convey motion just as well as blurred subjects. There's a tiny bit of that, but again, if this was staged, I would have thrown down some loose dirt to help. Finally, where's the ball? We can't see the ball, his glove or the plate at this angle. This is a tag at home so those elements need to be there.

Jeremy_22

Where is the ball? In his glove maybe? lol

There is also plenty of dirt movement - in front of him and above is right leg.

jpc

Where's the glove? "lol"

Jeremy_22

For real? Behind the catcher's leg/foot as he's tagging the runner out...

jpc

I do see a little bit of glove, but really, it's all about your angle on this one. Third base line would have been ideal, with a long 2.8 lens. It's a classic baseball shot. I like the idea very much and I think it has potential to be excellent.

Jeremy_22

We got that too. We typically shoot the entire scene - not just a small part of it. Unedited image...

jpc

Better angle for sure. Tightened up, 300mm 2.8, fast shutter, tons of dirt and it's money! You could even park a speedlight off to the right, out of frame, for extra-crispiness.

briandelion

I was watching Ken Burns' "Baseball" last night and recalled your post. I think this is what jpc was getting at. You've got the ball, the glove and the dirt flying. And the angle draws you right in to the action.

lilmomma

I like the idea for sure. But in the original the shot seems to be more about the runner IMO. the second angle works much better.

zoomer

Chalk this one up as a good effort and get more action in the next one and less flash.
This looks staged...of course it is. More slide marks, more dirt, better angle...don't feel any drama from this one. Have him come in at speed and really get the dirt going.
Have him slide into a base or home plate complete with batters boxes and a base.
Look at the photo posted by Brandelion...one of the all time great baseball action shots....that will tell you how yours could be improved.

I like the idea, good effort.

W.W. Webster

The empty grandstand tends to detract from the image somewhat.