My First Post

[RobMac]

Hello,

My first post here.

Perhaps this is a bit smaller than the typical photos here but I figured I'd post it anyway. On a trip to Great Britain, I was lucky enough to get into the training facility for the Middlesbrough FC. Just got luck and grabbed this shot of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

[Photo-John]

Small size is no big deal. But is it small because it's a crop? Or is it small because you decided to make it small? That's an important detail. From the depth-of-field I am guessing that you just decided to resize it small.

I like the photo. I confess that I don't know who he is. But I live in the US and most of us don't know much about British football. I'm wondering if a tighter crop would work better, though. If you've already cropped it a bunch, then maybe not. But I tried cropping from the bottom and I liked it better. It put the emphasis on the eye contact with the ball. I like the foot, but I also found I didn't miss it if I cropped. Try it out and see what you think. That crop will also allow you to use the Rule-of-Thirds a little better for a more dynamic composition.

I hope my friendly criticism is well-received. And I hope you'll post more and maybe tell us some more about soccer. Diversity is good for this forum. Someone posted a link to a cricket championship story once that was one of the best things I think I've ever read about sports photography.

[RobMac]

Thanks Photo-John!

Good advice and I'm going to give that a try. The friendly criticism is most welcome and from my stand-point, the reason for posting photos here. I'm here to learn and am greatful to those of you who who take the time critiquing other folks photos!

[JSPhoto]

I think what gets me on this is that white rope, anyway to clone that out? It's kind of distracting.. Nice look though. For this it may have been better to shoot horizontaly and get both feet...just my .02 though.

JS

[lawrenceaustin]

HI,

I enjoyed your photo's at middlesboro, although on your webpage you have spelt premiere incorrectly - its 'The Premiership'...

some good photo's of the players who, since this shot, most have moved on to different clubs...

What is your set up for your sports photography? what lens, camera etc do you use?

How did you manage to get into the training ground too?...

all the best


Lawrence (UK)

[swmdrayfan]

Nothing to add as far as critique, because the others have already pointed out the problem areas, but I just am welcoming you, and look forward to more of your work.
John

[Homer]

It's a nice shot showing the focus he has on the ball. Is this right after a kick or is he receiving the ball?

Jim

[RobMac]

Thanks to both of you (Lawrence & John) for the feedback! I appreciate the correction on 'The Premiership' mistake and I'll update my website to reflect this.

As far as my setup at the time I took those photos. I was using a Nikon D70 with a 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom. I also carry a Tamron 2x SP AF Pro teleconverter.

We actually visited the training facility as part of an organized tour. My 16 year daughter plays soccer and she was on a trip to the UK to play a few games. Some of the parents came along were with them and that's how we got in. Quite a nice facility!!

Again, thanks for looking!!!

[MsMillie]

:blush2: Hi I am brand new to learning the correct way to use a digital camera. I am retired and do lots of volunteering at the school and would like to take great pictures of the students and also of my grandchildren and great grand kids. I live in Fla.

[brmill26]

Good looking shot Rob. Middlesbrough are the quiet favorites for a much improved side this year, thanks in no small part to Tuncay. If you don't already know, you can follow the Premier League in the US on Fox Soccer Channel.

[Old Timer]

:blush2: Hi I am brand new to learning the correct way to use a digital camera. I am retired and do lots of volunteering at the school and would like to take great pictures of the students and also of my grandchildren and great grand kids. I live in Fla.

Nice to have you MsMilllie. the best place to start on PR is the Viewfinder welcome thread. Post a little intro over there and if you have an how to questions the Help Forum is the perfect place for those. Hope to see some of your pictures soon.