I really like this one too, just wish the background were a bit more blurry so I could make him out better. But the angle and the crossed wheel really make it exciting, looks all wrong and dangerous!
I am trying to shoot some BMX races and cannot get a good focus. 20D, 70-200. How do you track the racers as they approach? My auto focus doesn't seem to be quick enough as the riders go by. It's likely my fault but is there a trick I'm missing?
I am trying to shoot some BMX races and cannot get a good focus. 20D, 70-200. How do you track the racers as they approach? My auto focus doesn't seem to be quick enough as the riders go by. It's likely my fault but is there a trick I'm missing?
Hi Gneufeld,
Perhaps you aren't using the AI Servo mode of your camera...
I used to have the 20D and found the focusing speed (which is more lens than camera anyway) was very good. Assuming you're using good glass, try following the rider and focusing as soon as you see him, then when he gets into your prefered composition you'll be ready to fire the shutter. If he is moving towards you then the speed won't be an issue at all as he will only become larger in your frame. If he is passing you then I would suggest following through the shot after you have fired the shutter in order to capture the feeling of movement.
One way to know that you got the shot is if you still see the rider in your viewfinder after you've taken the picture. This is a great indication that you followed through fully!
I Hope this helped a little...
Thanks GUS, Jeffro and F45. I have tried various auto focus modes but now that I know what others are using I'll work in AI Servo. I think my problem lies in my tracking. When shooting a jump, only the approaching riders head is visable until he is in the air. I may need a better vantage point. I'll practice using all of your suggestions. I hope it was OK to ask questions in this thread.
"Learnin' learnin' learnin', man my head is swirlin', keep that shutter churnin', shoot RAW, shoot wide, rawhide"
Comments
My hearts racing just looking at them!
- Kevin
I really like this one too, just wish the background were a bit more blurry so I could make him out better. But the angle and the crossed wheel really make it exciting, looks all wrong and dangerous!
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
I am trying to shoot some BMX races and cannot get a good focus. 20D, 70-200. How do you track the racers as they approach? My auto focus doesn't seem to be quick enough as the riders go by. It's likely my fault but is there a trick I'm missing?
Perhaps you aren't using the AI Servo mode of your camera...
I used to have the 20D and found the focusing speed (which is more lens than camera anyway) was very good. Assuming you're using good glass, try following the rider and focusing as soon as you see him, then when he gets into your prefered composition you'll be ready to fire the shutter. If he is moving towards you then the speed won't be an issue at all as he will only become larger in your frame. If he is passing you then I would suggest following through the shot after you have fired the shutter in order to capture the feeling of movement.
One way to know that you got the shot is if you still see the rider in your viewfinder after you've taken the picture. This is a great indication that you followed through fully!
I Hope this helped a little...
Cheers,
Chris.
Chris Sedg. :cool
www.christophersedgwick.com
Catapultam habeo. Nisi pecuniam omnem mihi dabis, ad caput tuum saxum immane mittam
http://www.mcneel.com/users/jb/foghorn/ill_shut_up.au
I got the names mixed up and sent the compliments to Gneufeld at the end of my advice to him instead of you
So here it is...
Great clarity in these photos!! Keep up the good work
Cheers,
Chris
Chris Sedg. :cool
www.christophersedgwick.com
"Learnin' learnin' learnin', man my head is swirlin', keep that shutter churnin', shoot RAW, shoot wide, rawhide"