I had about a half hour to shoot some tennis for the first time. I found it very challenging and just when I was even thinking about getting into any kind of groove I had to go, but here's the take for your feedback. I'm trying to get better so all input is greatly appreciated. All shot with a 30D and the 135/2.

I really struggled to find a good spot that didn't have a really distracting background. I also find that there isn't very much bokeh even though I was shooting at f/2 - probably the fact the the subject and background were a lot closer to each other than they were to me.

1. ISO 200 - 1/4000s @ f/2.0

I also have a question ... do tennis actions photos always have to have the ball in the frame? I had some other that were nice looking but no ball and I'm not sure if those should be automatic discards or what? Getting the ball in the frame in tennis seemed like one of the few times the 30D's frame rate just wasn't cuttin it.

The one thing I look at in all my stick and ball sports is:
#1 Ball
#2 Face
#3 no amputated body parts.
that's just me. But that is my goal in sports shooting.

Pretty nice for your first time. I think there may be some red fringing on #6 on that white shirt.
In response to your question, I don't think you need the ball in the shot for it to work. But you really need to experiment yourself and see what you think.

Reaction shots. Follow throughs. Wind ups. Shots of a player running. Certain parts of the serve sequence. And other shots won't have any ball but may work. Of your shots, #4 would work for me without the ball if it were much tighter on the player.

I've got a lot of shots in my galleries with no ball in it. I happen to like the one of Federer in gallery #2, photo #1. No ball but they say he "glides" across the court and that's what I was trying to show.

www.proTennisPhotos.com

TT, those are some pretty sweet shots. Do you have any recommendations on shooting positions: near the net, at the corners, low / high? Does it just depend on the background you'll end up with?

I notice that you're shooting exceptionally fast shutter speeds, and low ISO.

Do you change the exposure in PP, or is it just easier to have really fast shutter speeds, and low ISO in daylight? (i've not had a good chance to shoot in those conditions).

In picture number 2, it looks like the one guy from CSI (the guy on the right).

So here are some shots that didn't have the ball in them but based on TT's feedback maybe they're ok. What do you guys think?

8.

No the exposure's just what I was getting outdoors in sunny southern arizona and yeah that guy does kind look like CSI Nick Stokes ... kinda funny

So basically, I need to get the heck outside and start taking pictures when we get some sun!

I don't think there is some ideal position.Just depends on what you are after.
And, yes, I think you have to watch your backgrounds especially with the pros some lines person or ball kid will otherwise ruin a decent shot.

Of the second batch, I like #9 very much. The way you see the eyes. Good height on that serve too.
#10 I call the nose hair shot (level with the head and shooting right into the nose). I'm not a fan of it but people seem to shoot it.
Obviously less DOF always helps any of these type of shots because of the fence. Thank you for sharing them.

Thanks for the comments. Not sure what to do about the DOF, I'm at f/2 as it is with the 135mm - I could go to an 85/1.8 and try to get closer I suppose but I'm not sure it'll help. I guess I'll just try it next time to see the difference.

Edited by cm0rris0n on Jan 27, 2008 at 09:03 PM GMT

It's probably for the reason you said. Maybe shoot them more when they are on your side of the court so there is more separation with the background.
Also maybe less to do with the f/2.0 then the 135. I don't think you will like using an 85/1.8 for tennis. Try something longer. A 200 or 300.

Ball vs No Ball - The question is what are you trying to show. If you are showing tennis action, then try to get the ball. If you are taking a shot of a tennis player, then maybe not so important.

To my untrained eye these are great shots Christopher - very enjoyable to view.
David

I'd say these are pretty good considering it was your first time and you only shot for a half hour. The ball doesn't always have to be in the shot. #6, a reaction shot, is a good example of a shot that doesn't need a ball in it. Unfortunately, this particular shot is out of focus. One thing you did which I think is a good idea is to try to shoot serves from a high vantage point. Also, you did a good job getting relatively uncluttered backgrounds which can be tough at non-professional venues.