crteach
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| p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · How the Sports Forum has helped - your thoughts? | |
I've been a member of FM for several years now. As I look back at those early years and see myself now, I realize how much being on the Sports Forum has helped me.
At first, I didn't do much posting - mostly just looking and learning (which I'm still doing!). Back then, I was teaching HS and taking photos for the yearbook. I remember one of the earlier photos I posted of a basketball player who was pushing the ball up the court in my direction. It was good focus, exposure, and SS. I thought it was pretty good and was excited with the capture, so I shared it here on FM along with a few other photos. One of the excellent shooters here on FM pointed out that the player had his head down on the ball, so you couldn't see his face. I responded jokingly that I had tried to call his name out and waved my hands to get him to look up (which, of course, I hadn't done since I had the camera in my hands and I would never try to distract a player!). But, that individual's comments had an impact on me - I need to do better as a photographer but I also need to be more selective in deciding what a good shot is and isn't.
I still have a lot to learn. I've moved up with my gear over the years - started with a 20D --> 40D --> 5D2 --> 5D3 + 7D2 --> two 5DIV + 7D2 --> R (for a gimbal) + two R6 + R5. Invested in good glass, too. Still making the shift to all RF glass (probably will never afford the RF 100-300 f2.8 but do have an EF 300 f2.8 vII). It's an investment, but better glass really pays off, IMHO. I tend to be about 1 generation behind the current stuff since I rarely buy new, but I feel like I have pretty good gear.
In terms of software, I've moved from Canon's DPP to LRC and am now using Topaz when needed (ex. sharpen, remove noise, etc.).
However, good gear and great software isn't everything. Patience, perseverance, and positioning have been key for me to get the right shot at the right time. Now that I've been retired for several years and have grandkids, I often take my gear to their sporting/dance events. There is no paid photographer for their rec or travel leagues. I take photos of the games and have been asked by the coaches to share with the them for player analysis (I convert everything to low rez jpgs and give them all the photos) and I also share with the families of players (I'll edit in LRC, cull, and convert to full size jpgs). I also take photos (and do video) of various events for local non-profits.
One of the important things I've learned from the Sports Forum is to be much more selective in what I post. You'll see the really good shooters have face, ball, action. I was so proud of that photo of the basketball player I mentioned before, but in looking back it was really not very good.
So, to summarize for me (and thank you for your patience in reading through all of this!), these are the major things I have learned from being a member of FM and being active on the Sports Forum:
1. Get faces in the shot (expressions matter!).
2. Get the ball in the shot (if applicable).
3. Get peak action.
4. Shoot tight, crop tight (but don't forget overall perspective).
5. Be very selective in what to share, but share!
6. Ask for C&C. If someone doesn't ask for C&C, don't give it (I need to pay attention to that better).
7. Learn from C&C - some of it I can take and learn, some of it I discard as not relevant.
8. I was a looker, become a commenter, and then start posting my own photos. I've tried to progress as a member!
In doing these things, I am trying to help create a forum where more people want to post and where I get better at photography.
Thanks for reading - I'd like to hear your thoughts on these ideas.
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