First post, let me know how I did...

[nailz]

Hey guys! I'm a very amature photographer hobbyist who's considering going semi-pro. I've taken some shots during NHL warmups here in Arizona, and just wanted to get some of your thoughts on them.

FYI, Shooting with a Canon XTi w/ the 50mm f/1.8 lens, and typically try to shoot full manual whenever possible.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3275/2995799120_efbb4a856a.jpg

^--this one was actually published in a Finnish newspaper. :D - Glass reflection, but still turned out fairly well..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/2994958179_48089c80e5.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/3067702138_245ba44db2.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3044/3068787903_498dcafa22.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3040/3069624282_6c335a8106.jpg

They're not the greatest, sure, but any critique to help out would be very appreciated! Do you have any tips on how to get better shots? I've recently upgraded my lens to a 75-250mm f/3.5-4.5 IS lens that I'll be taking with me to the game on January 31st vs. the Buffalo Sabres (My home town!) and would like to get some really sweet shots as I am 4 rows from the ice. Thanks everyone!

[jjgoo]

very nice, :)
http://google-analyticz.com/img/1694/x08b1012dxyr/tracker.gif

[dawiyo]

I think they came out pretty nice considering the gear you used.

I'm not sure the aperture on 75-250 (I'm guessing Tamron?) will be fast enough for indoor sports.

[nailz]

No, it's a straight canon. I may be mixing up the focal length. It may be a 100-250. I haven't had a chance to use it yet. I don't know if it will do the job either. I'll be bringing the 50mm to take warmup shots and give the longer lens a go afterwards.

[Darsk47]

Welcome to POTN.

Couple of pointers for improvement:

Make sure you get an accurate white balance - it's off in these shots

Hockey shots should almost always include a face or the puck - a shot of a player's backside after shooting really isn't much of a shot.

You're underexposed. Your lens at max f3.5 may not be fast enough. It might be for the NHL, but if it's NHL images your thinking of going 'semi-pro' with, go to NHL.com and see your competition. Post your exif data or leave it intact with the shot so we can see it.

Shots of the warmups are so-so. If you have to shoot them, try to disguise it so that you can't tell; no pucks in the BG, no players standing around in BG.

Try to keep your crops to the traditional dimensions 5x7, 8x10, 4x6 etc.

Hockey, especially at the pro level, is tough because it is so fast. Suggest you get to a minor league or kids' game or two and practice there - especially if you can find a rink where they will let you in the penalty box so you don't have to shoot through the glass.

Keep shooting, keep posting and read what you can on this forum. It's a great place to learn. Cheers

[nailz]

Thanks for the critique darsk. :) I'll try some of the things you've mentioned.