I'm looking for any advise I can get. I am relatively new to photography but I have the bug and I'm looking to get better. These were taken with a Rebel T1i, 55-250mm.
I might have cropped #1 so that the player throwing the ball is in the left 3rd of the shot, and the player with her hand up is in the right 3rd of the shot. It would get rid of the dead space and balance the shot.
Other than that, exposure and colors are good, which is not easy in water.
Good to know. I'm still trying to figure out the thirds rule. The player in the center was the focus and the reason I don't have all of the ball. I appreciate the advice.
Good to know. I'm still trying to figure out the thirds rule. The player in the center was the focus and the reason I don't have all of the ball. I appreciate the advice.
I prefer to think of the Rule of Thirds as just a guideline. Like anything else, it can be used too much. Sometimes having the subject dead center has real impact; it all depends on the context and balance of the shot.
Thanks Brad,
I have been wondering if it would help. I took several photos that evening and very few were useable. That was the main reason I posted this pic. I'm happy with it but there's something I can't put my finger on.
A few simple (simple to say, tougher to do) pieces of advice:
1) you need to get on the deck - you want to shoot from their level, not above
2) tighter framing - get the face in the shoto
3) need the ball in the frame - or some type of action
4) you're going to need a better lens. It's unfortunate but it's true - f5.6 isn't going to give you the shutter speeds you need for an indoor pool.
The second shot for example, lacks a good subject. No real faces, just a bunch of people. Some good advice is to google water polo shots - find shots you like and try to emulate them.
It's not a sport I shoot. But here's an example of some of the points I'm making - first shot in this thread on another forum - shot from pool deck, subject fills the frame, well exposed and sharp. Now, it's in a better lit arena and with better gear - but it illustrates the type of shot that can be interesting and the difference between shooting a snap from the stands and making a sports image. Becoming a better sports shooter is a process. You're just at the beginning of the process. You're on the right track by asking for help: http://forums.steves-digicams.com/sports-action-photos/193756-im-still-alive.html
Thank you for the advise, I knew equipment was going to be an issue as I got more serious about my photos. I also realize that skill is probably the main cuprit here. All of your points are well recieved and I won't harass you on each of them. I was wondering if I should concentrate on a higher fps body like a 7d, or a better lens like a 100-400mm? The T1i is shooting at 3 fps and you are spot on with the stop at f5.6.
Thanks,
Jeff
Jeff - the 100-400 is still an f5.6 lens so not a good solution for indoor pools. You really want f2.8 lenses. So a 70-200 2.8 is the best start - but you need to shoot from the deck to be close enough. The lens is more important than the body right now - for this sport. So a 70-200 2.8 will upgrade your photos more than a move to 7d will.
Thank you for the advise, I knew equipment was going to be an issue as I got more serious about my photos. I also realize that skill is probably the main cuprit here. All of your points are well recieved and I won't harass you on each of them. I was wondering if I should concentrate on a higher fps body like a 7d, or a better lens like a 100-400mm? The T1i is shooting at 3 fps and you are spot on with the stop at f5.6.
Thanks,
Jeff
In my experience as a sports shooter, FPS is not nearly as important as timing and having equipment that is up to the task of coping with poor lighting. As an example, I routinely shoot with a 5D2 by my side at major sports events taking place under stadium lights. I am in the distinct minority for sure, but with a bit of timing and practice, I get better shots with my 5D2 than I do with my 1D4.
Comments
#1 Nice shot I like how you can see the players face.
Always try to keep the ball in the shot also.
#2 nice group shot.
Take Care,
Chuck Cassidy,
www.aperturefocus.com
Aperture Focus Photography
http://aperturefocus.com
Other than that, exposure and colors are good, which is not easy in water.
I prefer to think of the Rule of Thirds as just a guideline. Like anything else, it can be used too much. Sometimes having the subject dead center has real impact; it all depends on the context and balance of the shot.
http://bgarland.smugmug.com/
I have been wondering if it would help. I took several photos that evening and very few were useable. That was the main reason I posted this pic. I'm happy with it but there's something I can't put my finger on.
1) you need to get on the deck - you want to shoot from their level, not above
2) tighter framing - get the face in the shoto
3) need the ball in the frame - or some type of action
4) you're going to need a better lens. It's unfortunate but it's true - f5.6 isn't going to give you the shutter speeds you need for an indoor pool.
The second shot for example, lacks a good subject. No real faces, just a bunch of people. Some good advice is to google water polo shots - find shots you like and try to emulate them.
It's not a sport I shoot. But here's an example of some of the points I'm making - first shot in this thread on another forum - shot from pool deck, subject fills the frame, well exposed and sharp. Now, it's in a better lit arena and with better gear - but it illustrates the type of shot that can be interesting and the difference between shooting a snap from the stands and making a sports image. Becoming a better sports shooter is a process. You're just at the beginning of the process. You're on the right track by asking for help:
http://forums.steves-digicams.com/sports-action-photos/193756-im-still-alive.html
Thanks,
Jeff
In my experience as a sports shooter, FPS is not nearly as important as timing and having equipment that is up to the task of coping with poor lighting. As an example, I routinely shoot with a 5D2 by my side at major sports events taking place under stadium lights. I am in the distinct minority for sure, but with a bit of timing and practice, I get better shots with my 5D2 than I do with my 1D4.