Soaking soccer match!

[photog1107]

I've always read about the added drama you can capture when rain enters the picture (literally) on the field, so I decided to risk holding an umbrella and grabbing a few shots. Here is one capture... wondered what critique anyone might have about the crop. I tried it closer to try to capture the facial expressions and body language more dramatically, but then I felt it lacked something that the entire shot brought to life.

Any thoughts? All comments appreciated!

[GadgetRick]

Always tough shooting when there are multiple subjects. When shooting sports, try to capture the faces of all of your subjects in the photo. Just makes it more interesting.

I'd also bump the contrast on this. The rain is making the photo look very flat.

Keep shooting!

[vbhakuni]

Thats a great action shot...!!!!

[Jensers]

Agreed on the contrast. You can also richen up the image with a bit more color and I would work the crop - you are probably right as far as not wanting to get too close, but you can for sure get rid of some of the headroom and also the 2 water jugs.

Maybe even stamp out the red coat and girl in the background.

Too bad the crown on the field cut off their feet - makes it feel like you are really far away from the action.

[photog1107]

Wow... I do appreciate the comments--you pointed out several things that were invisible to me--like the water jugs and the slope of the field. I also agree with the contrast bump suggestion.

I gave this another go with the critique in mind. Improvement? I tend not to want to crop action too close, but this time, I think it might be warranted, and I think I like this version much better for pure emotional punch.



Further comments welcome, esp as to whether this crop improved the composition! Many thanks!

[Jensers]

Yeah - that is better. You had to give up a few things to get to this point, but given the compromises I think you have a much improved image. Colors and contrast are night and day better.

The crop loses a little of the movement, but like I said - you gained quite a bit as well.

In a dream world you would have this shot from the opposite perspective and have both players faces and the ball in the shot - lol... As someone who has spent a little time shooting soccer - one good image in 90 minutes and I feel like I accomplished something.

[Camdixon]

First of all I have to say this has a great improvement. You did very well with the critiques.

I do have a question though. Is there a safer (maybe better way) to avoid getting the equipment wet rather than holding an umbrella? I would just be scared if I accidentally knocked over or dropped the umbrella and messed up my camera somehow.

[photog1107]

Oh I think there is a safer way, indeed! Luckily my camera is a 7D which is supposed to have a great seal for the elements, and honestly, I only shot for a few mins before I got nervous, as well. I have read that keeping a clear shower cap handy--with a small fitted hole cut for the lens, is a good DIY fix for rain.. but even so, I'd be nervous without at least trying for some additional shelter. (like a chair with a top shade or something along those lines...) Next time I will be more prepared!

And thanks for the helpful critique/comments from everyone, too. Much appreciated.

[karen_s]

That's a great moment you caught. And made even better with the extra element of rain.

I think you did great with the critique so I'll just add that if you like to shoot in the rain (I LOVE it myself), it might be worth it for you to invest in rain gear for your camera. I started with a cheap $4 plastic rain cover that worked in a pinch but it didn't breath well and gathered moisture on the inside. The drawstring around the end of the lens constantly worked it's way loose too. Anyway, I bit the bullet this spring and got an AuquaTech rain cover. It works great and I can walk around in a steady rain and have no worries. It's overkill if you just find yourself in the rain occasionally, but if you are like me and live for rainy days, it's worth every penny.

[photog1107]

Wow, that is a great tip. I will take a look. This was my first foray, but it certainly adds to drama (and challenges, too!).