High school tennis

[jackirons]

I love shooting tennis. I've been shooting with my 55-250 IS. Trying to get better and the only main problem I have is some shots are out of focus. Any tips or suggestions would be appreciated.



2
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3548886813_72ec51fc33_b.jpg

3
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2455/3549686590_7bd96f3d6b_b.jpg

4
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3382/3548869757_7cd22a8fea_b.jpg

5
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2441/3548872099_502f07d45c_b.jpg

[packpe89]

Love the last shot!

[jackirons]

Thanks! That was my favorite shot too.

[T2000]

Backgrounds are too busy. I suggest either shooting with much less DOF, or if that is not an option, then shoot tighter. Or try a different angle.

[liam5100]

Backgrounds are too busy. I suggest either shooting with much less DOF, or if that is not an option, then shoot tighter. Or try a different angle.

+1, but as with many high school sports, the venue is a nightmare and at times its either get a shot with bad background, or dont get the shot at all.

I had the same issue with Tennis recently, I just tried my best to blow out the background, see the difference?

[T2000]

Yes, I see the difference. Shallow DOF makes all the difference.

If you can drop the background like you did then it solves the problem. If the OP can't, the OP should skip the full body and shoot tighter. Or if there are bleachers I would suggest getting as high as possible and shooting down on the subject. :lol:



-----
www.proTennisPhotos.com

[vetkrazy]

It would help if you left the exif data intact or posted your settings. Hard to know what to suggest without the data.

[jackirons]

Sorry about that. I still don't know how to post with the EXIF data. I'm pretty sure I had my lens all the way open for each shot. Here's the settings:

1. Focal Length - 109.0mm
Exposure Time - 1/3200s
Aperture - F5.0
ISO equiv - 400

2.Focal Length - 123.0mm
Exposure Time - 1/2500s
Aperture - F5.0
ISO equiv - 400

3. Focal Length - 179.0mm
Exposure Time - 1/2000s
Aperture - F5.6
ISO equiv - 400

4. Focal Length - 70.0mm
Exposure Time - 1/1600s
Aperture - F4.0
ISO equiv - 200

5. Focal Length - 90.0mm
Exposure Time - 1/4000s
Aperture - F4.5
ISO equiv - 400

So would everyone recommend shooting tighter like shot number 3? It seems like the only way I can blur the background is if they come to the net, and those shots are a lot harder to time.

I have tried shooting from the bleachers once, but most of the time where I shoot high school, that's not really an option.

This is one from the bleachers:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3377/3427979948_715017c8c3_b.jpg

[imagesbydd]

nice shoots !!!

[bishoy]

I like shots better when the ball is a little away from the racket (incoming or moving away). I just get the feeling of the action then. Example the one from the bleachers you posted last.
For the background I like the #2 shot, though not blurred, the background is not distracting for me. I think this is because I cannot recognize any object in the background because of the tight long focal length shot.

[bull]

nice capture!!!

[IdiotWithAGun]

like the last shot. as everyone else said, the background is kinda distracting.

[mep42]

I would also try and bump a your SS to try and freeze the ball more.

Great Shots though

mark