Boys On The Beach

[Ewie]

These shots are from a series taken last year (2007!!) during a weekend trip, I like them but thought I'd throw them out there for comment. Both images taken mid to late afternoon on the beach and nearby sand dunes, I was experimenting with my 75-300 zoom. Nice lens but at F4.5-5.6 not particularly fast.



Image 1. No touch-ups apart from cropping and WB



Image 2. Cropped and WB adjusted. Also added curves layer for sky to increase contrast a touch.

Constructive crticism always welcome

[clockdoc]

Your first image is the better of the two. Nice exposure, color and tonal range. I like the way you have captured some action by the dogs as opposed the them simply standing in the water.
Can you elaborate a bit on your concern about the lens not being particularly fast? Were you trying to shoot more open than the aperture used for this shot or its use indoors in low light levels? There is nice separation between the dogs and the waves in the background.

[Ewie]

Originally Posted by clockdoc

Your first image is the better of the two. Nice exposure, color and tonal range. I like the way you have captured some action by the dogs as opposed the them simply standing in the water.
Can you elaborate a bit on your concern about the lens not being particularly fast? Were you trying to shoot more open than the aperture used for this shot or its use indoors in low light levels? There is nice separation between the dogs and the waves in the background.

Thanks for the feedback, I also like the first image more than the second as it's not so "staged". The lens is a Sony 75-300 zoom that came with my A100 and I have tried to use it for sports (canine agility, dog sport etc) but have found that to shoot at a decent shutter speed I have needed to go to ISO1600 or greater, the problem being that the A100 noise above ISO800 is unsatisfactory IMO. Recently however I purchased a Sigma 70-200 APO F2.8 which has been much better suited. I still like the results I get with the 75-300 especially when the subject is'nt moving too much

[clockdoc]

Thanks for the additional details. Much of your work with shooting the dogs must be indoors at lower light levels. Have you tried any of the noise reduction tools such as Neat Image or Noise Ninja? Does your A100 have a continuous focus feature or "follow-focus" for keeping up with the dogs as they move about? I look forward to seeing some of the results of your Sigma f/2.8. Enjoy your new lens!

[Ewie]

Originally Posted by clockdoc

Thanks for the additional details. Much of your work with shooting the dogs must be indoors at lower light levels. Have you tried any of the noise reduction tools such as Neat Image or Noise Ninja? Does your A100 have a continuous focus feature or "follow-focus" for keeping up with the dogs as they move about? I look forward to seeing some of the results of your Sigma f/2.8. Enjoy your new lens!

Thanks Lee, actually most of my "dog work" is outdoors. The challenge I have is that to "freeze" action requires faster shutter speed and ISO needs to be set at around 1600 with this lens. The result is noise (see example here ) it's my only dissapointment with my Alpha, am closely watching postings and results from the new A700 before I consider upgrading the body.



You'll see all the details on Flickr especially in the full size image. I tried correcting the noise with DxO, but judge for yourself, it's aint pretty!!.
Have not tried Noise Ninja and had not heard of Neat Image, where can I find these to try?

Cheers

Ewen

[clockdoc]

Thanks for the update and additional photo. My eyes must be getting old as I didn't see the noise problem you spoke of even in the largest image. Looks like it may have been an overcast day and the lighting was flat (blacks had little to no detail.) I suppose I am more forgiving of noise in a shot as I was trained in the days of pushing Tri-X to ASA 1200 (from its rated 400) and using color films that were somewhat grainy in low light.

As for those noise reduction programs, a Google search will probably give you the links you need. There are dempo versions availabe. I have heard others share your concern with noise in the A100 at higher ISO's. Hopefully the A700 will have cured that problem. Feel free to share more of your work and ask questions at any time.