Track Runner

[kmontano]

I was up at the track shooting another meet and I shot the photo below. The time of day was around 5:20 and it was sunny out with the sun to my back when I shot this. My camera settings are below. What changes in framing, camera settings or position could I use to make this image better?

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Photo information
Apr 27, 2010
3456×2304 pixels – 1635KB
Filename: IMG_8868.JPG
Camera: Canon
Model: Canon EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT
ISO: 400
Exposure: 1/640 sec
Aperture: 7.1
Focal Length: 18mm
Flash Used: No

[kuvahmagh]

Based on your shutter speed, if it were me I would;

Lower your ISO to say 200 or even 100, alternatively you could boost the shutter as the photo looks overexposed, particularly around the face.

Also I would open your aperture up as wide as you can to try and get rid of some of the background.

[GadgetRick]

Not a horrible photo but a bit over-exposed. When shooting in bright light like that, try f16 and adjust shutter appropriately. Your ISO is fine with all of that light although I'd probably keep it as low as possible as you have plenty of light for this shot and don't need your sensor any more sensitive for this shot. You might also consider some fill flash to get rid of that shadow on her right wrist.

Usually, shadows like the one the runner is throwing aren't too flattering, however, you could use the shadow creatively with a little composition work here (imo).

Also, you cut off the runner's front foot. If you'd had that in frame, it would make a big difference.

[kmontano]

Thanks for the advice, I updated my first post with an edited version of the photo where I boosted shadows to bring the overexposure down a bit. Also I see what you mean about using fill flash but since I often shoot right on the side of the track I try to stay away from using flash so as not to distract the runners in any way. Also would it really make a difference if her entire foot was in the shot, as far as this shot went I really had no time to frame and I was already at my widest angle but for future shots I'll try to keep the whole runner in the photo. Again, Thanks for the help!

[GadgetRick]

A little over-saturated but you're moving in the right direction.

Re: flash and distractions. This is something a lot of people have concern over--and it's a good thing--however, as someone who's competed in athletic events my whole life (still do), I've never been distracted by a flash going off...ever. When you're competing--unless it's something like shooting where you need to focus your concentration on a small area like that--flash just doesn't even get noticed. Even more so in broad daylight like that.

I've also asked lots of friends whom I've shot competing whether flash bothered them and they all say they didn't notice it.

Another example would be when something big is about to happen in a baseball game--like a record-breaking hit or pitch--watch when they play the replay at the enormous amount of flashes popping in the stands all at that most important moment. Just doesn't distract them.

Now, flash isn't something which should be used ALL of the time, however, in this situation it would have helped if you can get close enough.