First attempt shooting Motocross

[Travis F]

Just wanted to post a few shots that I took last weekend at a local track's first open practice of the year. This was my first try at motocross or any motorsport for that matter. These aren't neccessarily the best that I got, but they are the one's that I decided to work on a little for some reason.

Anyway, I would like to get a little input on how to improve the shots (composition, focus, panning). I am thinking about asking the track if they have a track photographer, but if my shots aren't up to par then maybe I should practice a little more first.

Any comments are welcome,
Travishttp://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a397/ofsportsphotos/Log%20Road%20Motocross/3-12-06/IMG_0224.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a397/ofsportsphotos/Log%20Road%20Motocross/3-12-06/IMG_0446.jpg

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a397/ofsportsphotos/Log%20Road%20Motocross/3-12-06/IMG_0329.jpg

[OL9245]

Nice shots. Nice colors. I like the color saturation. #1 and #3 are worth some cropping. Did you do smthng on the background on #2? Please share. I love the result.
Olivier

[TeeJay]

Superb photo's Travis. I think they all might benefit from some prudent cropping (as OL9245 mentioned) but I think you've done pretty well.

I think you need to be aware of where the action is going, and try not to "clip" bits of your subjects; first one is a touch too close to the top of his helmet (unless you have already cropped it!), the second would have been just a marginally better if you had got the whole of the front riders tyre (or is that tire;-)) in the shot, and the same for the last pic, with the rear guard just being clipped.

It's a close call when it comes to framing action pics (although very often, things are happening so quick you don't get a lot of choice), whether to get in real close - and run the risk of clipping - or pull back and possibly loose some of the "power" of the shot.

I think I would try and pull back just a little, that way, hopefully, you get the best of both worlds and buy yourself a little leeway when cropping.

I particularly like the second one - excellent intrepretation of what motocross is all about.

TJ

[ajbalazic]

All your shots are very good. I like the composition of the first where the rider has space to drive into. The second is great too, but if I had to nitpick, I'd say the composition is a little off- the riders should both be moved left a little. Tough sport to get the timing bang on for your first time, but you obviously know the sport, and although your timing is good, it will only get better (quickly).

[Travis F]

Thanks guys for all the positive comments. They are greatly appreciated.

Yeah I probably should crop a little out of number 2 and number 3. I have alrady cropped number 1 a little bit. There was a very distracting background that I couldn't get away from. I guess I could have added more dirt though to the bottom of the pic. Oh well something to think about next time:lol: .

OL9245 - I didn't do anything to the background of number 2. I think that i shot that at f/3.2 so that just naturally blurred the bg.

Thanks again for the positive comments,\
Travis