Rbi

[Dubbs5050]

nice moment of anticipation captured here

[GB1]

Dubbs - This one is looking like the shots I get when I go to the ballpark, so I know what the issue is - you're just too far away. You need a lens 3-4x longer than what you have. Such is life

Gb

[SmartWombat]

Well it's too small, that's the problem. Print this BIG
From the angle of this seat in the stands, there is a huge apparent distance from the pitcher to the batter.
You can see the ball in motion, if it was a bigger image I could be sure if he'd hit it or it was on the way to the batter, you can see the anticipation, and the fielder poised.
Shame the umpire is so close to the right edge of the frame.

It definitely needs this crop, perhaps even slightly more off the top although I would worry about losing the crowd context.
Perhaps crop from the bottom to lose the diagonal of sand on the right ?

All in all I don't think this would be improved by getting closer.
Crop on the right to a square or 3:2 image and you lose context - no pitcher, no fielder.

[Addies Granddaddy]

Dubbs, if you're going strictly for the wide angle, this is ok, because it takes in all elements of the action. However, there is another way you can do this, and that is to get a little closer to the field, and more towards the left field corner. You change the angle, but you essentially get a shot from the left rear of the fielders, but a better shot of the hitter. If you've got a longer lens, I'd use that too.
What are the camera restrictions at Wrigley? How often do you go? I'd also like to recommend getting there early....shortly after the gates open so you can move around and find the best spots for shooting. It's also a great opportunity to get some closeups, like during bp. I used to shoot for a minor league team, so I'm trying to draw on my experience here.
John

[Dubbs5050]

Dubbs, if you're going strictly for the wide angle, this is ok, because it takes in all elements of the action. However, there is another way you can do this, and that is to get a little closer to the field, and more towards the left field corner. You change the angle, but you essentially get a shot from the left rear of the fielders, but a better shot of the hitter. If you've got a longer lens, I'd use that too.
What are the camera restrictions at Wrigley? How often do you go? I'd also like to recommend getting there early....shortly after the gates open so you can move around and find the best spots for shooting. It's also a great opportunity to get some closeups, like during bp. I used to shoot for a minor league team, so I'm trying to draw on my experience here.
John

I live down the street, so I try to get there as often as possible...but it is never often enough. The lens was the largest one I had available, and this particular photo was not at full extension, I wanted the full scene in the frame. I agree that the wide-angle would help. These photos are my first attempt at a baseball game. I do not know what the restrictions are, if any, but I will certainly take your advice on getting there early for BP next time. Thanks!