Swingset

[jasenh7]

This weekend I was asked to take pictures at a family Birthday Party. While there I of course took the obligatory birthday pictures and then on the side I took my "fun" pictures. The kids after the party were playing on the swingset and I took advantage of this to get some action shots. After taking the series I came up with these three shots I am remotely happy with.

The first one is my favorite and the one I need suggestions as to what to do to finish the shot. I like that it's blurry....hard to take clear action shots with the G2 as children are swinging over your head and it adds to the feel of motion. I used the auto exposure lock to get the exposure as he came over my head then got the shot on the next swing. What I'm looking for is help with the background and the over exposure from the sky as well as the folks on the bottom in the background who seem to detract from the image. Suggestions and critiques are most definately welcome.

http://www.gixxerjasen.com/images/swings-1.jpg

Then here are two more I was pretty happy with and suggestions and critiques are welcome here as well.

http://www.gixxerjasen.com/images/swings-2.jpg

http://www.gixxerjasen.com/images/swings-3.jpg

[eland]

Hi

Your pics are very pleasant and happy.

The top one can be improved without much effort.
The image of the child on the swing is blurred. That is not problem. But as you noted, then nothing else should be sharp either.

Three things would improve the shot.
1. Remove or blur the people who are in focus.
This is simple using Clone Tool or PS Filters. Blur tools.

2. Select the sky area and put in a graded sky going from light blue at the top to pale gray at the bottom.
You can experiment and remove it (Control Z ) and try again and again if need be.

3. Brighten up the child on the swing with Levels or Brightness/ Contrast. He is the center of interest and must stand out in the photo.

In pic 2 if the kids are out of focus so too must be the little girl's dress. Otherwise it just looks like you missed your focus.

Regards
eland