Rock Climbing at Red Rock (las Vegas)

[martial76]

Hello everyone... I am new to the forum and also to the whole world of dslr's! I am an avid hiker and rock climber, I finally got sick of my crappy point and shoot cam not being able to do justice to what I see with my own eyes... So I bought a dslr. I have been on here reading tons in the past week since I signed up, and figured it was time for my first post. First let me just say that I have already learned a ton just by reading different threads on here and I am truely impressed by some of the photos that I have seen you guys take! I am almost embarrassed to post any of my pathetic attempts on here... But, I am here to learn, share, make some friends and learn some more! so.... here is a couple of pics from my cameras first weekend out at red rock. Again, I am hear to learn... so comments are more than welcome!

The lighting was very difficult, sun was high over head casting many shadows around the boulders we were climbing on. using a flash isn't really an option because the subject is well off the ground and you can't be right in there face blinding them as they are climbing... any sugestions as to how to get rid of the shadows on the face would be greatly apprectiated! Thanks to all in advance, I am looking forward to being a member of your little community of great photographers!


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/2883696562_7f57a72cfa_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2882860971_c2ca8d168b_o.jpg

[hurley1718]

Your first shot is quite good. The background blur gives it a cool sense of height like she's 40 feet off the ground. If you can't use a flash you'll have to keep practicing to find the right spot on the rock or the right time of day to get the best natural light. Keep it up and IMO great start.

[tomcat360]

They look nice. A few things

1.) try to get the subject out of the middle. Read up on the rule of thirds, this applies to your first image specifically. I would have moved it so her face was to the left of the center.

2.) the second one isn't doing it for me. It is more of a moment of failure than it is showing off what she is doing. I think that comes off wrong, if you had her missing a hand hold from the angle of #1 and the surprise and "uh oh" on her face, it would be a really awesome shot. However, that angle is cool when she is reaching.

The lighting does look tough, but you coped with it well. Keep up the good work!

[martial76]

Your first shot is quite good. The background blur gives it a cool sense of height like she's 40 feet off the ground. If you can't use a flash you'll have to keep practicing to find the right spot on the rock or the right time of day to get the best natural light. Keep it up and IMO great start.

Wow.... I never expected comments back so fast! it would of probably been a lot better if it were in the afternoon when it was all in the shade!

They look nice. A few things

1.) try to get the subject out of the middle. Read up on the rule of thirds, this applies to your first image specifically. I would have moved it so her face was to the left of the center.


2.) the second one isn't doing it for me. It is more of a moment of failure than it is showing off what she is doing. I think that comes off wrong, if you had her missing a hand hold from the angle of #1 and the surprise and "uh oh" on her face, it would be a really awesome shot. However, that angle is cool when she is reaching.

The lighting does look tough, but you coped with it well. Keep up the good work!

Thanks, I will keep that in mind... I appreciate the advice!

[Richtherookie]

I agree with TomCat. That second shot would be killer if you coulda got her when she could feel the old chalk on the fingers letting go. I HATE that feeling and I am happy no one was around to get my facial expression! Great work.

Belay on.