Softball: First time in years

[bmurf]

So yesterday I went out and took some shots at my schools softball game, it was my first time shooting sports/action shots in a couple of years. I definitely need to work on getting shots focused and play w/shutter speeds and the aperture. It was also my first time trying to crop photos from the originals. I also did a lot of playing w/saturation and luminance as well as a little noise reduction. Let me know what you think.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2692/4488843236_c23b269e00_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4488185609_7cc1e20203_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4488825626_9a7453b858_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2765/4488828368_e6123271bc_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2680/4488194421_b29473d197_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4488200203_2ba1a2ac4a_b.jpg

[cstewart]

Brooks:
Lots of standing around and not a lot of action here. Try to capture key moments in action, more like pitcher in last shot (but use higher shutter speed to freeze motion blur more). Your 4th pic has focused on chain link fence (common AF issue) so try and minimize how much of it you get in shot by shooting tighter. I know its tough for softball (small field) but see if you can get into better shooting positions that allow closer focus on batters or infielders. And get lower! Looks like all your shots were from up in stands or slightly above field? Feel free to have a look at my baseball and softball galleries (http://christianjstewart.zenfolio.com/sports) for some ideas on what to shoot and such.

Cheers!

Chris

[pspwa]

Brooks:
Lots of standing around and not a lot of action here. Try to capture key moments in action, more like pitcher in last shot (but use higher shutter speed to freeze motion blur more). Your 4th pic has focused on chain link fence (common AF issue) so try and minimize how much of it you get in shot by shooting tighter. I know its tough for softball (small field) but see if you can get into better shooting positions that allow closer focus on batters or infielders. And get lower! Looks like all your shots were from up in stands or slightly above field? Feel free to have a look at my baseball and softball galleries (http://christianjstewart.zenfolio.com/sports) for some ideas on what to shoot and such.

Cheers!

Chris

Everything Chris said....:)

[bmurf]

Good points, I wasn't able to stay long so I didn't get a lot of shots. I'll be going out to the next game to see what I can do.

The AF did mess up a couple shots. I need to work more w/Manual.

[Harleypugs]

I would echo what what was said and add:

Watch your backgrounds better. Shoot tighter...much tighter and your horizons all look way off.

Keep at it!

Jon

[run53]

The AF did mess up a couple shots. I need to work more w/Manual.

I don't think the answer is going to be using Manual Focus. When people say to shoot Manual, they are referring to Manual Exposure. The AF will work just fine if you shoot tighter (get closer to your main subject) and really concentrate on your target. The larger the subject, the easier the AF system will be able to track it.

For moving subjects, you should be using the AI-Servo focus mode.

[cstewart]

I don't think the answer is going to be using Manual Focus. When people say to shoot Manual, they are referring to Manual Exposure. The AF will work just fine if you shoot tighter (get closer to your main subject) and really concentrate on your target. The larger the subject, the easier the AF system will be able to track it.

For moving subjects, you should be using the AI-Servo focus mode.

...and center point focus point or zone.

[bmurf]

Thanks for the tips. Definitely harder shooting live action than it is doing photoshoots w/cars.

[geoff5093]

What they said, and these would be nearly impossible for people to print unless they did a lot of cropping on their own, there is lots of extra space on the left and right that doesn't need to be there.