Gonna try photgraphing some outdoor extreme sports...

[jrm27]

Hi all:

I live up in Vail and this weekend the Teva Mountain Games are takign place. I thought it might be fun to go out and try and get some shots of different "extreme" outdoor activities. There's all kinds of stuff... whitewater kayaking, rock-wall climbing, BMX, mountain races, mountain biking, kayak rodeo, dog long jumping, etc...

Any pointers on taking good shots at these events? I'm working with pretty basic gear: an XSi, kit lens, 28-135, nifty fifty, but I figured I shoudl at least have a good time trying. Anyoen have any experience with these types of activities? Any pointers on exposure or composition? I imagine a lot of my photos will be taken under some pretty harsh daylight, so any ideas on how to work around that would be helpful too. Sorry for the broad question, jsut thought I'd leave it wide open!

-jon

[Gmerg]

I am NO expert but with sports I have found that I really try and focus on my shutter speed. Depending on what I am going for or shooting to stop the action I use a higher shutter speed. For a Kayaking event I wouldn't think you would need that high of a shutter speed. Just play with it and have some fun. For me its still all about practice and learning. But i have been able to get some very good shots.
Oh and you may want to rent a faster lens. Grab a 70-200 2.8L...then you will have some fun

[24alpha]

I shot Mountain Biking all the time, find a nice technical part of the track, and shoot there. Use the flash in corners/berms to freeze the rider and blur everything else. Same would work for BMX, although I haven't had a chance to shoot BMX yet.
As far as the other sports, try and find a spot to shoot that sums up what makes that sport "extreme".

[Biffbradford]

Get as close in as you can. Capture the struggle, intensity, and emotion.