Hockey Time - Youth Shots

northcoast

First game of the 2011-12 season. I was rusty behind the camera and I decided to get LR3 for PP this year. It was the first time processing with that tool. Not sure that I have the camera profile worked out yet, but, I really like LR3. I can see where it should save me time in the long run...

As always, C&C is welcome.

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Thanks for looking!

-Mark

aktse

Have fun with LR3! You have the basics of a good sports frame (face, puck, action), but remember the key is to shoot tight, and then crop tighter.

For example, in #1, the subject should be the goalie versus the shooter. Skater #11 adds very little to the frame and actually pulls your eyes away from the goalie/shooter especially since it looks like he's standing there, watching instead of being in the play (look at his knees; he's standing straight up and down, one hand on stick without tension).

Have much post processing did you do? I think you're about 1/3 to 1/2 stop under and the photos would be better with some pop. Did you set a black point?

Enjoy the new season and keep on shooting.

northcoast

aktse wrote: »

Have fun with LR3! You have the basics of a good sports frame (face, puck, action), but remember the key is to shoot tight, and then crop tighter.

For example, in #1, the subject should be the goalie versus the shooter. Skater #11 adds very little to the frame and actually pulls your eyes away from the goalie/shooter especially since it looks like he's standing there, watching instead of being in the play (look at his knees; he's standing straight up and down, one hand on stick without tension).

Have much post processing did you do? I think you're about 1/3 to 1/2 stop under and the photos would be better with some pop. Did you set a black point?

Enjoy the new season and keep on shooting.

Thank you for the feedback... and the kind words. In the first shot now that you point it out #11 is distracting from the subject.

In regard to PP, I kept it real simple. I increased brightness and added some contrast. The lighting was dim but even. WB was very consistant in color temp - nice surprise. Most everything was defaults this time around. I do shoot in RAW so I can always go back and try new things I learn along the way. With PSE 9 I would set a black point (via dropper) and adjust the histogram to the right (slider control) while moitoring for clipped highlights. Then I would adjust the mid-point to get more "pop" on the subject. I'm just not sure what basic process to follow with LR3. I know this isn't the dedicated PP forum, however, I am open to suggestions on LR3 workflow since I am new.

Thanks again,
-Mark

Icebear

You have some nice images here. I'm sure the parents are thrilled with them (and I do not mean that as a slight). I agree with the previous poster about vicious cropping. I also think they're a third to a half stop underexposed. I like them a lot.

As for LR workflow, look into having LR automatically apply noise reduction on import based on ISO. That's a great timesaver, especially if you use different ISOs during a shoot. Not that you'd necessarily do that shooting in an arena.

northcoast

I have played with LR3 and processed the entire set over - many times. I did research on the web for tips on the workflow and some suggestions were better than others. I am still learning. I do like the ability to process while loading and/or exporting; however, I find that sometimes more universal settings (e.g. NR, exposure and shape/mask) need to be applied more specifc to each image (at least for the very best ones)! In general, LR has been a real time-saver.

It wasn't my intention to replace the original images posted in this thread. I noticed after I had uploaded the edited versions to my site and replaced that the link here was dynamic. It would have been nice to see the comparison(s). I also recalibrated my monitor. I do think that it was too bright with too high contrast/gamma... Perhaps that helped with the black point setting?

I took some pics at another game and plan to post them soon for additional feedback. The lighting was terrible (very dark) and I am having fits with adjustments.

northcoast

Here are some from the last games and I am very open to comments:

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C)


D)


Thanks in advance!

winger

I love to shoot the action from down in the corners, that way you get the players coming at your for a shot, great action of the face offs, and lots of actions of the D grinding wingers into the boards.

Your shots on the goalies are great, and that is what you will miss from going down into the corners, but try shooting some down there, and get in tight!

(and now I will go back into my long board hiatus.....although I was thinking of posting some recents)

northcoast

winger wrote: »

Your shots on the goalies are great, and that is what you will miss from going down into the corners, but try shooting some down there, and get in tight!

I gave the corner a try... The glass was a mess and the lighting was about a half stop darker than some other places. How are these?

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Image #1 was a clear trip but no call was made. I do think I could have framed #2 ad #3 a lot tighter and in #4 you can still get the goalie from the corners... :-)

Thanks for looking.