Skaters - Any other way to shoot this?

[pakyooh]

Hey guys. I'm not completely happy with these photos. I wanted to get some input on how could I have taken these photos differently (settings wise). I'm still trying to get adjusted to using manual setting which is becoming a problem for me. I'm not sure if I should be using manual for everything or do some shots call for the auto settings.

Also I've switch to manual focus. Its obvious that the focus is off. Any suggestions appreciated.

Thanks
Dee


Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/750)
Aperture: f/4.8
Focal Length: 23 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire


Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/750)
Aperture: f/4.8
Focal Length: 30 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire


Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/750)
Aperture: f/4.8
Focal Length: 23 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

[ericw]

I'd say don't be afraid to use a higher iso setting. For flip tricks I'd expect 1/750 might be on the verge of showing slight motion blur on the feet/board (hard to tell at this size). Boosting the iso to say 400 will let you get a little more shutter speed (say 1/1000) and use the rest of the room to close the aperture down - giving you a greater depth of field which will make it easier to get the focus right.

For the focusing - what I usually do is have them stand where you're going to snap them, set the focus, and leave it be. Or pick something thats approximately the same distance and set the focus. With a short focal lengh, and if you get to f/8 or something, you should be able to get the focus close enough.

I think composition is the biggest weakness in these shots. With features this small (and just in general) you really have to try and do something different to make this stuff look cool - get lower, try different angles, pay attention to how your framing the subjects. Framing is a big one - body against sky, legs against busy background, feet/board half in and out of the ledge is bothersome. Plus sometimes shots just come out looking wierd due to poor framing - the second one for example almost makes it look like he's standing on the ledge.

keep it up

[pakyooh]

Thanks Eric. Appreciate your input. Like I mentioned, I'm still trying to get comfortable with the manual settings. I was taking photos indoors before takings these so I just scrambled and tried to change the settings as fast as I can. I didn't want to miss anything so I guess I didn't think it through as much.

Thats actual one question I have. How do professional photographers switch so quickly. I guess you just have to know your gear that well.

Thanks again.

Originally Posted by ericw

I'd say don't be afraid to use a higher iso setting. For flip tricks I'd expect 1/750 might be on the verge of showing ............

[ericw]

Originally Posted by pakyooh

Thats actual one question I have. How do professional photographers switch so quickly. I guess you just have to know your gear that well.

Yeah I guess it's mostly knowing your gear and being used to shooting in manual mode. How things are layed out on the camera has a lot to do with it as well. I understand pro bodies generally have settings layed out to be changed quicker while entry-level bodies like mine have certain things buried in menus to some extent. I don't know what your camera would be like in that regard, but with some practice in M mode I'm sure you'll get fast enough at knowing what settings you need and changing them quickly without taking the camera from your eye.