Does It Work?

[Photo-John]

When I shot this I just assumed it sucked. But after I saw it on the computer I started to like it. It's that one eye peeking out. If you couldn't see any eyes I'd toss it. But I am kinda stuck on it. Give me some feedback. What do you think?

By the way, this is from my first action photo session with the new Sony Alpha digital SLR. If you want to see more photos from the camera, here are a couple links:

Sony Alpha A100 Digital SLR Gallery >>
Sony Alpha Digital SLR Sample Photo Discussion >>

[mjs1973]

I agree PJ, it's the eye that makes this shot interesting. I'm not a huge fan of the lighting on the front tire and forks tho. I really like the blured BG, but I think the bike and rider need to be sharper.

[Photo-John]

I agree PJ, it's the eye that makes this shot interesting. I'm not a huge fan of the lighting on the front tire and forks tho. I really like the blured BG, but I think the bike and rider need to be sharper.

The hot wheel and fork are from using the built-in flash. I wanted to bring my Canon flash and radio slaves but I committed to using only the Sony, for testing reasons. I think I definitely could have done better with a hotshoe flash on a cord. As for the blurred rider, that kinda comes with the territory. I use a slow shutter speed and the rider is moving in more than one direction so panning won't freeze all of him. You either get a blurred background and some blurred rider, or you get it all sharp. But I actually like a little movement on the rider. It gives more of a sense of chaos and danger.

Thanks for letting me know what you think. I need more opinions. I feel like I'm trying to see past the flaws. I need some other photographers to check me, if I'm trying to convince myself that a crappy photo is good.

[JSPhoto]

I guess it works PJ, the hotspots and sharpness throw it for me though, but then I'm not into MTB and don't know what they want.

JS

[Photo-John]

I guess it works PJ, the hotspots and sharpness throw it for me though, but then I'm not into MTB and don't know what they want.

No one likes hot spots. But I'm not going to try to sell it. I don't think it's that good. And I try not to get too caught up in what "they" want. I just want to check my judgement. You know when you get a photo that you want to like so you are blind to the flaws? I feel like that might be the case here. But sometimes my judgement is dead wrong and people love photos that I think are bad. So I'm putting it out there for feedback.

Thanks for posting. I appreciate your input.

[SmartWombat]

Boss, I think it'd still toss it.

I'd want to see more of his face than just one eye.
For me, personally, I think there's too much blur and only a tiny sharp spot.
OK, it's the most important sharop spot !!

Bear in mind that I tend to be over-fussy on this, I have several images that I have not bothered submitting because they aren't good enough for me - yet I see worse images getting double page spreads in magazines.
I think I have to look at what "they" want and lower my standards to that level

[mtbbrian]

I think I have seen better from you John.
Paul summed it up best.
Brian
Ride On!

[berrywise]

Maybe try sharpening the face a bit more and maybe a bit of dodging the highlights to make the eye stand out a bit more?

I'd put it in the nice to show friends but nothing special category.

[Photo-John]

I'd put it in the nice to show friends but nothing special category.

I wasn't thinking of trying to sell it. I already posted it in a thread on the Mtbr Nor Cal forum. But I was conflicted and wanted to get a check on whether it has ok or not.

I have been checked

[mtbbrian]

I have been checked

We're glad we can keep you in "check"...
:thumbsup:

Brian