The Keeper

[Sneaky0704]

Well I just got my seat assignment for the 2010/2011 NHL season ticket package I purchased. As a result I started going through previous photos I've taken at the games.

I'm looking to improve upon my sports photography, so I decided I'd start posting some of my previous shots for critique. I took this during the pregame player introductions for the starting lineup. I really like how the spotlight the goalie, and sometimes they give a nice pose or two that you can grab.

This was taken at my max focal range and max ISO to attempt to get the shutter as fast as possible. I think it could be sharper, but I'm not sure how to get there. What about the composition? I cropped this one so I have some area around the goalie to play with, but if I go tighter I think it will get quite blurry.

Camera Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi
Exposure 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 200 mm
ISO Speed 1600
Exposure Bias -1/3 EV

[BK553]

I think it's great, it evokes mood and drama. Don't let any of the "rule of thirds" nazis tell you different. What kind of lens did you use? a faster f-stop would help you a lot, if your lens can do it. If you can go to f2.8, you could drop your ISO a lot and get better IQ.

[kirbinster]

I think you might try some fill lighting in post to bighten up the face area, otherwise it is good.

[Sneaky0704]

BK, thanks, I am using a cheap Sigma 55-200mm I think the fstop range is 3.5-5.6 so I am as low as I can go for F-Stop at 200mm.

kirb - I actually took this from across the arena, about 200 yards away. My seats are actually at the other goalie's net, but when I take pictures of him they have the safety net in them.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by Sneaky0704

kirb - I actually took this from across the arena, about 200 yards away. My seats are actually at the other goalie's net, but when I take pictures of him they have the safety net in them.

i'm confused. why does where you sit affect adding additional exposure to the face area in post?

[Sneaky0704]

Originally Posted by zona5101

i'm confused. why does where you sit affect adding additional exposure to the face area in post?

When I read his post i missed the "in post" part, and though he just wanted added fill light with a flash. I'm currently reading a book that talks about using a flash for fill light and I finished his sentence with my own thoughts.

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by Sneaky0704

When I read his post i missed the "in post" part, and though he just wanted added fill light with a flash. I'm currently reading a book that talks about using a flash for fill light and I finished his sentence with my own thoughts.

right on - happens to me all the time too