I know that a small f/# is a big aperture and that is my goal for the background to be out of focus, but my shutter speed usually isn't fast enough to capture the action or I'm way over-exposed

My new camera records all data for each shoot I will find an example and post it with the data for that shot.

Everything That I tried Sat. usually ended up over exposed. I kept trying to use lower f/stops, but shutter speed wouldn't work, I ended up going to program just to get some shoots. I'm not really sure; I thought I was around 4.5-5.0.

I've been shooting a lot of football sideline photos of my grandsons. I used to do a lot of portraiture so I understand DOF pretty well. How can I narrow the DOF?

My current camera is a brand new Canon EOS Rebel SL1, I'm using a Tamron 18-270, F/3.5-6.3 Di ll VC PZD zoom.

I'm trying to get more of the back ground out of focus; the spectators, side line people etc.. and focus mainly on the players on the field. It has mainly been bright and clear sunny days shooting. Everything I've getting seems to be almost at infinity (my players are in sharp focus but so is the background) I try to shoot mainly in manual or shutter priority, I need some ideas.

Daved65

Hello, I'm DaveD from Cincinnati. I've been an active amateur photographer for over 40 years. I was trained as a military-photojournalist in the Army(71Q30). I loved working in the darkroom, digital photography really peaked my interest to be a passionate photographer again. (retirement helped too).

My latest endeavor is my website; Live-Action Trophies (live-actiontrophies.com). I've also had other part-times businesses over the years; freelance, pet and livestock portraits, sports team photography and dance recitals.

This seems like a great forum and can't wait to get started.