Blue Angels
May 22, 2018 19:52:40 #
ProfessorRagtop
Loc: Navarre, FL
First time photo post, blue Angels at a recent practice. Your critique welcomed. I won't get better unless you tell me true!
Olympus OM-D E-M10ii; 40-150
Olympus OM-D E-M10ii; 40-150
May 22, 2018 19:57:25 #
Those are fine photos. They could use a little post-processing since the planes are back-lit; a little exposure improvement would help. Nevertheless, nice shots!
May 22, 2018 19:59:03 #
May 22, 2018 20:17:22 #
ProfessorRagtop
Loc: Navarre, FL
Don't know why all the EXIF info didn't come through. All were ISO 400, 1/2000, F8, 150mm (300mm FF equiv). All significantly (60-75%) cropped in Lightroom 6.
May 22, 2018 20:21:39 #
ProfessorRagtop
Loc: Navarre, FL
Thanks, DWU2. Good advice on PP; also thinking shooting raw next time.
Thanks, vonzip. First is my favorite also.
Thanks, vonzip. First is my favorite also.
May 22, 2018 21:46:00 #
I don't use Lightroom but do assume there is an adjustment for shadows -- I suggest using it to brighten-up aircraft so we all can get a better look-see -- Since I always shoot in RAW don't know if this is possible post-processing Jpeg. Other then that good looking photos --- Another bid for RAW-- If you shoot in RAW -- Think you will find it's much easier to make most of the adjusted improvements in post-processing when you can actually see them take place on your computer screen -- Plus you can always go back even years later & improve upon old RAW photos
May 22, 2018 22:05:04 #
alx
Loc: NJ
ProfessorRagtop wrote:
First time photo post, blue Angels at a recent practice. Your critique welcomed. I won't get better unless you tell me true!
Olympus OM-D E-M10ii; 40-150
Olympus OM-D E-M10ii; 40-150
As an old film shooter of airshows, GREAT SHOTS!
I especially like the timing on the rolls in shot 2. Just a bit surprised in the download that both aircraft are marked #3 - no #2.
Best way to get better with airshow photography - do what the Blue Angels do. Practice, Practice, PRACTICE! Enjoy the shows.
May 23, 2018 02:16:02 #
Your positioning is spot on. The problem with your images is not yours; you were shooting against a bright ambient sky which illuminated roughly 75% of the planes, leaving 25% in shadow. The ideal, would have been to have had a flash with one million watt seconds and used fill flash. You don't have one of those, you say? I thought every one had one of those. I just bought an Interfit Strobies 360 Pro flash that actually has almost that much power; it has 360 watt seconds of power and is 4 times brighter than the Sun! (on Earth of course- meaning I can shoot a subject with ideal sunlight at f11 and 1/250 second shutter with (ISO 100) and have to reduce the flash power 4 stops; full power will leave the background alone, if it's far away, and the subject will be completely Blown Out!. But it is really heavy. It is 'hot shoe mounted'
Do you have Photo Shop? There is a 'tweak' that lightens the dark areas (only) and does not affect the rest of the image. It is called: "Shadows and Highlights". That should make your images near perfect.
Do you have Photo Shop? There is a 'tweak' that lightens the dark areas (only) and does not affect the rest of the image. It is called: "Shadows and Highlights". That should make your images near perfect.
May 23, 2018 07:18:25 #
Only comment I can think of woud be to leave a little more space for them to fly in to when cropping your shots. All nice photos. djt
May 23, 2018 07:34:53 #
DIRTY HARRY
Loc: Hartland, Michigan
Pretty hard to get any great detail of the "Blue Angles" as their aircraft are dark blue (with a little yellow trim" flying on a slightly lighter blue sky.. not much contrast there. Thunderbirds might be easier with basic white with red and blue trim but your photos are very good. High speed aircraft through a telephoto lens is a pretty difficult subject. Good job.
May 23, 2018 12:12:09 #
May 23, 2018 17:32:37 #
A little more exposure for the planes and not the sky.
Otherwise, very nice.
Otherwise, very nice.
May 23, 2018 23:29:58 #
ProfessorRagtop
Loc: Navarre, FL
All: Thanks for your comments and suggestions. Very helpful.
Ken, I'll give RAW a go and see how the PP works.
ALX, I remember some 50 years ago using a Nikomat and Ektachome to take pics from the end of the runway of 707's taking off. Blue Angels practice most Tuesdays just up the road from here. Come on down and practice with me!
Snapshot, Lightroom has both "highlights" and "shadows" sliders. I'll give them a try. I couldn't find your "light-up Mars" strobe at B&H, but 42nd Street had a gray market one, on sale!
DJT, I liked the drama of a close crop, but your idea is worthwhile. Good thought.
Dirty Harry, Thunderbirds will be a three hour drive from here next March. I'll give it a shot!
Ebbote, I'll try lightening up next time. BTW in 1964 I knew a girl whose dad had an early Cobra - 260 w/2x4 barrel, side pipes. At Mid America Raceways he had stingrays and XKEs for lunch.
Jeff, I chimped in to 1/2000 F8, ISO 400. Next time I'll consider some +/- brackets - but those planes are so fast, it will be a challenge to get 3 shots in focus!
Ken, I'll give RAW a go and see how the PP works.
ALX, I remember some 50 years ago using a Nikomat and Ektachome to take pics from the end of the runway of 707's taking off. Blue Angels practice most Tuesdays just up the road from here. Come on down and practice with me!
Snapshot, Lightroom has both "highlights" and "shadows" sliders. I'll give them a try. I couldn't find your "light-up Mars" strobe at B&H, but 42nd Street had a gray market one, on sale!
DJT, I liked the drama of a close crop, but your idea is worthwhile. Good thought.
Dirty Harry, Thunderbirds will be a three hour drive from here next March. I'll give it a shot!
Ebbote, I'll try lightening up next time. BTW in 1964 I knew a girl whose dad had an early Cobra - 260 w/2x4 barrel, side pipes. At Mid America Raceways he had stingrays and XKEs for lunch.
Jeff, I chimped in to 1/2000 F8, ISO 400. Next time I'll consider some +/- brackets - but those planes are so fast, it will be a challenge to get 3 shots in focus!
May 24, 2018 11:22:55 #
I agree with the suggestions on lightening up the planes. Definitely try RAW. You will have a lot more success in correcting exposure.
May 24, 2018 17:03:19 #
alx
Loc: NJ
ProfessorRagtop wrote:
All: Thanks for your comments and suggestions. V... (show quote)
Be careful. I might just take you up on the offer. New 200-500mm and the lure of Jet Fuel!
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