Frustrated First Football of the Year

[SwiftFootTim]

Well I got out last night and shot my first football game of the season. Turned out to be a frustrating event though, the refs informed me no flash would be allowed and we had to shoot from the track which put us 10 yards off the ball anyways. So I ended up heavily cropping out most of my shots. They turned out good enough for newspaper though so that's good I guess.

Anyone familiar with the new Michigan stand on the track rule? Hadn't heard of it yet, there's always been the 3 foot safety line though and that's fine.

I got three ones to show to you all and ask for some commentary. The first one was a shot of the QB with the WR in the foreground out of focus. I like the idea behind this, but my execution was lacking. This was heavily cropped to what I felt was the "best" representation on it. What do you all think, different angle, looser crop, too distracting with the WR in the foreground?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2577/3868912334_a5838e2b10_o.jpg

Next one I would've loved to have flash as it was near the endzone, a typical dead zone and I was behind the goal post. As a football coach myself, I love to see holes like this created, but I'm having a hard time removing myself from that feeling, would you mostly prefer a tight crop, or keep it loose like this to showcase the linemen blocking as well?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2637/3868916160_f4db8d1721_o.jpg

Finally, a shot of three of the stars and a coach shaking hands after the game, this is what I could've got with my flash! Argg...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3481/3868142403_d21d28bb21_o.jpg

Thanks for the comments and critiques, but please try to at least be positive, even if you want to rip my stuff to pieces! :lol:

[clarence]

The first one was a shot of the QB with the WR in the foreground out of focus. I like the idea behind this, but my execution was lacking. This was heavily cropped to what I felt was the "best" representation on it. What do you all think, different angle, looser crop, too distracting with the WR in the foreground?

How about even tighter?

[MikeFairbanks]

The above crop is really good.

[SwiftFootTim]

Clarence, I like that crop alot, going to have to go back and look at mine again to work it down to that. Still keeps the receiver in the foreground but more emphasis on the QB in that one. Thanks!

[pantherphotos]

Yeah, that crop is much better. I like the idea, and the angle of your shot, but there are many who will say you shouldn't have anything OOF in the foreground. Really, its just matter of opinion.

In the second image, a loose crop like that might work if there were any linemen actually blocking somebody. The 3 other players in the shot don't have their hands on anyone, so they really don't contribute to the picture. Plus, IMO, the stance of the ref almost looks like he is going to tackle the runner. I know he's not, but that's just how it looks to me. I would have cropped it down myself, since no one else in the image is actually contributing anything to the shot.

I would have been frustrated as well. Having to stand back on the track! Wow! I do have to say that your shots came out nice, especially considering they are, as you said, heavy crops.

[dave kadolph]

I'm credentialed to shoot OK conference-GR and lakeshore area--and the 3 foot rule was followed during our Friday night opener and flash was allowed.

This is the first that I've heard of the "new" rule.

I work with a MHSAA referee--I'll find out more and report back.

[Magic 24]

Anyone familiar with the new Michigan stand on the track rule? Hadn't heard of it yet, there's always been the 3 foot safety line though and that's fine.

I haven't heard this yet!:cry: I'm back behind the six foot line but think that's too far...guess I need to get the big 300mm. Shot these Thurs with 70-200 2.8 L with 1.4x TC.

[SwiftFootTim]

Thanks for the tips and encouragement all. I'm thinking the ref was misunderstanding the track rule as I've spoken to our Superintendent, AD, and head coach, none of them had heard of the track rule. The 3 foot rule is heavily enforced, but that always has been and should be IMO.

Looking forward to next Friday night though, hoping for some bright sunny skies at the start so I can pull out my 300 f/4. If not, I think I'll be using my new 580 EX II for sure, it sure brightens up the field better than my 430.