SF 49ers vs Denver Broncos - preseason

[Bignerd]

not easy getting a clear shot from the stands, but here are a couple of attempts. C & C is always welcome

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1102/1133497067_8a778164e9_o.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1233/1133497051_c0505fcb25_o.jpg

[khall]

To many players in the pictures. This makes very hard to find the ball and just what the action is.

[dmwierz]

To many players in the pictures. This makes very hard to find the ball and just what the action is.

Actually, the issue isn't too many players (hard to control that, no?). What's making the action hard to follow is the focal length is too short, and the aperture is too small, both things being a function of the lens. I presume the 70-300 was in use here, which would put your aperture around f/5.6? From where you took the shot, this aperture is going to include way too much other stuff within the depth of field. Was your lens at its largest aperture for these shots?

Without spending the big bucks, this is hard to accomplish. Of the two shots, the second one is better because it shows Dilfer's (the QB) face. You can shoot from the stands, but you need long glass (and many times won't be able to bring it in) and large apertures.

It is possible to get subject isolation, even with a lot of players in the background, etc., but it comes at a cost (the price of the lens - see the shot below taken with a VERY expensive piece of glass - a 400 f/2.8L IS shot wide open).

You might want to try shooting a lower level game where you can get better access to practice your technique, and consider a f/2.8 lens. Small depth of field and subject isolation is what makes solid sports photographs stand out from those taken with Point and Shoot's.

[Bignerd]

Actually, the issue isn't too many players (hard to control that, no?). What's making the action hard to follow is the focal length is too short, and the aperture is too small, both things being a function of the lens. I presume the 70-300 was in use here, which would put your aperture around f/5.6? From where you took the shot, this aperture is going to include way too much other stuff within the depth of field. Was your lens at its largest aperture for these shots?

Without spending the big bucks, this is hard to accomplish. Of the two shots, the second one is better because it shows Dilfer's (the QB) face. You can shoot from the stands, but you need long glass (and many times won't be able to bring it in) and large apertures.

It is possible to get subject isolation, even with a lot of players in the background, etc., but it comes at a cost (the price of the lens - see the shot below taken with a VERY expensive piece of glass - a 400 f/2.8L IS shot wide open).

You might want to try shooting a lower level game where you can get better access to practice your technique, and consider a f/2.8 lens. Small depth of field and subject isolation is what makes solid sports photographs stand out from those taken with Point and Shoot's.

That is really great feedback, and explains alot about the lens envy I get when watching the professional photographers at the sidelines. Great example from you. Thank you for that.

You were right about the lens used. Next time I take pictures I will bring my 300 mm and extender. I saw guys in the stands using L lenses. I was surprised because I did not think they would let those lenses in.

[4x4rock]

Larry, the 300/f4 would serve you well with daylight football.

I can't wait unti Saturday so the boys can give the Raiders some annual whipping. :)

[PhatPhoto]

I think the 49er pictures are great. Sitting in the stands is hard to get great shots.
But I love those pictures of Bears Training camp. Dabears, I will go see them in two weeks. When they put the hurt on the 49ers.
Born and Raised in the great city of Chicago !

[SuzyView]

Okay, I'm sick with jealousy. Someone douse me with Gatorade, please! :) Shots are great! I love the close up one, colors are amazing.

[Bignerd]

I think the 49er pictures are great. Sitting in the stands is hard to get great shots.
But I love those pictures of Bears Training camp. Dabears, I will go see them in two weeks. When they put the hurt on the 49ers.
Born and Raised in the great city of Chicago !


Unfortunately it is a preseason game, so we wont see the full out quality the game might have. In a real game it would be a known great defense (Dabears) against a potentially surprising and exciting offense. I have a sneaky suspicion that the two teams could play this year in the playoffs. Hopefully a home game for us to see. If it is, I will post pictures of our victory :)

[Bignerd]

Larry, the 300/f4 would serve you well with daylight football.

I can't wait unti Saturday so the boys can give the Raiders some annual whipping. :)

I wont be taking any pictures at the game against the raiders, too late in the evening. Our opening game in September is a Monday night game, so it wont be till mid September that I can try the 300 f/4 at a day game.

The games against the raiders are tons of fun. The raiders fans try to teach the niners fans how to be fans. The niners fans try to teach the raider fans how to behave in a civilized fashion.

[Mikelangelo]

Actually, the issue isn't too many players (hard to control that, no?). What's making the action hard to follow is the focal length is too short, and the aperture is too small, both things being a function of the lens. I presume the 70-300 was in use here, which would put your aperture around f/5.6? From where you took the shot, this aperture is going to include way too much other stuff within the depth of field. Was your lens at its largest aperture for these shots?

Without spending the big bucks, this is hard to accomplish. Of the two shots, the second one is better because it shows Dilfer's (the QB) face. You can shoot from the stands, but you need long glass (and many times won't be able to bring it in) and large apertures.

It is possible to get subject isolation, even with a lot of players in the background, etc., but it comes at a cost (the price of the lens - see the shot below taken with a VERY expensive piece of glass - a 400 f/2.8L IS shot wide open).

You might want to try shooting a lower level game where you can get better access to practice your technique, and consider a f/2.8 lens. Small depth of field and subject isolation is what makes solid sports photographs stand out from those taken with Point and Shoot's.

Great feedback and a great example. good look at Grossman's face...marvelous depth of field. Nice job.

I like the 9er's pics myself. Agree that a longer lens wide open would make 'em even better. Considering I can't afford my dream lenses either....I think you did a great job!