Entertaining idea of becoming photojournalist...

[goldt3]

I've decided to go back to school to study photography. I still haven't narrowed down the specific line of photography that I'd like to study, and I've really had a good time the last 6 months trying out all the different types of photography. Currently I'm leaning heavily towards sports photography and photojournalism. There is just some sort of high you get when you capture the perfect action shot... which is not as easy as it looks!

That being said, I still consider myself a student of the art... by no means a professional... and I'm looking for any type of constructive feedback I can get. Here are a couple photographs I've taken in the last few weeks.

Please offer any comments and feedback on your reaction to the images so I can improve!
What should I do to improve, either a specific photo or in general as a photographer? What do I still need to learn? I'm sure there's lots of work to do... share it withe me!!!

Thanks in advance for looking!!




My best sports shots are on my flickr page, ( http://www.flickr.com/photos/trishag...7624157991644/ )

[Jensers]

Depth of Field so you can break up the background as it is far too distracting. Take up a position to minimize the background as much as possible. Go to sporting events and watch pros - it is amazing the little things you can observe that are hints as to how you can get the right angle and set up to get the shot that doesnt leave you with that, "its good, but it would be so much better if I was over there," feeling. Spend time reviewing images from pros on the major sports related sites to get a sense of cropping, a gauge for your own images, and general ideas for content and positioning.

I am relatively new as well when compared to the lifetime of work of Jim who posts here regularly, so pay attention to what he suggests as he is probably the best resource here for sports photography - but doing the things I listed have made a large difference and accelerated the learning curve for me.

[Jim Bryant]

One thing that stands out in this photo is the distracting background of fence, house and car. You can rid some of that background distraction by using your smallest f-stop and a higher shutter speed. Study Sports Illustrated and some of the well known sports photographers to see how they approach a sporting event. Your eye should travel to the peak action of the photo and no farther. Also crop for impact! Look at how I cropped your photo. Also shoot from your knees instead of a standing position.

[goldt3]

Thank you for such constructive advice! Your thought had lead me to a greater realization than you had intended.

Currently I'm just shooting with the kit lens (18-55mm f3.5-5.7) since I'm relatively new to photography. I do shoot in manual though, and I know that I had started out with an aperature of f3.5 set. That being said, after reading your advice I went back to review the exif data to compare notes. I realized that the aperature for this photo was 5.6 even though I was only at 50mm!! Why is that? I asked myself... It must have been because at some earlier point I had zoomed in, the camera automatically stops up when I do that, then when i returned to 50mm I failed to adjust the aperature again!!!

So, thank you for bringing to my attention that I need to pay more attention!!! I will work composing backgrounds more carefully and controlling the camera settings more carefully to do so!

JIM: Thanks also for the idea on the closer crop. I've been trying to keep my crops to standard "studio" type sizes, but I wonder if that matters? Also, do you know how to correct the strange color cast you get uploading Nikon images into Lightroom? I've seen several posts where others are confused about that too. Thanks again!


Exif:
Camera Nikon D40
Exposure 0.001 sec (1/800)
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 50 mm
ISO Speed 400

[Jim Bryant]

Goldt3 -- I have the color space parameters in my MK II's color matrix selection set @ Abobe RGB. Not sure about setting the color space parameters in the Nikons, however someone who's familiar with them can get you a tip. Might want to check out the color space the index of your camera's manuel.

[Elmo]

maax app for your lens is 3.5 at 17 mm and 5.6 at 55mm . it changes with the the fl

[goldt3]

Originally Posted by Elmo

maax app for your lens is 3.5 at 17 mm and 5.6 at 55mm . it changes with the the fl

oh, haha! What was I thinking? I knew that I'm just over thinking it I guess. I'm just going to try again and stay calm and focused. lol

[goldt3]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Goldt3 -- I have the color space parameters in my MK II's color matrix selection set @ Abobe RGB. Not sure about setting the color space parameters in the Nikons, however someone who's familiar with them can get you a tip. Might want to check out the color space the index of your camera's manuel.

Do you think that's something that one of the employess over at the local Inkleys could help with?

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by goldt3

Do you think that's something that one of the employess over at the local Inkleys could help with?

Probably, but all you have to do in read the manual and go into menu settings. Do a Google search on how to set up the color space parameters in your model of Nikon. By doing it yourself is a lot more educational experience than having someone else fiddle with your camera. Google is our friend!

[danbaileyphoto]

Buy the biggest, fastest lens you can afford! Just kidding. Well, only partially kidding. Long lenses and big glass are invaluable for sports photographers. And yes, listen to Jim- he's the man when it comes to sports photojournalism!