My First Baseball...ever

[Beamer]

Okay,

So, these aren't great, but I figured what the the heck no shame in being a rookie. I only got about 2 innings of shots, then it started to rain. I don't know much about photography, but I do know my camera isn't a big fan of water...or so I've been told.

Please, critique it up, John, I know you gotta have some jabs...you too JS.

Thanks,

Beamer

[JSPhoto]

Beamer,
These arn't bad for the first time shooting baseball. The only real problem I see is the play at the base is slightly out of focus, but there is an easy fix for that. If you think that there may be a play at a particular base pre-focus it and you'll be ready for the play.

I will watch the hitters and listen to coaches to see where a particular hitter tends to hit, which always helps to know if there may be a play at a base as well. If you have a guy on first and the hitter tends to hit up the middle you have a great chance at a dplay at second and the double play at first. If I can I'll move so I can prefocus on one base and also the other without changing focus between bases. Now if your on the third base side and trying to watch second and third your stuck as you'll have to change the focus to get plays at both bases. This is where the pro gear makes the difference as it focuses so much quicker, but with lots of practice and experience shooting with an Xt or even digital Rebel like the 300D and a good fast lens you can get both bases, it all depends on how quick your gear focuses.

That didn't hurt a bit did it?
JS

[Beamer]

JS,

No, that was pretty gental....thanks. To elaborate, I hear about this "pre-focusing" thing a lot, the problem is, how do I do it? Do I view the base area, hold the shutter button halfway down, and then wait until a play hits the frame then snap the shots? I know...maybe that's way off, but I am really lost on the pre-focus thing...any help would be appreciated.

This I shot with a Canon 20D, and 70-200 2.8f USM IS L from Canon. It's probably not the equipment as much as it is my inability to use it to it's fullest.

Beamer

[JSPhoto]

Beamer,
You have the right idea there, although I'll usually focus on the second baseman or shortstop, who ever is closest to the bag or farthest from me.
I think on the 20D you move the focusing off the shutter button to the *, that will help as you can then either prefocus and not worry about the shutter button changing it or you can keep focusing to follow a play or player.

JS

[swmdrayfan]

Ben,
JS is right. What I do is focus on the base, though. Then I just wait for the action around the bag. I suppose you can do it either way, and I've gone that route too. I like your exposure on these. Just remember your horizons--keep the top of the fences straight. You did ok for the first time. And remember to anticipate--like JS says.
John

[Beamer]

John,

Thanks for the input. I'll watch the horizon and work on the pre-focus. What do you mean by like the exposure?

Thanks

Beamer

[Old Timer]

Certainly not a bad effort for the first time out. The other guys are spot on what they are telling you. The most important things in any sports shooting is get that focus dead on and get your timing for the peak action on any given play. Many times I am shooting manual exposure and don't worry a lot about that once I lock in an exposure factor for the field or venue I'm shooting at or in. You have to know your equipment and what it is capable of and what you may need to fudge a little on to get the shot. There is no greater asset to a sports photographer than knowing the sport and being able at anticipate where and when the action will occur. Keep shooting and posting and I'll guarantee you will get better.

[swmdrayfan]

John,

Thanks for the input. I'll watch the horizon and work on the pre-focus. What do you mean by like the exposure?

Thanks

Beamer

The white pants aren't too white or blown out. You did a good job with that.
John