My T&I work has historically been with youth sports and I haven't shot swimming since I was in my first year of college. I have a new high school client this year, though, and went out to do some swimming T&I today.
I'm looking for constructive criticism on the image. Posing OK? Lighting? What can I do in the future to improve this?
Hmm... not sure on this. Something bothers be, but I'm not sure James. But, I don't have any other valid suggestions. It's just not what I'm used to seeing with swim T&I. Usually, I have seen them more full body.
James...regarding the chairs in the b/g...it gives it a "resort - on vacation type look). Regarding the shot....I like it for the individual. Most of the individual from swimming I've seen was mostly out of the water...but hey - nothing in the rule book saying it has to be this way or that way.
James Broome wrote:
Does it come across more as a portrait than a T&I shoot? If so, is that bad?
I think it might be the position of the arms that's bothering me. It almost looks like a sculpted bust shot and it just seems peculiar to me. The distorted reflection adds to the peculiarity. It's just not my cup of tea, but other opinions will differ.
Frank Lauri wrote:
Most of the individual from swimming I've seen was mostly out of the water...but hey - nothing in the rule book saying it has to be this way or that way.
Frank
It's funny that you say that, Frank. There actually *was* something in the rule book prohibiting this. A rule I wasn't aware of. No one is allowed in the water unless a life guard is on duty. I started these before the coach showed up so as to save some time with the shoot and lessen the time impact on practice. When he showed up, he had a fit.
I love the shot! I like the crop, the angle and the depth of field, but I have to agree about the chairs. I want to see starting blocks. I also like the reflection, because not all teammates share the same modesty. This seems a bit less revealing. I'm going to try this with my daughter's teammates. Please understand, this comes more from a swimdad than a swim photographer. My opinion is just that and can't compare with Paul's expertise. I just want to say that I like it a lot.
Can you talk to the lifeguard about showing up earlier, maybe paying them for that, in order to avoid any issues with the coach/practice time/etc?
Yup, those chairs distract. Also, that girl has a ring on. Just seems off.
The arms are too high, as per Paul's mention. Can you put a ladder/chair/anything under the water that they could stand on so as to have them a little higher out of the water, so their arms would fall lower and more natural?
The water reflection in front, also as per Paul. Again, distracting.
I love the shot! I like the crop, the angle and the depth of field, but I have to agree about the chairs. I want to see starting blocks. I also like the reflection, because not all teammates share the same modesty. This seems a bit less revealing. I'm going to try this with my daughter's teammates. Please understand, this comes more from a swimdad than a swim photographer. My opinion is just that and can't compare with Paul's expertise. I just want to say that I like it a lot.
Can you talk to the lifeguard about showing up earlier, maybe paying them for that, in order to avoid any issues with the coach/practice time/etc?
I'm planning on doing just that in the future. Great minds, I guess.
PShizzy wrote:
The arms are too high, as per Paul's mention. Can you put a ladder/chair/anything under the water that they could stand on so as to have them a little higher out of the water, so their arms would fall lower and more natural?
They're already standing on the biggest thing I have - which is pretty short. I wish I had something taller. If I do this again, I'll certain pick a shallower portion of the pool. The problem is the lane ropes are all in 4ft of water, so I wouldn't have them in the shallow end.
PShizzy wrote:
The water reflection in front, also as per Paul. Again, distracting.
Not sure how to get around that, though. I guess just change my angle to subject. I don't know. I'll have to work with it.
James... one thing I wanted to add before you go to print with whatever you decide... smooth out and level off the highlight on her forehead being created by the strobe. It's bringing emphasis to the acne she has up there and I would soften it up in post. I think it would be much more flattering for her.
James, I've done a few swim T&I's,. I like the lighting, BG looks a little busy, but that's bee covered.... My question are what products do you offer? If a magazine cover is in there, you've gotta leave room on top for text (if your product has it). Is this a girls team only? if there are boys, IMO, you ought to make sure they look ummm, ah.. "not naked".....sometimes the images may end up in the wrong hands.. or wrong place. I heard of some H2O polo photos a few years ago get screen grabbed and put on a not so ethical website...
