Under Starters Orders

I don't really do this kinda thing.. So not used to fitness posing or editing really... But comments welcome..

IMAGE LINK: http://www.flickr.com …01056741@N02/12​191582485/

Like it.
I think it fits the title, and is different to the 'bum in the air' Set position.
For me, the fingers are a little too close to the edge of the frame, and the foor shadows indicate the light predominantly from camera left, leaving the RH side of her face dark.
Still well exposed and I like the contact with the camera.

I'm not a big fan of the backlight casting the shadows forward for this shot. I'd also like to see more fill on her face. Her strong cheek bones make the shadowed side of her face nearly disappear compared the lit side, making her appear lopsided.

Wish this was actually shot on location on a track. Her expression could be improved too, I think. I wish there was some intensity in her eyes as if she really was on the starting line.

This might be nitpicking but the rear foot is in the wrong position. After a couple of seasons watching my son race, this screams "wrong". Female athletes with long hair usually wear it in a pony tail, braided or in a bun behind their head, not off to one side. Agree with comments about the intensity of the expression also.

I see this as a good image of a cute model rather than a photograph showing a runner about to compete (as the title suggests). Sorry but its a miss for me.

GrendelKhan wrote in post #16645926
This might be nitpicking but the rear foot is in the wrong position. After a couple of seasons watching my son race, this screams "wrong". Female athletes with long hair usually wear it in a pony tail, braided or in a bun behind their head, not off to one side. Agree with comments about the intensity of the expression also.

I see this as a good image of a cute model rather than a photograph showing a runner about to compete (as the title suggests). Sorry but its a miss for me.

Hmmm good point.. I think the lack of a track is more of a giveaway though...

You might want to turn it into a composite. I had the same problem with mine so I went that route. Here is the result

I like the shot overall. The color is nice, I actually like all the shadows on the ground created by the lighting, and the post processing near perfect. While I'll agree with some of the other comments about the expression, the thing that stands out the most to me is her belly ring (I'm assuming that what it is). While I'm sure an actual athlete wouldn't be wearing a belly ring during competition, that's not my issue, I just find it distracting all together. The only other nit pick would be the contrast of her blue pants... I feel the crotch/bellybutton/lef​t thigh area could benefit from a little more contrast, maybe a few passes with the burn tool in PS would do it. It might just be my screen, but that area seems a bit faded..

Sorry to be so critical, but I wanted to share my $.02

Never tried a composite before ( I know right?!?!? ) So maybe that could be my answer..

ABrown, don't apologise... thank you very much... I really appreciate the comments... As I said.. I don't really do any fitness stuff.. So Comments to help me learn the craft are greatly welcome