Gymnastics (my first attempt)

[auspicgal]

Well as I said, I headed out to a gymnastics competition and had a go at shooting. I didn't focus a whole lot on action ... action shots if you know what I mean but I still managed to get a few I was quite pleased with.

Again, any feedback or tips would be appreciated. Will definitely give this sport another go soon.

http://www.gymn-oz.net/australiavchina/images/cfei-011.jpg

http://www.gymn-oz.net/australiavchina/images/cmcdonnell-004.jpg

http://www.gymn-oz.net/australiavchina/images/hwright-007.jpg

http://www.gymn-oz.net/australiavchina/images/hwright-015.jpg

http://www.gymn-oz.net/australiavchina/images/jwebb-012.jpg

http://www.gymn-oz.net/australiavchina/images/cfei-001.jpg

http://www.gymn-oz.net/australiavchina/images/mhernandez-009.jpg

http://www.gymn-oz.net/australiavchina/images/mrusso-002.jpg

Well there you go :) I had a really good time and got better photos than I thought I would!

[markdigirolamo]

These are great shots, can you tell us what lens and settings you worked at.
Thanks

Mark

[Wrench]

Quite a few very nice shots. Just two notes of constructive criticism if you don't mind;
First would be to fill the frame with the subject a bit more. Second is tough since you can't control your settings too much, but try to position yourself where the background of your shot isn't so "busy". It's hard to do sometimes. Just my $.02

[auspicgal]

Quite a few very nice shots. Just two notes of constructive criticism if you don't mind;
First would be to fill the frame with the subject a bit more. Second is tough since you can't control your settings too much, but try to position yourself where the background of your shot isn't so "busy". It's hard to do sometimes. Just my $.02

I expected these kinds of comments. I had to shoot from the stands so it isn't always easy to avoid having a busy background. I suppose I could have sat more to the side of the beam and shot with the black cutain that was at the end of the stadium.

In answer to the first question: these photos were shot with Canon eos20D and my Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L lense. I set the camera on AV mode set on 2.8 and only used the central AF point. I am still not certain what is best when it comes to sports with regards to the AF points.

Thanks for the feedback. Will definitely give me something to think about when setting up in future.

[Poster Of U]

The only thing I would say is fill the shot more with the action, already noted and if you can shoot from the floor, already noted. The change in angle would make much better pictures I think, and that is my $.02 I would set it to the center AF point but I would set the back button on the camera as focus button so it can lock and not change when you use the shutter button. On the 10 D you use the custom function and change # 4 to AE lock/AF, then your focus button becomes the * on the back of the camera and you use your thumb to focus and index for shutter release. This way you can focus on the subject with the center point and lock it the move the subject to either side of the frame or leave it in the middle and it will still be in focus. If this helps great, and if not I am sorry for confusing you. Oh yeah great shots

[auspicgal]

Thanks for the tip. Will definitely have a play with the camera and see if I can work that out!

[DxHatchback]

excellent shots

i really wish i could afford the 2.8 :(

[KartGirlsMom]

Great sheep jumps. Those are very hard to catch at the apex! Congrats.

[Croasdail]

Considering you were shooting from the stands.... and had all the factors that come with that - I think the shots turned out great. Good color, crisp... they look good.

[Actionphotog]

Nice shots, photos turned out great...and I know you know it's coming...BUT.... I have to agree with Wrench, try to position yourself so the background of your shots are not so busy. Having said that I know how hard that is sometimes.

[stlsprtsmom]

Wow! Your first attempt at gymnastic photos was AWESOME!! Mine, unfortunately was not nearly as successful. I too am shooting with a 20D and using a Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L USM IS and tried using the AV mode with 2.8 aperture. Unfortunately, I was still not able to perfectly stop the action of the shots or keep them at a good lighting or clarity. What am I doing wrong?? I have had both the camera & lens for only 1 month and am still in the learning stages.

My daughter is a Level 9 gymnast and my son in his Senior year of his high school hockey. I so desperately would like to capture pictures of both of them before they graduate. Any advice as to exposure compensation, shutter speed, ISO, metering mode, anything at all would GREATLY be appreciated.

[Andy_T]

Auspicgal,

indeed, these are very impressive pictures :D

Thanks for sharing!

Best regards,
Andy

[malla1962]

Very good captures.:D:D

[rklepper]

Great shots. Thanks for sharing.