Rush of Adrenolinby
BAMartinComment: From the critique club:
First: I was impressed with the dynamics of this image along with the selection of the good sky background. This sort of image presents a lot of challenges to capture. The main problem is the focus. Of course, 125th of a second will allow for too much error. That is, the image will be moving withing that time frame and this will prevent sharp focus. A shot on a swing is easier because it comes to a dead stop at the height of each swing. One can just prefocus on these extremes and then shot even at 125. In this case, a higher shutter speed was required to get a sharper image. I am, of course assuming that you have addressed the focus part.
Also consider the exposure. The burnt out parts of the pants have gone from blue to white.
In reading the comments some even suggested a desire to see the face. This becomes important only if the viewer feels that something is lacking with the image. In short, had this image been sharper and better exposed, it would have scored much, much higher exactly as posed.
Now, please do not feel disturbed about the string of negative comments. You took care of the most important part and that is the composition and even the capture with feet curled so. The minor weakness can serve a lesson to make the next image outstanding. Always consider these elements: Is the lighting too harsh to yield the best image. If so, can it wait for an earlier or later time. If there is no choice then do all in your power to capture a sharp image, unless you seek the opposite. This means favoring the speed over the f stop.
Since the body is paralell to the camera then a wider aperture would not hurt. This problem would have been solved by shooting at 500 5.6.
The important thing is that you have a good eye for what makes a good image. Believe me, this is the hardest quest to achieve. You have it. I can see it by looking at your port. The rest is simply a minor matter of specialize knowledge. Action shots are a law unto themselves. The shutter speed must always be enough to stop the action. Of course, there are times where we do not want a sharp image to complement the speed, but I think that in this case it was required.
Personally, I like the image but oh, how greater would it have been if the focus were more favorable. The better focus would have even made the harsh light more forgivable.
Pusuit these kind of images with a new state of mind and make yourself determined to work out the simple mathematics. An easy way is to put your camera on aperture priority when thinking about dof and speed or shutter priority when doing action. Here you want the highest that will not compromise the focus. If the image is parallel then go down all the way. If the image is at an angle to the plane of the lens then you want to find the delicate balance between speed and aperture openning.
Photographer found comment helpful.
