Can I get some constructive criticism on a few of my favorite action shots please.
I am brand new to the dslr and really only have a few years of high school 35mm photography class under my belt. So pretty much I'm brand new to this game.
With that being said... I bought a D80 a few days ago and on my second day with the camera I hit the local skate park for a few hours. I shot about 400 pictures and kept about 6. Hows that for a trash ratio. Man I love digital... it almost feels like cheating.
So if you don't mind taking a look at a few of my pictures and giving me some feedback. Thanks a bunch guys. Ryan
#3 works best as an action shot. #2 is more about "the picture" than the action in the picture. Too arty.
Posting EXIF data would help.
In general, you might try using less DOF (larger aperture) to soften the background and/or use a slower shutter speed with suitable panning to imply a sense of motion (background blurred, wheels spinning, etc.)
#1 would have benefited greatly from some fill flash as well as reduced DOF so that the background is less prominent than the subject.
How do I post the exif data? More importantly how do I include it in the picture? I used CS2 to add the border and rotate but that is all that I did to the pictures. Then I saved it as a JPEG and posted it. If its a long drawn out process just let me know and I will google it. I'm so new to this photoshop stuff my head is spinning.
#1, fill flash.... would the stock D80 flash have helped? Or do I need an aftermarket flash? (I was a little reluctant to use the flash just because I was not sure it would help and I also did not want to blind anyone)
I agree on #2... I was getting to fancy.
#3, if the wheels were spinning and the background was not in focus would that have been best? It almost seems like I stopped the action to much....
Got to get back out and practice... thanks again for the help. Ryan
The stock flash would work for fill. Dial in -1 to -2 flash exposure and it would lift the shadows for you. Fill flash is one of those thigns that really require a lot of trial and error. The settings vary depending on how much fill is needed.
OK thanks for the tips.... your right about trial and error. I think it might head out to the skate park this weekend and just try shooting into the sun with different flash options... maybe I can get 7 out of 400. Thanks, Ryan
I also like the second. Really plays the angles, height well.
I agree with Alan's other suggestions. Like the ange you are trying to capture in the first. Last is too centered for me.
I really like the angles on number two. Throwing it on a white background like that gives it the look of something printed in a magazine. The only problem I see is that the bike gets a little lost in the fence behind it.
Man I love digital... it almost feels like cheating. 
