How to get clear shots?

[tlutzenberger]

How are folks getting such clear sport shots? Even with digital or film, there seems to be clear demarcation between a certain level of photo taking and the other, where shots come in crystal clear and in right color balance. I know a lot of it is done in after photo imaging (i.e. photoshoping the light, color balance, etc.). But there seems to be a crowd who can take the shot in either medium and get a clear shot worthy of distribution or framing. If you've seen it you know what I'm talking about.

What gets that clarity? better optics? better settings? choice of setting? or is it really just the after photo touch up?

I'm kind of a purist right now; I'd like to get the shot right the first time with the camera before I starting taking on the learning of photoshoping it after the fact. But i'm wondering if that's just not possible and photoshopping it is a necessity...

[blinking8s]

I go early and test the venue out, right down the settings I want for that area/event...

then work out which athletes I am shooting, decide if I can prefocus or track for the event

I hardly use photoshop at all...minor levels adjustment and sharpening

gmen convinced me to get a light meter though, take that extra work load off my shoulders

[etaf]

a lot is to do with the skill of the photographer - knowing the subject - knowing the equipment and how to use it on that particular venue and time of day etc.

I have seen some great shots taken with a cheap compact CanonA1 waterproof - fixed 35mm lens - just the guy knew how to use it..

of course equipment counts - haveing the right lens for the right subject.
then its practice practice practice .

what sort of sports are you interested in and reproducing

[Exit]

Good lens, lots of light and a steady hand. Then good photoshop skills. Learn levels, USM, Shadow/Highlight and hue saturation to give you images some pop :)

[KennyG]

All I do in photoshop is resize and add the copyright. I shoot in RAW and convert in Capture One. It is all down to the simple basic rules of good photography and having lenses suitable for the light and the reach. Knowing your sport and the venue also helps you get the best angles and light.

Spending time correcting images is fine if you only deal with a few, but when you have a few hundred to process then it pays to get them right when you press the shutter.

[tlutzenberger]

Rugby, of course.



a lot is to do with the skill of the photographer - knowing the subject - knowing the equipment and how to use it on that particular venue and time of day etc.

I have seen some great shots taken with a cheap compact CanonA1 waterproof - fixed 35mm lens - just the guy knew how to use it..

of course equipment counts - haveing the right lens for the right subject.
then its practice practice practice .

what sort of sports are you interested in and reproducing

[gmen]

Kenny has hit the nail on the head. If you can get your exposure and composition spot-on then you won't need to spend much time working on your image in PS. Get the basics right in camera and save yourself some work!

[grego]

Besides equipment, the best way of doing well, is having a background in the sport. Experience is the most important part. Knowing where to be to catch that moment is vital.

[melita]

I would say that a little experience helps. Whatever sport you shoot, you won't get much right the first couple of times you go. After a few sessions, you will be able to predict what the movements of the subjects are likely to be.

The equipment isn't going to make you into a great photographer if you can't track the subject and keep it in frame and no amount of post processing is going to correct a completely out of focus shot.

However, once you've mastered the basics, the equipment will help you get the clearest shot possible. For example, I have taken some cracking shots on my G3 with a cheap teleconverter adaptor on the front - composition, focus, lighting can all be great but it may not have been the best quality.

Now I'm using a DSLR with L-series glass, I'm getting the same shots but they come out clearer. Just spending money on great equipment hasn't turned me into a great photographer (I was one of those already!:lol: )

I try to do the minimum amount of post processing - 'cos I'm lazy! So the challenge for me is to get the composition right in camera. Most modern cameras will do a fine job of taking care of the exposure for you. The better you know your subject and equipment, the easier this will become - that means experience.

Kevin.

[danccooke]

By looking at your signature I guess you are like my father (who is a pro, traditionalist and sticks to film), basically it is the same you get people who can take photographs and people who take holiday snaps, I agree with Meilta's signature "It's all about the talent, not the equipment"

[PhotosGuy]

Learn your equipment so you don't have to think about what to do & how to do it. Learn your subject so you can anticipate what's going to happen next. Read everything above a few more times, & try to have some fun while you're working. ;-)

[tlutzenberger]

By looking at your signature I guess you are like my father (who is a pro, traditionalist and sticks to film), basically it is the same you get people who can take photographs and people who take holiday snaps, I agree with Meilta's signature "It's all about the talent, not the equipment"

Not so much by choice. If I could go out tomorrow and buy a 20D I would. But I've got a kid on the way and the money has to be spent elsewhere given I already have an adequate camera for what I do (amateur stuff).

[danccooke]

i am just purchasing an Canon EOS 50, i still like film. what i was saying, and sorry if it appeared harsh, was digital or film it is not down to the equipment. It is mainly down to ability and an eye for a shot, and that comes with practice, dogged determination and a smidgen of luck. unless your melita then there is a huge helping of luck....but thats another story. :)