Canoe and Kayak Race

[splats]

At the local lake today they had some canoe and Kayak races. some good fun was had by Races (I did a couple of them ) Photoed a Bunch too. I did Win the Men' kayak then got out quick to get shots of others finishing.

[Photo-John]

These are fun but they all look kinda soft. Any idea why? Is it a technique or camera issue we can help you with?

[splats]

Most likely technique. I welcome the input

[Photo-John]

Most likely technique. I welcome the input

Cool - I like it when I can help

Can you tell me about your camera, lens and settings?

[splats]

Cool - I like it when I can help

Can you tell me about your camera, lens and settings?

Canon 50d , Tamron 70-300 , probably in sports Mode.

the Mens Kayak I took after I won the race, hopped out of the Yak , grabbed the camera from my wife and got them ( Thats My Son in the first Picture ) 4th Picture is my wife , holding her paddle upsidedown !

[DHMN69]

The sports program probably caused a lot of it.. but also.. using the crappy on camera flash to try and clean up shadows in faces from being backlit won't help, the range isn't there in that little flash. For these type of shots I'd suggest Av mode then tinker with exposure compensation to get the faces exposed.

The lens could be naturally 'soft' too, never read a review on it. The last photo seems to be the only one that has something in focus with the lady in the back seat focused