Catching Air

[Moe]

I took this photo at the WI state fair.

I'm looking for ways I could improve shots like this.
I didn't have center seats, I sat in the second row from the bottom of the bleachers.

[christopher.protagonist]

if anything, crop...

[Moe]

Do I crop out the ramp also? I would have the cyclist in the left of the photo then.?

[praesentire]

Good timing! Even though you may not have been in the perfect position, you managed to capture a very good action shot. Well done!

Now, to add the wow factor ...

I would crop to form a portrait frame where the performer is towards the top of the frame. Under the circumstances, I think you should include a portion of the ramp. I think it would give a sense of height that way anyway.

To simplify the image, clone away the writing on the ramp and the tents, powerlines, and the parking lights in the background.

After the crop & clone is done, I would saturate the sky to add drama.

I think you have a good starting shot for a pretty nice picture here. Lots of opportunity to hone your post processing skills!

Oh and looking at the tones, it may be interesting to do a B&W conversion too.

[brianfarrell]

Nice shot!

I would do something like this rough edit... this gives a diagonal composition, puts the rider on a good spot in the picture and the ramp and signwriting emphasise height and add context. You'll be able to do much better with the original high-res image.

hth
Brian

PS You might also want to try saturating the sky a little as has already been said.

[Moe]

Thanks for the suggestions.
praesentire
and
Brianfarrell


I am going to try both of your ideas. I appreciate the comments. I'm new to photography and need the input.

I'm open to more suggestions also.