Surfer

[Corey Thompson]

I shot this photo this morning before the rain set in. The sun was still high in the sky without too many clouds hiding it. I don't have much experience shooting people, so any feedback you can provide is much appreciated. I find it fun to photograph people in their natural element. Is the composition and exposure ok? Is there anything I can do in post to improve this shot?



exif:
Canon 40d
17-85mm kit lens
Shutter: 1/800
Aperture: f/6.3
Focal Length: 85mm
ISO: 100

[bikingbadger]

For a surfer the guy is dressed like he's working in forrestry. The clothe's somehow don't seem to match the setup, it dort of feels like you grabbed some guy off the street and shoved a surf board in his hand. I really like the rest of the composition but might have gone for something closer to an f16 aperature and tried to get those flowers on the right into focus and then the surfer would have been the mid-way point with the clouds as the backdrop. Just my two cents.

[Armywm]

Yes I may have picked a better subject also. The skateboard doesn't help any. :}

[TBrown00]

I would lose the skateboard as well, but I don't have a problem with the clothing. I think it's an age/location thing However, if he were dressed in a wetsuit or boardshorts it would have helped.

A reflector would have helped out immensely here. Your subject seems to be between you and the sun and the side facing you is pretty much entirely in shadow. A reflector placed on the same side as you would help light that side and make the exposure of the subject much better.

[Corey Thompson]

Thanks for the suggestions. I should have provided more background information. I don't know the subject, it's purely a candid shot.

I was standing by the train tracks waiting to photograph the next passing train when I turned around and saw him standing there staring out at the surf. I was in such a scramble to get my 35mm prime off and my 17-85 zoom lens on and then had to quickly adjust my aperture/shutter speed enough for the shot to be exposed good enough, all before he changed positions or walked away.

You guys are right, he doesn't look like a surfer at all, he looks like someone shoved a bored in his arms and said here you go. I think that adds to the interesting factor though simply because this is a candid shot and you never know what type of people you'll run into at the surf spot. Had this been a posed shot then I understand your suggestions completely and agree that this shot would look much better with someone in a wet suit or board shorts.

Originally Posted by TBrown00

I would lose the skateboard as well, but I don't have a problem with the clothing. I think it's an age/location thing However, if he were dressed in a wetsuit or boardshorts it would have helped.

A reflector would have helped out immensely here. Your subject seems to be between you and the sun and the side facing you is pretty much entirely in shadow. A reflector placed on the same side as you would help light that side and make the exposure of the subject much better.

Lighting is something I do need to work on though. I actually didn't intend on shooting anyone that day, I just wanted to shoot the train and the train tracks. You actually give me a good idea though. I think next time I go back I should bring someone with me, bring a reflector, and ask various surfers there if I can photograph them. I need to work on my photographic skills when it comes to photographing people and that might be a good way for me to start.

Thanks for the feedback!!!