Action Dog shot--need advice please!

[herderdog]

Hi all,

I am very new to photography-- I have posted a pic that I shot yesterday (did not quite get him framed- he was really moving!!) but this does illustrate the type of picture I am looking to capture well.

This is taken straight from the camera--no processing except to downsize for the web. It was an overcast day--with the sun just starting to come through.
Settings: D-rebel, 100-400 L 4.5-5.6 IS, 1/1250 sec. shutter speed, F/8, 1600 ISO, at 300mm, manual mode.
The dog is not sharp---but some of the grass and other things are. I'm sure I need to improve on the settings. I am sort of guessing at them right now. Would AI Servo have helped this?

I would love to have some comments on this. TIA for taking a look! :D

http://home.centurytel.net/herderdog/IMG_0767.jpg

[herderdog]

Here is is again processed a little in PS
http://home.centurytel.net/herderdog/IMG_0767_filtered.jpg

[Fills]

Well I'll take a shot for you, as no one else has, but I warn you I'm no expert. My first observation is the grass is sharp, while the dog is not as you pointed out. However the DOF seems ok, as the grass and dog are at the same distance from you or appear so. In short, yes IMO, AI Servo would help if you focused on the dog for 1-2 seconds in advance it would continue to focus and adjust for the dogs speed as it came towards you. My only guess in this shot is you focused on the grass just before the dog got to that area, and the shot was taken a 'split' second later. The back paws should be at the same DOF as the sharp grass however the head and forefront of the dog are too far forward. Again, just a guess, I've taken fast moving animals with my DRebel and you just have to keep trying. Some turn out, but some don't. I think with AI Servo that ratio becomes more in your favour but it's not perfect either.

[Jerrytrebec33]

First off, I have a dog of my own and I can relate! Hard to capture when their moving like that.. Secondly I like the picture, its a nice action shot but has room for improvement... I would like it all more if he was fully in the picture, its annoying for the eyes when it cuts off like that, but overall its pretty good.. I like the dog :)

Jordan

[Hellashot]

Needs all of the dog in the frame.

[cactusclay]

I like just using one focus spot in the middle, the other mode seems a bit erratic to me, but might I also suggest a lead filled collar, to slow that puppy down.

[herderdog]

Thanks all for your input! This is really a learning curve.
And yes....I would have liked that dog all in the fram too!!! He was really moving---I'm sure his owner would like to have put an anchor out to slow him. A young dog--and really excited to be out working sheep.
I have ordered the RebelXT--and I'll try out the AI Servo.
and keep at it 'till I get it right.
I have a friend who routinely captures these pictures quite well---with a 10 or 20D and the 100-400L. Makes me all the more impressed with her shots.
Thanks everyone--I appreciate your input.

[TSORoanoke]

I, like some others am no expert at this. But I've tried and learned a couple of things to watch out for. I've found that if possible, stop down farther - the farther you can go and still stop the action the better. Some blur in the tail, legs, or coat may actually add more interest to the shot - showing motion while the eyes/nose are sharp. I see you're using a very fast shutter, and high ISO - you probably have room to stop down a little more to increase the depth of field. I've not found my D60 fast enough in AIServo mode to capture a dog at full speed (using 70-200L IS). Another thing I've found is if you can be in a position where they're crossing your path rather than coming toward you, it helps (less focusing effort). You can also try the rapid-fire shot approach - pick a spot to focus and start shooting just before they get there (shotgun method?). I have 2 Australian Shepherds (mix breed - look more like border collies) and have the same struggles. Post more as you get them!