Austrlian Open - Nadal

[Yagan Kiely]

I've only had a camera for a little over a three months now. I purchased it knowing I was going to the Australian Open. I've only been actually learning how to composer etc. since about two weeks before I took this. This shot is one of the better shots (IMO) that I took in Melbourne.

As I really am only beginning I am looking for more general comments (would be nice if on the set), rather than specific comments. But any or more than welcome.

EXIF:

Camera: Fujifilm FinePix S1000fd
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/600)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 70.8 mm
ISO Speed: 64
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yaganki...7613628254124/

Regards,
Yagan

[Yagan Kiely]

Is there nothing worth noting in my photo?

Perhaps this:

From Australian Open 2009

I'm thinking of cropping it a little so to make it more in line with the thirds 'rule'.

Camera: FUJIFILM
Model: FinePix S1000fd
ISO: 64
Exposure: 1/320 sec
Aperture: 5.6
Focal Length: 70.8mm
Flash Used: No

[vcorne00]

Welcome to photography...

What did you actually want to achieve in the Nadal shot?

The shadow, being so strong and solid in its shape, is a dominant part of the shot and that part works well for me. The complimentary part, capturing Nadal himself, seems to lack clarity; this is mainly due to the black backdrop. So I think what might have been a superb study in contrast lacks the impact. The shot had great potential.

The second photo would scrub up well with cropping to bring in the rule of thirds as you say. What is the story the picture aims to tell?
V
http://www.flickr.com/photos/26816965@N02/

[Yagan Kiely]

What did you actually want to achieve in the Nadal shot?

I wanted the shadow of Nadal and the ball to become a focal point without taking to much of the attention away from Nadal himself.

What is the story the picture aims to tell?

Mainly the grief of the match moving towards its 'business end' and being in a steep uphill battle that is beyond your (her) capability.

So I think what might have been a superb study in contrast lacks the impact. The shot had great potential.

Thankyou! I'll keep that in mind.