What’s Your Preference?

Whiskers Hampden · #1 (**permalink**) 05-28-2009, 05:01 PM

After reading Jim Bryant's baseball photography tutorial, I decided to take my camera with me to the ballpark last night. Obviously, the quality of my shots wouldn't be great since I was pretty far from the infield (although only 4 rows up!) and my lens isn't very fast, but I wanted to post this pic of Raul Ibanez heading to first base.

My specific questions:

1. Did I crop this photo too much?
2. I shot using Shutter priority--does it look properly exposed?

EXIF Data:
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/800)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 200 mm
ISO Speed: 1600
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash

There are some more shots from the game on my Flickr. As you will probably infer, I am a HUGE Jayson Werth fan!

Thanks!

Jim Bryant · #2 (**permalink**) 05-28-2009, 06:18 PM

Personally, I would have cropped tighter as to not shot so many fans in the background. But you done well......glad to help you out

mikedugganphotography · #3 (**permalink**) 05-29-2009, 03:22 PM

A tighter crop would have worked better. With all the fans in the shots and their various colors it is a bit distracting from the main subject of the players. Yes, to my eyes your exposure does look good.

pfgroa · #4 (**permalink**) 05-30-2009, 08:39 PM

I would have cropped some people off the top. About half way from the top of head on the guy on the left to the top of the photo. lovely picture though

MOmilkman · #5 (**permalink**) 05-31-2009, 06:19 PM

Nice pic! Really sharp.
My cousin offered me front row seats (first base side) to a Cardinals game recently. Not a big baseball fan so I turned them down. Should have went just to get a few good action pics.
Green hat day at the park?lol

yorkiemom · #6 (**permalink**) 05-31-2009, 10:14 PM

I too would have cropped it more from the top..but a very sharp, excellent picture!

Jim Bryant · #7 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009, 09:41 PM

Here's the way I'd crop the photo or would have been chewed out by one of the on duty Associated Press New York photo editors.

kirbinster · #8 (**permalink**) 06-09-2009, 11:48 PM

I like seeing all the fans in the stands, it gives a better story of the game. It is a little dark, perhaps you could brighten it up some. Good shot!

Whiskers Hampden · #9 (**permalink**) 06-10-2009, 02:20 AM

Awesome critiques, and very helpful. I agree, it looks much better with a tighter crop. Hopefully I'll get to some more games later in the summer and have a chance to take more pictures.

Thanks guys!

ETA: About the green hats---it was Irish Heritage Night at Citizens Bank Park for that particular game. Every attendee received a green Phillies hat with a tiny shamrock on the brim. Good collectors' item, if you're into that kind of thing.