Division I College Basketball C & C Please

http://www.sportsactio​ndigital.com …31_4amta#114912​6033_eFwiR

My first foray into this world, any thoughts, comments, critique would be appreciated.

Thanks

It looks like you did a bit of PP and nosise reduction when looking at the full size shots. That's ok for small pictures on a website but nothing bigger.

I would like the exposure a little hotter. Maybe it's just the arena giving a dark look.

Did the NCAA give you permission to use these images for non-editorial resale? I'd change that on your Smugmug.

1) All the shots are underexposed. I see you're already pushing the limits, but try bumping the SS down to 1/640.

2) I'm still a big proponent of zooming in tight, even if it means cropping off limbs. Try using only your 70-200 for near basket shots and your 300 for shots from across the court. Your keeper rate will probably go down, but the ones you do get will be much better. It'll also help compress the background and hide the empty seats better.

3) Overall the action is lacking. There's only a couple of shots that stand out, and I think zooming in will help you get more dynamic shots.

4) If you're not already, try sitting down when taking shots. The upward angle will also help with creating a dynamic feel. You seem to have found the most common angles already, but another one you can try is on the sideline directly across from where the teams sit.

5) Be sure to pay attention to the sidelines as you'll periodically get some very expressive shots (i.e., a coach yelling at the ref or chastising a player). The shots you have of the coach are a good start.

#25 looks like you caught another camera's flash going off just when you pulled the trigger!

Overall, the action is pretty good. Great focus, WB looks good. They just look a tad dark on my monitor. Personally, I think the angles are pretty good. Sitting near the intersection of the baseline and sideline (if you can get there) is a pretty good spot to shoot from your knees or butt.

dave

definitely don't need 1/1000 for hoops could help out at least 1/800 if not going all the way to 1/640. #23 is the one I like best of the group.. even with little action I like the crop and defense stance

Thanks for all of the comments, they are very helpful. A couple of questions.

I reviewed the work of a number of photographers. What I have seen is minimum shutter speed of 1/800-1/1000. That was my basis for 1/1000, I will try 1/800. Do you really think that 1/640 will work?

Exposure, I thought that my skin tones came out with my exposure and that the darkness of the background is OK. So the consensus is to lighten it all up a bit?

I did shoot from the seated position. Anywhere from baseline halfway between the basket and the corner and just around the corner.

I did use noise reduction in processing. Would you not do this shooting at ISOs like 4000-5000?

slimenta wrote in post #11597474
Thanks for all of the comments, they are very helpful. A couple of questions.

I reviewed the work of a number of photographers. What I have seen is minimum shutter speed of 1/800-1/1000. That was my basis for 1/1000, I will try 1/800. Do you really think that 1/640 will work?

Exposure, I thought that my skin tones came out with my exposure and that the darkness of the background is OK. So the consensus is to lighten it all up a bit?

I did shoot from the seated position. Anywhere from baseline halfway between the basket and the corner and just around the corner.

I did use noise reduction in processing. Would you not do this shooting at ISOs like 4000-5000?

Sli - I've shot NCAA hoops at 1/640s and even NBA at 1/800s. No big deal. I didn't have to time to review all your shots...maybe later...or choose your favorite 4 or 5 and post here.

Jigglypuff wrote in post #11592042
1) All the shots are underexposed. I see you're already pushing the limits, but try bumping the SS down to 1/640.

2) I'm still a big proponent of zooming in tight, even if it means cropping off limbs. Try using only your 70-200 for near basket shots and your 300 for shots from across the court. Your keeper rate will probably go down, but the ones you do get will be much better. It'll also help compress the background and hide the empty seats better.

3) Overall the action is lacking. There's only a couple of shots that stand out, and I think zooming in will help you get more dynamic shots.

4) If you're not already, try sitting down when taking shots. The upward angle will also help with creating a dynamic feel. You seem to have found the most common angles already, but another one you can try is on the sideline directly across from where the teams sit.

5) Be sure to pay attention to the sidelines as you'll periodically get some very expressive shots (i.e., a coach yelling at the ref or chastising a player). The shots you have of the coach are a good start.

Solid advice.

slimenta wrote in post #11597474
Thanks for all of the comments, they are very helpful. A couple of questions.

I reviewed the work of a number of photographers. What I have seen is minimum shutter speed of 1/800-1/1000. That was my basis for 1/1000, I will try 1/800. Do you really think that 1/640 will work?

Exposure, I thought that my skin tones came out with my exposure and that the darkness of the background is OK. So the consensus is to lighten it all up a bit?

I did shoot from the seated position. Anywhere from baseline halfway between the basket and the corner and just around the corner.

I did use noise reduction in processing. Would you not do this shooting at ISOs like 4000-5000?

Here's a sample shot at 1/500 (cropped, WB, and de-noised only) . Admittedly there is some motion blur near the hands, but everything else is fine.

The sample is also along the lines of what I'd consider proper exposure, although I'll also admit that it's a hair overexposed. I'm not sure how accurate and bright the 1DIV display is, but learn to start trusting your histogram instead of relying on the preview. I set the exposure such that the highlights are actually slightly clipped.

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I think you can get away with 1/500 even easier if you're shooting head on (under the basket at the players) and not notice as much of the blur you do from the side.

How about this?

OK, I took the feedback and tried to do better. Shot the first half of a game last night. I shot at 1/800 and on a couple did get some hand blur but otherwise OK. Tried to do better with exposures and context, thoughts would be appreciated. I did shoot low, either on a stool or the ground. Would also be interested in thoughts regarding best positioning. Should it be half way between the corner and the basket or as I did a little bit on the side next to the baseline. That allowed for my face with players driving to the basket from the opposite side.

http://www.sportsactio​ndigital.com …18_72aqP#115136​0627_tva3N

Steven - Too many images in that gallery to provide detailed C&C. Pick your favorite 6-8 or so and post here. You will find you'll get WAY better participation and input if you post within the forum rather than expecting people to visit another site and wade through 42 images..unless you're just looking for "great shots" comments.

Dennis, wouldn't want you to have to wade through too many. And why would I look for "great shot" with the prior feedback? At any rate, here are some images.

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And more

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You wanted 6, here you go

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