C&C please, Ski Show

[ElTigreBlanco]

Ok so I just acquired some new gear(see post "NewGear!") and I used one of the lenses at a local ski show recently. It is a Sigma 100-300mm 4.5-6.7 on a Rebel XT, these images are straight from the camera and I am looking to see how I did on just the shooting. Ideally I would like to have as much input as possible for what you think of the shots as they are, and seperate from that what could be done to make the shot(s) better whether its in post or shooting style...I am re-posting here to hopefully get some feedback...
http://i26.tinypic.com/2qc18j6.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/28jureu.jpg
http://i30.tinypic.com/2dum4v8.jpg
http://i29.tinypic.com/29de36c.jpg

[timberlakephoto]

I love the jumper eating it, that's priceless.

One thing that works very well for shooting 3 event or wakeboarding is to shoot with a monopod(that you don't care TOO much about) and be willing to get wet.
I wade to where a wakeboard boat's wake hits about 6" below my lens & shoot from there, definately a more interesting perspective. it can be done without the mono, but then it's tougher to relax.
the 70-200 2.8 or f4 works great for watersports.
in 1 & 3 look at the appearance of air in the shots the wakeboarder in 3 looks to be about 3 or 4 feet, I'm guessing it is more like 7 in reality, if you get down low to the water, the riders look like they're going much bigger.


btw, #1 is a nice airchair shot, great light & good position.

[ElTigreBlanco]

Hey thanks timberlake,
That is a great idea about getting in the water to get that perspective, I got most of my gear including a monopod and tripod for $75 so I have no problem putting it in the water! Being my first shoot at the show I just sat in the stands and tried not to draw too much attention, I need to get more aggressive I suppose!
I would be happy to borrow either of the 70-200s from you :D but I will have to settle for the recent upgrade to the new Sigma 70-300 (my first brand new lens!) from the old 100-300 that throws err99s haha Hopefully once I get out of school and start a career I can try on one of these 70-200s everyone seems to love so much :D
Thanks for the advice, I will try to put it into practice soon-ski nationals are this weekend so I am hoping to make the trip out there but like everything else I need to find the moneys somewhere! I think that would be a great event to gain some experience and hopefully get some keepers :lol:
I am glad you like #1 I thought it was a great shot, even if it was most likely beginners luck! ;)