OK everybody, Jump

[dmdigital]

EXIF:
Camera: Nikon D3s
Exposure Program: Manual
Exposure Time: 1 / 250
FNumber: 11
ISO Speed Ratings: 560
Lens: AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8G ED (at 44mm)


I was asked by a friend to take some family shots. This is out of my comfort zone as I don't tend to shoot people, rather landscapes. Anyway, nothing ventured, nothing learned, so I said OK. One thing I decided to try was some action shots.

I set the camera on 9fps, Auto ISO and 1/250 f/11 but in hind site may have been better at a higher shutter speed. The sun was rising to the rear left of frame and I feel there is too much shadow (the sea was about 1 metre behind me). I'm also not happy with the amount of black clothing.

I'm hoping to revisit this shoot next weekend and try again so I'm really keen to hear what others have to say so any critique is welcome.
In particular is there to much movement and to many dark areas?
What is the best way to approach this kind of shot?

[prasannam]

I've taken a similar shot, and also participated in one.
I reckon that the best thing to do is put the high jumpers to the extremes - cos its gonna add more "visual drama" to the picture. (for eg: the teens below) And put the adult and the smaller kids towards the middle.

Also I suggest that you practise the shot yourself and for the people in the snap - in one case we'd a guy who just refused to jump anything more than 6 inches high, and of co-ordination amongst jumpers(tok 4-5 tries to get it right)! two images are at my flickr pg: Flickr: flyinfiddlesticks

U might wanna reduce the height your camera is at, it'll give you a much better shot. Lie on the ground if you have to!

hope that helps!

cheers

[dmdigital]

Thanks a lot, that sounds great and I'll give it a go. I like the suggestion of the higher jumpers to the outside edges.

I couldn't get the camera any lower as I would have had to lie flat. The reason not to do this is that I was very close to the water's edge and this is an area inhabited by salt water crocodiles, so you need to be able to move away. However, that gives me an idea of a better location where I should be able to lie flat.