Fancy Foot Action!

[Turningleaf]

I have had the opportunity to do a lot of sports photography, but recently had a lot of fun shooting a girls soccer game. This particular shot is a friend's daughter. She loves the shot! I would like to polish it to it's best and print an 8x10 as a birthday present for her. I have played with the cropping and color saturation. I also toyed with a sepia version. This is the one that I'm working on at the moment...the others are on my Flickr page (including the original image).

What do you think of the crop? Is the color ok? Do I need to blur the background more? Do you like sports shots in B&W? Do you think it would enhance this image? Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I'm not thin skinned...really looking for all feedback.

Thanks!



Camera: Canon EOS Digital Rebel 300D
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1600)
Aperture: f/5.0
Focal Length: 210 mm
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off

[Turningleaf]

I hope I posted this correctly. If not, please advise.

[windrider86]

I like the dof in this. The background is fuzzy enough so it doesnt detract form the front players but you can still see that it's a person.
I do ahve a question tho? Is her hair really blue?

[Turningleaf]

Thank you for the feedback. Yes, most of the team mates painted their hair blue just before the game started. This was a big tournament for their league.

[mikedugganphotography]

For me the colors are fine as is the depth of field. I would recommend looking for a tighter crop on the left and bottom. The keeper in the background does not add to the photo and if you are giving it as a gift try to make sure that the player it is intended for is the main focus of the image. I’m sure she will like the print in current version or with a tighter crop.

[Jim Bryant]

If it was my picture, I'd cope it as such. Since their eyes and action are on the ball, I'd crop out their feet. makes for a stronger visual photograph. And yes......this this type of crop is allowed in sports photography.

[JPV]

I actually like the original crop you have. LOL.

It seems that photography is truely subjective.

The colours you have captured are quite nice. The dop is very nice as already mentioned.

Nice shot!

[Jim Bryant]

In sports photography, it's really okay to cut off legs, and arms to get a more dramatic photo that adds impact. The feet are not important to this photograph, but what the hell do I know
I'm only a professional sports photographer and people are welcome to their own opinions

[Turningleaf]

If it was my picture, I'd cope it as such. Since their eyes and action are on the ball, I'd crop out their feet. makes for a stronger visual photograph. And yes......this this type of crop is allowed in sports photography.

Jim, thank you for taking the time to work on my image. It was great to see your vision executed. I've looked at your website...would love to take one of your classes! Thanks again for sharing your insight.


I appreciate everyone's comments. I'm quite flattered that my image was strong enough to stir up a discussion. I'm very exicted about polishing this image and presenting it to my friend for her birthday. Thanks again!

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by Turningleaf

Jim, thank you for taking the time to work on my image. It was great to see your vision executed. I've looked at your website...would love to take one of your classes! Thanks again for sharing your insight.


I appreciate everyone's comments. I'm quite flattered that my image was strong enough to stir up a discussion. I'm very exicted about polishing this image and presenting it to my friend for her birthday. Thanks again!

It was a great image, but to my humble opinion, cropped the wrong way, but you as the creator of the image has final say!