A few MX shots...first time

Ok, here are a few shots from Milestone MX this past Sunday. I was only out there for about 15 min. or so just trying to get a few test shots. Then I had get back out there and ride... .

I was talking to another guy out there taking pics and he gave me a few pointers...like looking at the histogram, what ISO and shutter speed he was using.

I'll try and take more next time.

C & C welcome, I know ther not the best shots. For PP I just did some sharpening and cropping.

Here are a few pics...

1.

#3, #4 and #5 are your best action shots. However slow down your shutter speed and pan. You will achieve motion blur on the wheels which will convey speed and you will blur the BG so the Rider will "pop"in your capture. The other photos are okay, but look very static...the riders look slow or even stationary. Keep an eye on your exposure. I should point out that your focus is pretty decent. Nice work for your first time.

Make sure you watch your backgrounds when shooting MX. Try to get in close and get the eyes in the shot. Also try some panning with a slow shutter.

Thanks for the C&C...

I will slow down the shutter speed next time.

As for the background, I'll have to watch out for that. I had several other shots that I think where ok but the background pretty much ruined it. I was getting flaggers right behind the rider, etc.

Like this one...

Try shutter at 1/250 and as you get the knack of panning, slow it down even more. Be careful of the location of the sun, it will mess with your exposure everytime. Try shooting manual...its not as hard as you may believe.

Although I haven't shot MX myself, a blurred background will definitely give the feeling of speed. I'm gunna try and go with a buddy of mine this weekend to get some MX shots so I'll keep the slower shutter speed in mind

1/250th is too slow most of the time, but if you can get it to work, great. most of the magazine shooters run much higher shutter most of the time. unfortunately for most of us, we don't get to shoot pro riders who always look dynamic, but the reality is that the riders in shots 1, 2, and 6 are just slow, and it's very difficult to make them look fast with the camera!

wp.