Dance: motion and slow sync

[jdepould]

Not sure on etiquette for multiple postings in this forum, so I'll just leave it at two for now. I just did a miscellaneous update of my website and have a number of shots that I'd appreciate feedback on.


D50, 18-70, 1/13s @ f/8, 18mm, ISO400 with slow flash (on-camera)
click through for full size and EXIF

This one was also at the "Fiesta Noche de la Plaza" for the 2007 Jazz & World Music Festival. I was experimenting with capturing some motion while still maintaining a recognizable focal point. I'm still not sure if I like the picture myself, but it did achieve what I was trying to do . . .

[clockdoc]

It may have helped if the building were more clear (less camera motion). You may also want to try a bit slower shutter speed. The flash would still freeze the action but with the motion effect blur I think you are going for. Still not quite sure what you were hoping for as your end result.

[Avv604]

I love this shot. Composition, emotion being portrayed, color.
One thing, the white in the right, probably could not be helped, is too much.
I would like to have taken the shot later in the day and use fill flash.

I like the bur. It is different. It shows motion. Nothing wrong with that!

Like clockdoc states, with the flash it would freeze the motion. Here I would use about the same shutter speed, maybe slower, and use rear curtian sync on my flash. Stop the motion but still retain the blur.

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by clockdoc

It may have helped if the building were more clear (less camera motion). You may also want to try a bit slower shutter speed. The flash would still freeze the action but with the motion effect blur I think you are going for. Still not quite sure what you were hoping for as your end result.

I really wanted the dancers to pop out more. Off camera flash might have given more of the effect that I wanted, because I could've aimed it from the side and the building wouldn't be as sharp.

edit: @Avv604, I definitely would've liked to have waited later, but the event only went until 8pm, timestamp shows 7:19, but I was obligated to get more conventional shots for the school's website, so I could only dedicate so much time to playing

[Avv604]

Originally Posted by jdepould

edit: @Avv604, I definitely would've liked to have waited later, but the event only went until 8pm, timestamp shows 7:19, but I was obligated to get more conventional shots for the school's website, so I could only dedicate so much time to playing

I figured it was something to that degree. I think the flash would have helped a ton. I did not realize how much it helps until I got my 580EX Speedlight.
The rear curtain is a very cool effect and helps this type of shot tons.

[jdepould]

Originally Posted by Avv604

I figured it was something to that degree. I think the flash would have helped a ton. I did not realize how much it helps until I got my 580EX Speedlight.
The rear curtain is a very cool effect and helps this type of shot tons.

I do have an off camera flash and SC-29 sync cable, but I was shooting two bodies and needed at least three hands, lol.

[Avv604]

Originally Posted by jdepould

I do have an off camera flash and SC-29 sync cable, but I was shooting two bodies and needed at least three hands, lol.

Can't win them all. LOL...

[wulf]

Originally Posted by jdepould

Not sure on etiquette for multiple postings in this forum, so I'll just leave it at two for now.

It is not fixed but, speaking personally, I prefer it when people don't flood the place with lots of shots - it seems a bit selfish to me because it drowns other people's pictures and, anyway, how much will someone learn if they are getting people to contribute time thinking about lots of different shots.

Anyway, I prefer the jazz one you posted so I'll put my critique time-budget into thinking about that

Cheers,

Wulf