Moving Subjects
Feb 5, 2023 23:19:17 #
This probably is more relative to the sport section but it could be applicable to any activity when trying to track a subject where motion is involved.
I got grandkids, ergo, I shoot a lot of sports. Trying to maintain focus on a moving target (basketball) is a hit & miss proposition. In the first image, the camera caught focus just left of the defenders forearm (missed the shooter entirely). The shooter is significantly out of focus but the spectators are surprisingly sharp.
In the 2nd image, a split second later, the shooter "fell" partially into the focus plane, catching a piece of the shooters bicep. Now the shooters face is sharp enough to where Topaz might make an acceptable image. The spectators have lost their clarity.
Two observations:
1. I was surprised at how intent, to a person, the fans were following the action.
2. I'm learning to take a 2nd look at images where I've clearly missed my subject. There could be something on the edges or in the background that make a worthy capture. I actually prefer the 1st image even though its action I'm after.
Shooting details: RAW, 1dx II;f/1.4;AV 2.5;Sp 1/800; Auto ISO (4000). Cropped & noise reduction in Topaz
I got grandkids, ergo, I shoot a lot of sports. Trying to maintain focus on a moving target (basketball) is a hit & miss proposition. In the first image, the camera caught focus just left of the defenders forearm (missed the shooter entirely). The shooter is significantly out of focus but the spectators are surprisingly sharp.
In the 2nd image, a split second later, the shooter "fell" partially into the focus plane, catching a piece of the shooters bicep. Now the shooters face is sharp enough to where Topaz might make an acceptable image. The spectators have lost their clarity.
Two observations:
1. I was surprised at how intent, to a person, the fans were following the action.
2. I'm learning to take a 2nd look at images where I've clearly missed my subject. There could be something on the edges or in the background that make a worthy capture. I actually prefer the 1st image even though its action I'm after.
Shooting details: RAW, 1dx II;f/1.4;AV 2.5;Sp 1/800; Auto ISO (4000). Cropped & noise reduction in Topaz
Feb 6, 2023 08:52:10 #
I definitely agree with your 1st observation. The crowd looks very focused on the action. Having taken photos at many sporting events, half the parents seem to be more interested in what is happening on their cell phones. Good to see these folks enjoying the action on the court. Thanks for sharing.
BTW? Looking at the image in DPP4 it seems that the focus point locked onto the lady in the crowd, and not the player. (The red square shows the AF point.) As you surmised, that is why the player is a bit soft. Keep shooting and best wishes!
Michael
BTW? Looking at the image in DPP4 it seems that the focus point locked onto the lady in the crowd, and not the player. (The red square shows the AF point.) As you surmised, that is why the player is a bit soft. Keep shooting and best wishes!
Michael
Feb 6, 2023 09:11:47 #
Feb 6, 2023 09:21:39 #
Tdearing
Loc: Rockport, TX
I've got a Sony RX100 IV, and I confess that I cheat and use the sports option in Scene mode. I think you are doing well.
Feb 6, 2023 10:37:16 #
[quote=Michael1079
BTW? Looking at the image in DPP4 it seems that the focus point locked onto the lady in the crowd, and not the player. (The red square shows the AF point.) As you surmised, that is why the player is a bit soft. Keep shooting and best wishes!
Michael[/quote]
Correct on your BTW? observation. What a difference a split second can make regarding what’s in focus.
Thanks for your input!
BTW? Looking at the image in DPP4 it seems that the focus point locked onto the lady in the crowd, and not the player. (The red square shows the AF point.) As you surmised, that is why the player is a bit soft. Keep shooting and best wishes!
Michael[/quote]
Correct on your BTW? observation. What a difference a split second can make regarding what’s in focus.
Thanks for your input!
Feb 6, 2023 10:37:34 #
Sports action photography is not easy and the ONLY way to improve is to practice, practice and practice again. I always shoot wide open to blur my backgrounds. I've been doing this for over 50 years. Best of luck.
Feb 6, 2023 10:40:22 #
Wasabi wrote:
Liked the second one with the ball in the air and the varied looks of the players.
These are fun shots particularly when the pony tails are flying straight out.
Thanks for stopping by!
Feb 6, 2023 10:52:19 #
Tdearing wrote:
I've got a Sony RX100 IV, and I confess that I cheat and use the sports option in Scene mode. I think you are doing well.
Thanks! Getting a mirrorless is on my radar.
Feb 6, 2023 10:57:21 #
cjc2 wrote:
Sports action photography is not easy and the ONLY way to improve is to practice, practice and practice again. I always shoot wide open to blur my backgrounds. I've been doing this for over 50 years. Best of luck.
I have 5 grand kids all involved in sports. Getting lots of practice. Thanks for the encouragement!
Feb 6, 2023 20:45:10 #
The girl throwing the basketball looks twice the size of the other two. Nice shots.
Feb 7, 2023 01:08:28 #
Feb 7, 2023 09:02:36 #
joehel2 wrote:
Wonderful action set, Raymond. Love the expressions that you captured.
Thanks, Joe! Sometimes we get lucky when focus is missed.
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