My first pic up for discussion

[SpecTech]

Hi Everyone,

I have enjoyed perusing this forum for the past year, but have never offered a photo other than in my gallery. There is alot of debate going on in my mind right now about my equipment, and whether it's fast enough for the type of shooting I like.

This shot was taken with a D70s, Nikon 50mm f/1.8 lens, and SB-800 Speedlight set up as a remote flash. Specs are: 50mm, 1/100th sec, f/1.8, ISO 1600. It rains alot here in Washington, plus the forest is dark from the tree canopy. It is difficult to get a good action shot without high ISO.

Does anyone have problems with the noise in this photo, or the lack of depth of field?

Since it's my first photo on this forum, how about the composition? It is cropped on the left and bottom just a bit.

[smelly]

Cool shot. It's good to see other mountain bikers on this site.

I think the noise is definitely an issue. If you made it a little darker, that might help. I actually like the lack of depth of field because it really makes the rider pop.
The bottom crop is good, I'd like to see a bit less of where he came from and a little more of where he's going. Perhaps cut off enough of the right side to preserve the jump lip, and add some to the landing. It may work, it may not.

[Photo-John]

The noise isn't a problem at this size. Can't see it all. The light is too balanced, though. Your rider is blending in with the background too much. You know I try to never shoot at high ISOs. I would be shooting at ISO 400 here and making the background at least a stop darker than the rider. That will make your rider pop more and help freeze the action better.

[Mr Yuck]

Very well done. Noise in the woods on a rainy day with an action shot is pretty much unavoidable, and at this size it doesnt really bother me...I took a look at your gallery and found one of the wallrides that was posted at about 5 megapixel and it looks pretty good. Your shots inspire me to hit the trails with my camera more often...thanks for that.

Kind of unreal looking, the rider seems flat and kind of pasted on there

Makes me really look forward to moving to the area. (dont know where I'll end up, maybe bainbridge island or silverdale...the western washington trails seem somehow more comfortable than the rock hard Norcal trails)

[Frog]

The trees, ferns, stumps all have nice light and color.
The only problem is that the rider doesn't stand out.
Not easy to shoot action is such situations, I'd guess.

[Mr Yuck]

I like the way the rider blends in...like mountain bikers belong in the woods....I know I do...