Shooting Baseball - obsessed with backgrounds

A couple of years ago when I jumped back into shooting sports, my skills were rusty to say the least. But a very kind photographer who posts in this area on occasion was good hearted enough to give me some pointers that have helped a lot. One of those little lessons was to watch out for backgrounds. Well, I have taken that to extremes, and as I say above, I obsess trying to find that perfect angle to get that ultra clean shot. I finally found one that Durham Ball Park where the Durham Bulls and NCCU Eagles play their games that feels really good to me. My only change next time I shoot this angle will be to perhaps stop down a little more to get the throwing hand more in focus. But I like how this creates such a clean image.

I know it's not everyones style, and that is great because it would suck if we all shot the same way... but it's got the feel for what I am striving for. Of course it only took me all season to find this angle. Oh well.

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The difference between a good & great shot is often the BG .. this is an example of the latter.

A subtle bonus here is the colors .. green and magenta are opposite on the color wheel and add impact to the shot.

My only nitpik is the crop at bottom .. prefer either less or more but not right at the knees.
Mike

Now, that's a clean background. I'll keep this in mind and will look for similar angles... but I doubt that I can find one as nice as yours

What a clean, crisp background. I'm going to start paying a little more attention in my mind, although many times there is no choice and I take what I can get.

Very very nice shot.

Mark - Nice ... really nice! Another angle that yields a clean background is if you shoot the pitcher head on from down low so that the batter's eye is your background. This assumes that there are no billboards, TV cameras or other distractions there and that middle infielders aren't in the frame too.

I like it Mark... excellent if a publication wants to use the image as a 'cut out' - makes life very easy for them.

I dabbled with a similar high position for cricket but the effect isn't quite as good as the players are generally a good deal further away.

Jubbly.

---- Gavin

Thanks all.... it's all a work in progress... learn a little hear and there. Thanks for the advice as well.

Crackin' shot, Croasdail. Wish my camera setup could produce razor sharp images like this one. You could crop out the infield dirt to get even a cleaner background.

great shot, Mark. I can guess what seat you're in. Do you have an arrangement with the Bulls - they said they wouldn't let me bring in a long lens when I called.

Thanks guys....

David... I have not even spoken with the new team at the bulls this year. I am surprised they said that to you as in the in the past it has been a non-issue. I think if I were you I would just show up a little early with you camera in a bag and see what happens... I doubt you will have any isssues. A little don't ask, don't tell.

I am really bummed the big green score board is gone. The only manual board was kind of fun. The new one is just ho-humm. But the new video screens are nice...a big improvement.

Mark - Here are a couple of example pics from a game last night where I used the batter's eye for a clean background. The shooting position you'll be in isn't for the faint of heart though because you have to be down on your knees, very near and slightly to the rear of the catcher to get the shot. I don't set up for this shot unless I trust both the pitcher and catcher to do their jobs. Hope you don't mind my posting these images on your thread -- if so, tell me and I'll delete them.

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Not an issue Jerry, you're always welcome to add at will. I have used these angles as well, particulartly at Duke where the outfield is nice and clean. But the Bulls stadium has lots of advertisements out there, plus they had the place all torn up with the renovations going on. But yes, great example... post anytime you like.

VERY nicely done!

Thank you for sharing that!