so close, yet so far-plate action struggle..

[pigtailpat]

I tried really hard to capture some plate action at today's game. Well, I finally got one framed right, but couldn't focus in time, and saw the whole thing this time...

I'm posting this mistake to learn what I can do to get something more in focus in time, my reaction is just not fast enough.........

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b243/pigtailpat/closebutyetsofar.jpg

[Dan-o]

F32. :lol: Not much else you can do but anticipate the action.

[Big K]

The first thing I would do if you have not already is stop trying to capture every single play in a baseball game. I equate it to playing the whack-a-mole game after drinking 12 beers. You will almost always be too late with your reactions.

Try shooting the game based on each scenario. Some examples:

If a fast runner gets on first, you will have a greater chance of them diving back into the base on a pickoff attempt or stealing second. Your best chances for action will be at either first of second so set up in that general direction. Don't worry about taking a shot of the pitcher, batter or catcher, you will have plenty of time to shoot them when nobody is on base.

If you notice that a specific batter hits the ball to the same place most of the time, it is a good chance to set up on whichever fielder is most in line with the hitters tendencies and hope the ball is hit to them.

Pay attention to how hard the pitcher throws. The harder they throw the less likely someone is to pull the ball down the line and more likely they will hit toward the middle or even to the opposite field.

Watch where the outfielders set up for each batter. Did they move significantly in one direction? If so, they either know the hitters tendencies and/or are planning to pitch (or at least try) to them in a certain way.

Watch the third base coach when a player is running toward third. They will be signaling like crazy to the runner to either go or stop. Assuming the kid pays attention to the coach, it can give you a good amount of time to get ready for a play at the plate.

Basically, make your best guess where there is most likely to be some action and set up pre-aimed in that general direction. You will miss plays and will not have as many shots but think you will be much happier with the shots you do get.

If the problem is more about being able to quickly get the focus point over what you want in focus, you could try shooting in one shot mode at a more closed aperture f/4 - f/5.6 and prefocusing. By prefocusing it will allow you to make your compositions even better. This can be a bit challenging in baseball due to the unexpected movements but with some practice and some luck that the play happens as you hope, can yield some nice results.

Hope that helps.

[AdamLewis]

Big K has some really good points.

You really cant just "follow" baseball and get pictures. You have to anticipate a lot. If you think someone is going to steal a base, get ready for it. If you see the infield pulling in, try to anticipate shooting on the left-field side of the infield (of course this all depends on what the runner situation. Nobody on and the ball should go left. Runners on and the ball should go right).

With Baseball you really have to know the sport and read ahead. You cant just watch it. That really holds true with every sport if youre expecting to get good quality pictures but some sports are easier to "spectate" at and still come away with half-decent stuff.

[Bill Roberts]

The first thing I would do if you have not already is stop trying to capture every single play in a baseball game. I equate it to playing the whack-a-mole game after drinking 12 beers. You will almost always be too late with your reactions.

Try shooting the game based on each scenario. Some examples:

If a fast runner gets on first, you will have a greater chance of them diving back into the base on a pickoff attempt or stealing second. Your best chances for action will be at either first of second so set up in that general direction. Don't worry about taking a shot of the pitcher, batter or catcher, you will have plenty of time to shoot them when nobody is on base.

If you notice that a specific batter hits the ball to the same place most of the time, it is a good chance to set up on whichever fielder is most in line with the hitters tendencies and hope the ball is hit to them.

Pay attention to how hard the pitcher throws. The harder they throw the less likely someone is to pull the ball down the line and more likely they will hit toward the middle or even to the opposite field.

Watch where the outfielders set up for each batter. Did they move significantly in one direction? If so, they either know the hitters tendencies and/or are planning to pitch (or at least try) to them in a certain way.

Watch the third base coach when a player is running toward third. They will be signaling like crazy to the runner to either go or stop. Assuming the kid pays attention to the coach, it can give you a good amount of time to get ready for a play at the plate.

Basically, make your best guess where there is most likely to be some action and set up pre-aimed in that general direction. You will miss plays and will not have as many shots but think you will be much happier with the shots you do get.

If the problem is more about being able to quickly get the focus point over what you want in focus, you could try shooting in one shot mode at a more closed aperture f/4 - f/5.6 and prefocusing. By prefocusing it will allow you to make your compositions even better. This can be a bit challenging in baseball due to the unexpected movements but with some practice and some luck that the play happens as you hope, can yield some nice results.

Hope that helps.

I'm sure that makes perfect sense to another American Kevin!
As an Englishman I haven't got the slightest clue about what you're saying :)

Don't worry, I'm only joking, but if you ever want a game of cricket explaining...

cheers

[AdamLewis]

I'm sure that makes perfect sense to another American Kevin!
As an Englishman I haven't got the slightest clue about what you're saying :)

Don't worry, I'm only joking, but if you ever want a game of cricket explaining...

cheers

I desperately need Cricket explained to me.

And Im serious.

I dont understand the sport at all.

[Big K]

I'm sure that makes perfect sense to another American Kevin!
As an Englishman I haven't got the slightest clue about what you're saying :)

Don't worry, I'm only joking, but if you ever want a game of cricket explaining...

cheers

From what little I have read about cricket, I think it would take a lot of explaining to get me up to speed. I seems even more complex in terms of situational play than baseball.

I can hear me now saying for the 43rd time, "What does the square leg do again?" :-)

[Bill Roberts]

^^^ Try this one Adam http://www.cricinfo.com/link_to_database/ABOUT_CRICKET/EXPLANATION/CRICKET_EXPLAINED_AMERICAN.html

It's not bad for starters... unless you've got a couple of years to spare to come over here?

cheers

[pigtailpat]

Thanks so much! I have been getting myself crazy because plate action is just eluding me. Maybe I am too tense. The shot I posted above was EXACTLY the scenaro you stated below, this was a runner on first stealing to second. However, I didn't see he was going to steal until too late.

I am going to take your advice to heart, and see what happens next game.

Pat


If a fast runner gets on first, you will have a greater chance of them diving back into the base on a pickoff attempt or stealing second. Your best chances for action will be at either first of second so set up in that general direction. Don't worry about taking a shot of the pitcher, batter or catcher, you will have plenty of time to shoot them when nobody is on base.

[pigtailpat]

I think you're probably right, I am trying to follow rather than anticipate. I am going to try very hard to change my mindset to anticipation more.

Pat

Big K has some really good points.

You really cant just "follow" baseball and get pictures. You have to anticipate a lot. If you think someone is going to steal a base, get ready for it. If you see the infield pulling in, try to anticipate shooting on the left-field side of the infield (of course this all depends on what the runner situation. Nobody on and the ball should go left. Runners on and the ball should go right).

With Baseball you really have to know the sport and read ahead. You cant just watch it. That really holds true with every sport if youre expecting to get good quality pictures but some sports are easier to "spectate" at and still come away with half-decent stuff.