The difference between pros and the rest of us: This post may end up getting moved since I'm posting photos. However, I do so by way of illustration. These photos were sent downsized...

SteveR Loc: Michigan

This post may end up getting moved since I'm posting photos. However, I do so by way of illustration. These photos were sent downsized to my daughter yesterday by a professional photographer who was at my three year old grandson's soccer game. I have asked Julie for his/her email address so I can get some information from him/her but what impresses me is the quality of the photographs. I hope you are impressed as well. I also think I'll buy a print or two. BTW.....Josh is the one with the curly hair. He had fun this game. The day before at 8 a.m. he just sat on the ground. It was his first game, he was tired. That's three year old soccer for you!!

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bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

SteveR,

You should be able to get those same photos. Use a telephoto lens wide open, high shutter speed, as high an ISO as needed and burst shooting. Go home with hundreds and pick the right moments.

And yes, they are good photos.

Bozsik Loc: Orangevale, California

? Do you have a question or statement regarding the title of your post? They are ok photos.

GalaxyCat Loc: Boston, MA

FANTASTIC! In one book, I read on my Amazon Kindle, said to "fill the screen with your shot." But I think a soccer game needs space.

Meives Loc: FORT LAUDERDALE

The difference between a pro and me........the pro does not show us his bad shots. Ha Ha

ppage Loc: Pittsburg, (San Francisco area)

The photos are generally good but I have an issue with the cropping. In all three photos there is a partial human or human body part that just didn't need to be there and adds nothing to the photo. I think that was sloppy. In all three frames, if these distractions would have been eliminated, the good action in all three would have been the prominent emphasis of the shot.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

ppage wrote:

The photos are generally good but I have an issue with the cropping. In all three photos there is a partial human or human body part that just didn't need to be there and adds nothing to the photo. I think that was sloppy. In all three frames, if these distractions would have been eliminated, the good action in all three would have been the prominent emphasis of the shot.

These were SOOC. They were taken Sunday and Julie got them on Sunday. To me, what makes these photos is the composition as well as the dof. Yes, when I ask for prints I will as for cropped prints. Getting quality photos during three year old soccer is difficult in itself. I challenge those of you who question the quality of these photos to post those that you've taken that are better.

speters Loc: Grangeville/Idaho

SteveR wrote:

This post may end up getting moved since I'm posti... (show quote)

Nice pics, the same kind of snap shots everyone is taken at those events!

Acufine3200 Loc: Texarkana USA

Not 3-year old soccer, but fivers. Not SOOC, but slightly cropped, and edges burned. I posted this in UHH sports last year. Nikon D750, 180/2.8. My paycheck comes from something other than photography, so not a pro. That said, I wouldnât feel comfortable sending SOOC to anyone unless it was close to my intended result. Just my 2-cents.

ppage Loc: Pittsburg, (San Francisco area)

Now that's what I'm talkin' 'bout! tight, great actions, no distractions. The best action shots are real tight. Give the viewer credit for figuring out what is going on. Very nice.

Acufine3200 wrote:

Not 3-year old soccer, but fivers. Not SOOC, but slightly cropped, and edges burned. I posted this in UHH sports last year. Nikon D750, 180/2.8. My paycheck comes from something other than photography, so not a pro. That said, I wouldnât feel comfortable sending SOOC to anyone unless it was close to my intended result. Just my 2-cents.

Bill_de Loc: US

I would say the pictures are OK, but nothing that says professional. Of course in todays world many photographers shoot as if taking the picture is just the first step and post processing is what makes them come alive. I'd like to see the finished product.

Forty years ago I shot pre-teen soccer for my ex brother in law. He coached for some local league.

Steve,
You should consider these an incentive for you to go out and do better.

One plus with his shots is that he is not shooting down at the kids. Eye level is best. One way is to get down to their level. For some of us getting up afterwards could be tough. Another way to get the same impression is to shoot with a long lens from a distance. The further away the shallower the angle. To enhance that look put the subject near the bottom of the frame to avoid having the ground as the background. Notice the folks in the chairs in the background.

Go get them Steve!

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amfoto1 Loc: San Jose, Calif. USA

ppage wrote:

The photos are generally good but I have an issue with the cropping. In all three photos there is a partial human or human body part that just didn't need to be there and adds nothing to the photo. I think that was sloppy. In all three frames, if these distractions would have been eliminated, the good action in all three would have been the prominent emphasis of the shot.

Pros provide "proofs" that are pretty much straight out of the camera... maybe had some very quick editing, sorting, etc.

When you shoot thousands of images on spec, there's sense fully editing each and every one, removing elements such as an arm or other object, etc. In fact, there's no time to fully finish each image when you have hundreds or thousands of images to get online for customers to see within a couple days. You also need to know exactly what the customer is ordering, before you can finalize crops. If it's an 8x10 you'll need to crop differently than a 12x18 or a 5x7.

Feel free to go out and try to shoot your own (some of my best customers do... but end up buying from me anyway).

The difference between an amateur and a pro?

Besides one of them making money with their photography...

... An amateur gets to shoot what they want, however and whenever they want to shoot it.

... A pro frequently has to shoot what the customer wants, how the customer wants it shot and to meet the customer's deadlines.

SteveR Loc: Michigan

Personally, I think #1 is outstanding. It looks like this huddle of three year olds is discussing soccer strategy. Look at the expressions on each one of the players in reaction to my Grandson. I'd love to know what he's saying. #3 is my next favorite because it captures the joy and concentration in my Grandson's face and intensity in his teammate's. These three were just a sample of the photos sent to my daughter that included my Grandson. They're not the only photos taken throughout the game by the photographer. I'm sure, too, that given time to process the photos they could be cropped and burned and what have you. BTW....just getting a shot of an action play that's in good focus isn't what makes a photo excellent.

capmike Loc: New Bern, NC

Just an amateur at my grandsons soccer game. And many more. Not hard, telephoto, 1/1500, sunny day.

Capmike

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

SteveR wrote:

This post may end up getting moved since I'm posti... (show quote)

Yes, pros of any kind make it look so easy. Just listen to a professional musician and then try to duplicate that.