Sport Photography Photo Critique
8 Seconds Can Be A Long Time!
by Caitlyn Smith
Views: 1250
Category: Sport Photography
Nikon D40
Lens: Telephoto: 50-200mm
ISO: 800
Flash: Built-in
Tripod: No
Description: I took this photo while watching the rodeo at the Calgary Stampede. I am an extreme see all >
I took this photo while watching the rodeo at the Calgary Stampede. I am an extreme amateur photographer, but am really pleased with how this turned out. The Bronc riding is a ridiculously fast event so I was happy to get this photo.
Photo Critique Summary
Subject of photo
10
Composition & Perspective
8
Focus
10
Use of camera, exposure & speed
9
Color & Lighting
7
Depth of field
9
General impression
9
Overall Rating
8.9
GuruShots Pro
Subject of photo:
10
Great fast action subject that takes skill to capture
Composition & Perspective:
8
I dont care too much for the perspective but I guess if you were in a grandstand this is the best you could get. In truth, shots like this are better from ground level. I like the way you have filled the frame and made a very good diagonal composition
Focus:
10
Focus is spot on
Use of camera, exposure & speed:
9
The image appears sharp in all areas so you have made use of a high shutter speed to freeze the shot. The background is sharp too so maybe an even faster shutter speed with a larger aperture would improve it.
Color & Lighting:
7
The colour is true to the scene but the image is very contrasty due to the bright sunlight. This has the effect of darkening the shadows and most of the visible side of the horse and rider are in shadow. To compensate for this you need to shoot a little over exposed.
Depth of field:
9
Fine, but as I said earlier, would like to see the background a little more out of focus
General impression:
9
For a novice, you have made a great capture here, filling the frame with subject, freezing the action and framing in a good composition. All in all this is a very good picture and you should give yourslef a pat on the back.
How to improve your photo
1.
Hi Caitlin, Freezing action is always difficult but in good sunny conditions like this, I would tend to use the widest aperture possible by using aperture preference on the camera settings (Usually AV) which would in turn give a very fast shutter speed. This has the effect of throwing the background out of focus.
2.
When shooting in harsh light and when particularly you are on the shadow side of the subject, compensate by allowing a half to one stop over-exposure and experiment. Always experiment.
3.
I am not a fan of a square frame, personally I like to see a distinct landscape or portrait format but with this image it works as square but that is very rare. Very good work all round. Congratulations.
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