skateboarding.

[picturetaker1239]

this is a picture that I posted in the critique forum and got no "critique" so I'll post it here and let you guys have a peek.

[Redo]

I believe I know why you're not getting any "critiques". The photo you posted is much more of a snapshot than a photo that can be improved upon. It is good that you are out using your equipment.

Look at sports pictures and you will see that the best photos capture and highlight peak action. Your photo has some action, sliding down a ramp. It would be more impactful if you caught the skater kicking his board, spinning it around or falling off. Also your background detracts from your subject. To highlight action choose a site line that eliminates contrasty background elements like the gym's windows and choose a large aperture to narrow your focusing zone. As the aperture widens fewer elements are in focus. It is a good thing when your subject is in focus and the destractions are out focus.

There are a number of other compositional items that need to be addressed in this photo but don't burden yourself by trying to address everything at once.

Red

[JSPhoto]

In addition to what redo mentions, white balance is off, probably due to the fact the flash isn't big enough for the subject. For these types of shjots a built in flash simply cannot do the job. Crop and straighten the photo, that would help a lot.

JS

[SmartWombat]

Er, JS you can see the flash at the end of the ramp ...

[masdog]

For starters, it looks like your flash is in the wrong spot, and angled poorly at that. You want your flast to be able to fill the entire scene with light, not one part of the foreground. I would recommend moving it back a few feet and changing the angle that you had it at.

Second, I don't really see a lot of action in this photo. You have the skateboarder frozen, but there is no anticipation, no sense of action. For all I know, the rider is just balancing.

So how do you make this better. Well, for starters, move the flash. It would be better if we can actually see the rider instead of a big white spot and a silouttee. Second, create some way of showing us that action is going on. Use a little bit of motion blur to show us that the rider is moving or freeze him in midair while he is doing the trick.

And finally, capture the rider's face. As far as I can tell with this picture, you can't see the rider's face. A lot of photos contain some strong display of emotion, whether it is an "Oh [deleted]" moment or one of triumph. Without the face, we can't tell if this rider is calm because he has the trick down to a T or if he's incredibly focused because he wants to nail it.

[picturetaker1239]

I know the white balance is off. I had it that way. I dont like the white balance that the place actually had. its quite dreary. I can understand about the focus and flash problems. I know that it was very close and later on I decided to move it back. however I like photos that can show the flash in it. it kind of gives it a behind the scenes feel towards the picture and doesnt give the impression that all photographers are the same. I like to at least try to be different with wierd white balances, colour, and perspective.

[JSPhoto]

Er, JS you can see the flash at the end of the ramp ...

SW
Ummm, that looks more like a light there SW.....but hey, I'm on drugs right now anyway Thanks Doc!

FYI - I had my stitches removed today and the doc released me already!! but I still have 4 more weeks of physical t (orture)herapy to suffer with. Oh well, at least I'm officially back to work 2 weeks and 3 days after my shoulder surgery

[JSPhoto]

Picturetaker,

You definately got something different WB wise. Unfortunately I can't play like this....the editors at papers tend to go bezerk when one of us photo types go off doing things on our own At least someone gets to play and be creative

JS

[picturetaker1239]

haha yeah. well I'm no professional. right now I'm trying to get togethor some stuff for a portfilio to go to a college interview. I got lots of material to work with but little time to make it work. I think I'm going to start a new thread with all of the pictures I have and people can tell me what ones they think would be most impressive in my interview.

[LoudPicture]

Hmm, here is what i would try:

Try throwing on a fisheye, or just shooting without one if you do not have one, and setting the camera exactly where the flash currently is, and aim the flash up, so that instead of the ramp being lit up, the skateboarder would be, also this would cut out the background factor (windows, ceiling, ladder, etc) leaving you with a great close up of him.

Not sure how well this would work however. But whatever you do, deffinitly try aiming the flash higher up.

_Dan...

P.s., im sorry i hadent noticed your PM, yes, i do skate.

[JETA]

Just wanted to say welcome to you picturetaker. I'm greener then green. There is no way I could tell you what is right or wrong with your pic. I mostly just enjoy looking at everyone else's shots and try to suck in what my old brain will retain.