surfer defies gravity

[bradzo66]

I really love to take these shots but wuld like to know if the settings I am using are optimum for this application .Using CANNON D40 sigma tele conv. 2x exdg sigma 150-500mm tele on tripod .Im not sure which of the next info is relvant but will supply it all for fear of excluding something relevant F/S:F/8 ,Exp.: 1/2000 ,ISO:400 ,Exp Bias :0 Step Focal length :340mm .Thanks for yr time !!

[chopstickjayne]

I really like the composition of this shot. The colors look good, too. Is that a person below him in the water??? Yikes! My only critique would be that it doesn't appear that anything is really in focus in this shot. Your shutter speed certainly appears to be fast enough for this type of action so I'm not sure what might have happened - maybe your focus point was somewhere on the water instead of the surfer? Or, perhaps the sharpness was affected when you pressed the shutter release - even though you were on a tripod, when zooming in to that extent, any little movement will affect the clarity. Hopefully, someone with more experience with this type of shot will be able to look at your settings and give you a definite suggestion on this.

Jayne

[bradzo66]

Originally Posted by chopstickjayne

I really like the composition of this shot. The colors look good, too. Is that a person below him in the water??? Yikes! My only critique would be that it doesn't appear that anything is really in focus in this shot. Your shutter speed certainly appears to be fast enough for this type of action so I'm not sure what might have happened - maybe your focus point was somewhere on the water instead of the surfer? Or, perhaps the sharpness was affected when you pressed the shutter release - even though you were on a tripod, when zooming in to that extent, any little movement will affect the clarity. Hopefully, someone with more experience with this type of shot will be able to look at your settings and give you a definite suggestion on this.

Jayne

Yeah ,ive only had a camera for a month and am probably stretching myself a little thin (too much ambition and not enough experience )but hey thats me to a tee!!!!!

[chopstickjayne]

Good for you for going for these shots! It wouldn't be much fun if you had to shoot something you didn't love shooting! Very impressive shot, especially for being so new at it! If you're going to continue shooting this type of venue, I would highly recommend a remote shutter release to reduce camera movement. That could be what the lack of sharpness is here. Really great composition. You have a good eye for a good shot! Keep shooting what you love!

Jayne

[bradzo66]

I really appreciate yr comments, i bought a remote switch about 2 weeks ago,but with long exposure and close up sunrise/sunset and full moon shots in mind, to be honest i was a little confused how to follow fast action and use the switch as i would need a hand on the camera anyway ??Good news is ive captured some really good long exposures , but due to some security token issue cant post any new images ??Im suffering withdrawal symptoms and may have to start going to meetings !!!!!!!!!

[barabe]

I realy like the shot and composition. the colors are great. I have to agree that this shot seem out of focus but asside from that i love the action you captured.

[bradzo66]

Im only just getting to using my camera manually after a month and a half of point and shoot type stuff so ...............keep trying , keep learning .

[barabe]

Originally Posted by bradzo66

Im only just getting to using my camera manually after a month and a half of point and shoot type stuff so ...............keep trying , keep learning .

We are all with a few exeptions prety much the same boat. I just got my first DSLR a litle less than 3 months ago. I find what really helps me get better is critiquing others and learning from it.

[JayPee]

Brad - I'm not the one to give too much advice (better to wait for Jim's input) but I would reinforce Jayne's comment about a remote shutter release. I use a monopod for my triathlon stuff - and I tape a remote trigger to the handle. I shoot with the central AF point - and in bursts of around 6 fps - so the reject rate is high!

You are shooting at f/8 - so you should have quite a 'forgiving' depth of field. With this in mind - I did a search on reviews of your lens - perhaps the answer is there...

Depending on how old your lens is... http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/652084/0
But I would take some encouragement here... http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...hread=28205579

I love the composition - keep at it!

[bradzo66]

I still cant understand how to follow the surfer without a hand on the camera , i have a remote but still need to follow the guy on the wave and I bought my lense on the 9th of Jan . 2009 ?? I was about 400m from the action standing on a cliff face ?? Does this help to explain anything , or could it just be with 1 month of experience taking photos I am setting the bar a bit high to expect perfect results just yet ?