Falling from thin air...

This is a mountain bike photo I took the day after I got my new 430EX flash, so basically it was test time for me.

Anyhow, I like this photo alot because of the motion blur in the background, frozen rider, jump in the background still, and a sence of free fall...I figured if I like it, lets see what other people like and dont like about it!?

I do see some problems, the most distracting being his face (a friend of mine I ride with) how you can see the flash reflection off the sweat on his face (it was an unusually hot day of 90 degrees in Washington)

Without further a due...
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/scott_schmitz/781119117/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1057/781119117_e8fc9bb1d6_b.jpg" width="683" height="1024" alt="Dylan_071107_06" /></a>

I chose the larger size so you all can see more detail, I want to hear your thoughts! I'm only two months into photography, and still learning!

Great action shot. I'd say that your new flash passed the test. I don't find the highlights on your friend's face distracting. To me they add to the picture by showing his perspiration. Great job on this one.

hmm well thanks for the imput mamajan, glad to hear the sweat doesnt bother you as it does me.

I suppose I see your point though.

I agree. It's pretty good. Nice job and the flash was a good idea.
Greg

I'll get on the bandwagon and say this is a very good action shot and also that the flash reflection showing the sweat only adds to the shot.

Mud - I think it's a good shot but I also agree with you that the slightly reflective bright spots add an unnatural feel. I would remove them w/ PP if you could. The only other objectionis that the biker is just a tad bit small in the frame, ... you can easily correct this by cropping.

GB