First soccer game

I may have found a new joy - sports photography! My first soccer game was a real challenge since I don't know the sport at all. With a bit of coaching from the sidelines and a fellow photographer I got a couple of keepers.

As always, comments and suggestions welcome.

That is some major vertical on the first picture.. I hope he plays basketball also!

second one needs to be fixed horizontally and they both need to be cropped tighter but the action is good.

Wow, Dave...these are some great action shots. I shoot my grandson's soccer games but 6 year olds just don't come off the ground very far

Thanks Maureen - it was a learning experience but a ton of fun. This was a league of junior/senior high but not a school league? Not sure of the designation but they were quite good. The ball handling was amazing to my untrained eyes. I get another shot at them Saturday, weather permitting.

canonnoob wrote in post #8732120
second one needs to be fixed horizontally and they both need to be cropped tighter but the action is good.

Thanks canonnoob - I straightened #2. Cropping has presented a problem as I'm trying to maintain 2x3. Would you not normally be concerned with the format in favor of a tighter crop?

I like the images, butI think you have"missed" what soccer is all about with these 2.

Titus213 wrote in post #8732464
Thanks canonnoob - I straightened #2. Cropping has presented a problem as I'm trying to maintain 2x3. Would you not normally be concerned with the format in favor of a tighter crop?

I rarely worry about it, unless someone orders an 8x10. Then i will reupload the file.

Dave, I agree with Dave, don't worry about the aspect ratio ( a standard 5X4 would probably even work). I often use the Maxpreps ratio of 2166x1600. It works quite well for most size prints as long as you leave just a little room around the edges.

The images are very nice captures. Obviously, your whites are pretty hot in the first but you can deal with that in post if needed. On the second, I'd probably use both the shadow and highlight sliders to lightly tweak things as I think you could tone down the highlights and lift the shadows slightly. Otherwise, great work out of the gate and glad to hear you enjoyed shooting sports!

Thanks Dave and Scott, I found the challenge terrific and will definitely take your suggestions. Based on the weather forecast my next attempt will be under cloudy conditions at best.

24alpha wrote in post #8732575
I like the images, butI think you have"missed" what soccer is all about with these 2.

OK - could you explain for me please?

Titus213 wrote in post #8733956
Thanks Dave and Scott, I found the challenge terrific and will definitely take your suggestions. Based on the weather forecast my next attempt will be under cloudy conditions at best.

pray for clouds Dave. IMO, there's nothing better for shooting sports, its like a giant softbox in the sky!

24alpha wrote in post #8732575
I like the images, butI think you have"missed" what soccer is all about with these 2.

Yes, please elaborate.

I think what Alpha is saying is he needs to see more shots of players standing around playing at midfield instead of action happening? Since that's where 90% of the game seems to take place unless one team is a lot better than the other? Just asking since I'm confused also.

I like the colors on both of them and agree after being critiqued myself to crop tighter. It was awkward at first and still is but in sports less is more! Nice action, and just a guess as to how you

24alpha wrote in post #8732575
butI think you have"missed" what soccer is all about with these 2.

These are not the typical soccer shots you might see in a magazine or what not. Just a guess.