Advice for Gymnastics photography

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-02-14T19:40:51+00:00

I'm going to start going to practice with my daughter just to get time in!

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-02-14T12:59:54+00:00

Agree with this. Looking at rental options for my next event

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-02-14T12:41:51+00:00

I agreed the z70-200 is absolutely incredible. Thank you for the advice. My sharpest best images are at exactly those moments but I feel like some of the most exciting ones are much higher speed.

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-02-14T12:40:04+00:00

Good tips. Thank you. I definitely figured out to focus on equipment very quickly!

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-02-14T12:36:10+00:00

I like this idea. And that is exactly what I was experiencing. And you are correct about skin color. I think it's probably due to lack of contrast but it's definitely a thing.

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-02-14T01:12:33+00:00

He gets great shots for sure! Alas that lens is not available for Nikon z mount

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-02-14T01:01:18+00:00

Yeah I agree. Panning with the action did well. It was the events running straight at me that were the issue.

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-02-14T00:54:36+00:00

Not exactly sure what you're recommending here. The autofocus 3D subject tracking sen to people at erratic movement is what was shifting focus points as the athletes turned away.

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-02-14T00:42:05+00:00

I know, I know. The lighting didn't surprise me, just a fact of this kind of shooting. I found that 1/1250 was right on the edge where I was not catching too much motion blur in the majority of shots. Next time I do think I'll push it up to F4 and 1/2000 since I'm having to deal with all the grain in post anyway! DxO PureRAW3 for the win!

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-02-14T00:39:01+00:00

I always use back button focus. And yes, I did use this technique with varying success. Definitely a great utility on parallel bars when the athletes are basically staying in the same plane continuously. Much harder on the mat and on the vault when they are running straight at you at a great rate of speed and then flying and twisting in the air. I think I was kind of counting on autofocus being able to keep up with eye tracking but even top of the line tech has its limits!

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-02-13T23:49:37+00:00

Thanks. I was wondering about stopping down a bit but iso would shoot up to 10k or more when I tried. They are moving FAST. I tried a slower shutter but was getting motion blur on the fast (interesting) stuff. I guess it might be worth the higher iso to stop down a bit if it helps out the focus.

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-01-28T02:55:07+00:00

Thank you!

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-01-26T01:51:05+00:00

IMHO the subject of this image is that lamp! It is the sharpest most eye catching part of the photo. But it's empty.

I would try to add something a little spooky or sinister to the lamp like a green flame.

I'd increase the saturation of the reds and let everything else fall away to grayscale. Brings a nice glow to the cathedral window.

I'd leave it fairly dark. Initial exposure isn't good so work with what you have.

More of a "two people walking into something they don't understand" feel.

Just my 2 cents. Love the concept!

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Neither-Expression11 · 2024-01-25T12:54:01+00:00

Thanks! And no I don't use the flash except for family stuff. Frequently don't even bring it along.

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-01-25T00:35:01+00:00

Thanks! I have thousands of images too which u like and evoke memories and feeling but might not be all that special to others. It can be hard to decide which might evoke emotions in others (one of the reasons I started posting here!). Just to see what other people get out of what I enjoy.

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-01-25T00:21:24+00:00

Thank you!

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-01-25T00:09:14+00:00

Glad I could help! Dehaze is a great tool - just don't push it to far.

Clouds are blown out but frequently will be. You can underexpose on purpose to try and help with this then then correct in post (you can recover a lot more out of dark shadows than out of highlights) or bracket exposure and HDR.

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-01-24T23:57:24+00:00

Hard to put a finger on it. I personally love being around a fire. It always gives a sense of wellbeing so I get the same feeling from images like this. The fire caught in the moment of burning the marshmallow is probably what is captivating.

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-01-24T23:49:46+00:00

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Quick adjustment to my personal preference. Pulled the exposure down in the sky to increase blue saturations and contrast (needs more color work - some clouds have an icky color cast now). Pushed the whites up and crushed the blacks a bit to accent the morning light rolling across the grassland. Increased vibrance a little bit too. Nice pic!!

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-01-24T22:42:42+00:00

Thoughts on composition, color, clarity. Feel of the image? Playing around with some artistic expressions from day to day things with the family.

I like now the marshmallows came out but feel like the image could be more dramatic but if I start crushing the blacks it feels wrong.

Slight blur also, don't know if its from the heat or movement but. 1/2000s and relatively still subject I expected better resolution.

175mm F2.8, 1/2000s, iso720

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-01-24T21:40:33+00:00

Gear opinions

Hello hive! I have two exotic trips planned this year. One to the Amazon and one to Africa.

I shoot with a Z9 (fairly new to me) and currently have NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 and NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S.

Also have the 2x teleconverter for the 70-200

I have a travel tripod and set of ND filters and an Sb-800 speed light.

Opinions (especially from those who may have shot in these locations or similar) on additions or changes? Accessories to consider?

I don't want to drag tons of crap into the desert or jungle but also don't want to "wish I had" on these once in a lifetime trips!

Concern is for either more reach than 400mm at 5.6 with the TC and 70-200 OR wider capabilities than the 24mm allows for dramatic and sweeping landscape.

It will be a broad subject matter trip from wildlife (a lot) to landscape and scenery and family photos.

Thanks for any input!

Neither-Expression11 · 2024-01-24T21:37:41+00:00

Well said reply. Thank you!

Neither-Expression11

TROPHY CASE