I finally found some time to try my 300 f/2.8 IS for hockey. My buddy coaches his daughters hockey team and asked me to take some photos. These were taken from the bench with my 5d3 and 300 f/2.8 IS I. I had fun and am looking for tips and tricks for improving.
Thanks,
One and five are your best shots IMO. The others are either too loosely cropped (2) or too tight (3). You could even crop #1 tighter by removing some of the dead space above her
Having the puck in the shot adds to the picture tremendously as in 1. When it isn't in the shot, there should be either a really nice portrait or some other compelling action.
Also, looking at #3 you can see that the focus is on the knee rather than the face. Do you use the orientation sensitive AF points with the 5DIII? If not, I would suggest practicing with it (and get the grip if you plan on shooting a lot of sports...it is a must have for sports shooting) because in hockey there is usually enough contrast in the helmet for the focus to lock on. Place the AF point on the helmet and keep it there. surrounding expansion points can help too.
The first image is very nice. Well done.
Keep Shooting,
Peter
While I tend to be a believer in tight crops, I actually like #2 a lot with the loose crop because you've nailed focus on your subject amidst the chaos that likely characterizes hockey at this level. I also like #5--a puck on her stick sure would have added to it.
Hi All..Thanks for the feedback
I do agree with Peter’s comments. #1 and 5 were my favourites as well, in fact I made 8x10 prints of these for my friend. I do use a grip but need to practice focusing on moving subjects.
I’m going to take these pointers and try to get out again soon.
