Raising the Bar!

[cmacc1]

1/400 speed
200 ISO
f/6.3
Nikon D40 w/Nikon Zoom lens 200mm length

My daughter won high jump at the state track meet.

cropped but no filter. slight boost of color in photoshop elements.

I'm interested in your thoughts on the crop, the exposure, etc.

Thanks,

cmacc1

[ericw]

Seems a bit underexposed to me. Not really a fan of the crop as it places the official or whatever he is in a stronger position than your daughter. I think you really should have tried to shoot from somewhere else as your daughter's body intersects with said official - making things feel busy and making the jumper even less of a strong subject.

[cmacc1]

Eric,

Thanks for the observation on the exposure. I'm not there yet in terms of experience in judging that well. Also, the judge kept moving around...things you can't control.

Thanks

mac

[Jim Bryant]

You could have used a more shallow DOP to like your lowest aperture setting to get the judge more out of focus, then you could have used a higher shutter speed.

[cmacc1]

right, this is a great thought for me. tx Jim

[Jim Bryant]

In my personal opinion when shooting sports, your eye should go directly to the subject matter and not travel around the photograph looking at everything in the background. That's why, when viewing my photos, the eye goes to the subject matter and no farther. Use your highest shutter speed your aperture will allow.

[mikedugganphotography]

Photographer placement is the key with this shot. The official and the jumper are set to a specific point and cannot move as easily as the photographer could. Now since this was a State Championship meet (Congrats to your daughter by the way) your ability to move is determined by the staff running the meet. Had you been able to locate yourself closer I would suggest a lower angle. An angle that captures the mat, and the jumper going over with the sky as a part of the background will lessen the chance of clutter and also add a bit of dramatic view to the photo. The main focal point needs to sharp and crisp and the attention of the viewer held by the main subject with no real other dominate points to focus on.

[cmacc1]

Mike,

Many thanks for this great insight. Its your boat, I'm just skiiing in your wake