Anyone got any photo question?

squid48
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Elverta, CA, USA
1/16/2008 5:10pm
Dear Photo God(Paul),

Any tips of tricks to shooting alot of clear images under cloudy, hazey, and cold conditions? I usually always shoot clear pictures, but since winter has started, my quality of photos has gone waayyyy down! I have been blaming the conditions for the blurryness. But im starting to wonder if im just getting cold fingers?
1/16/2008 7:42pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:04pm
[quote="squid48":2run1f6h]Dear Photo God(Paul),

Any tips of tricks to shooting alot of clear images under cloudy, hazey, and cold conditions? I usually always shoot clear pictures, but since winter has started, my quality of photos has gone waayyyy down! I have been blaming the conditions for the blurryness. But im starting to wonder if im just getting cold fingers?[/quote:2run1f6h]

What's cold? Do you mean 40ºs or 4º? I remember shooting Winter X with Tony Scavo a couple years ago in Aspen. We were on top of the TV tower and it was snowing hard enough that they had to stop practice. Our cameras were covered with snow. Man it was cold up there.

The same principals apply whatever the temperature is, give the camera a moment to focus, don't mash the shutter and maybe bump up the ISO a bit to give you some extra depth of field.
squid48
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Elverta, CA, USA
1/16/2008 9:48pm
Well im a panzy when it comes to being cold... id rather sit in phoenix in 115 degree weather that sit in the snow. Ill try bumping up the ISO... Just a lot of my shots the rider was out of focus but the background was in focus... like maybe the depth was too deep? is that possible? haha.
1/17/2008 6:27am
If the rider's out of focus, the depth of field wasn't too deep. The camera was just focused on the background.

The Shop

1/17/2008 10:39am
Yeah make sure that a focus point stays on a part of the bike or rider. If it goes off him and suddenly sees a tree in the background guess what's going to be sharp?
bspeed
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Van Alstyne, TX, USA
1/17/2008 2:52pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:04pm
may I add, for Nikon guys..
beware of using a wide area focus coupled with dynamic AF.
it will "jump" AF if the camera sees a better contrasty area next to the rider.
"lost' an awesome Maico "cross up" shot that way. <img class= " title="Sad"> ...to the tree in the background!!
409
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Charlotte, NC, USA
1/17/2008 3:13pm
Hey Stefan..

I had the 17-40 for a few years before it was stolen and I really liked it. Paul's right about the autofocus of f/4 versus f/2.8 so when I upgraded I went with the f/2.8 24-70, which I really like also. I did not opt for the 17-40 or the 16-35 because my new camera is a full size sensor and the 16/35 is too wide for those cameras, imo. If you get that fleet of 20Ds you were talking about the 17-40 is a good choice. Good luck!

Roddy
bmizar
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1/17/2008 7:44pm
If you buy 10 24-70 lenses maybe 2 will be good. When you find a good copy of that lens you get amazing shots but until you do that lens just sucks.

Get the new 16-35 II for your 20D but if you are on a full frame sensor that 16-35 II is really wide and might not be what you want.

If you are shooting mostly outdoors check out the 24-105 f/4. It is nice and sharp and can be had for around $850 if you look hard enough.
DG154
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USA
1/26/2008 9:23am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:05pm
hey paul,
i was wondering if you could give me some advice on my shots. I have been shooting with a 20D and 70-200 2.8L. i have attached some photos from the summer, and a few non-moto related photos, any advice would be wonderful. Also i will be shooting some indoor arenacross races in the up coming weekends. i have not shot indoors before and any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Deon
[img:294diea6]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/yamirider321/Untitled-1copy-1.jp…]
[img:294diea6]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/yamirider321/IMG_7119.jpg[/img:2…]
[img:294diea6]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/yamirider321/IMG_7112.jpg[/img:2…]
[img:294diea6]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/yamirider321/IMG_7091.jpg[/img:2…]
[img:294diea6]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/yamirider321/IMG_7023.jpg[/img:2…]
[img:294diea6]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/yamirider321/IMG_7224.jpg[/img:2…]
[img:294diea6]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/yamirider321/IMG_7233.jpg[/img:2…]
[img:294diea6]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/yamirider321/IMG_7341.jpg[/img:2…]
[img:294diea6]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v233/yamirider321/IMG_7444.jpg[/img:2…]
bmizar
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USA
1/26/2008 3:02pm
Working on your composition will be your best thing to do right now. Google the rule of thirds and try to apply that to your shooting.
bmizar
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1/26/2008 3:21pm
I have a question for TOE. That RC whip shot that you posted on MT is spectacular. How did you meter for that? The exposure is amazing on it. A ton of your stuff seems so perfectly exposed like right on the button good.
DG154
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1/26/2008 4:24pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:05pm
[quote="bmizar":2g09dv35]Working on your composition will be your best thing to do right now. Google the rule of thirds and try to apply that to your shooting.[/quote:2g09dv35]
yeah i have photos that apply that. i guess i wasn't really thinking when i posted those, i just chose the first couple i saw on my iphoto. thanks though
jbomx363
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Denham Springs, LA, USA
1/27/2008 10:24am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:05pm
[quote:2h5j7pad]A ton of your stuff seems so perfectly exposed like right on the button good[/quote:2h5j7pad]
Strobes definately help! Good light is key. TOE's stuff is mind blowing everytime I look at it. Even his outdoor LL stuff is got that "wow" factor to it. Def. the best or one of the best in the biz.
1/28/2008 7:06pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:05pm
[quote="DG154":38svxsqe]hey paul,
i was wondering if you could give me some advice on my shots. I have been shooting with a 20D and 70-200 2.8L. i have attached some photos from the summer, and a few non-moto related photos, any advice would be wonderful. Also i will be shooting some indoor arenacross races in the up coming weekends. i have not shot indoors before and any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Deon
[/quote:38svxsqe]
You can try using an off center focus point, that will help the composition but might hurt sharpness since the outer points don't have the same performance as the center.

Also watch the exposure when shooting against the sky esp on a white overcast day.

I know I have some indoor shooting tips in this thread, just flip back a few pages, it looks like they've been working out pretty well for a few guys.
squid48
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Elverta, CA, USA
1/29/2008 6:33pm
Hey Paul, What kind of classes would you reccomend taking in college for someone like me who would like to do this for a living? Im heading to college next year and have no idea what classes to take. I want to do this photo deal for life, but i dont know if i have the talent to make a living doing it. I definately want to try.

Also how many other photographers have 2nd jobs? Because i know weddings and portraits are what pay the bills but is shooting sports anywhere in that ball park?
1/30/2008 5:21am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:06pm
[quote="squid48":33dja8dn]Hey Paul, What kind of classes would you reccomend taking in college for someone like me who would like to do this for a living? Im heading to college next year and have no idea what classes to take. I want to do this photo deal for life, but i dont know if i have the talent to make a living doing it. I definately want to try.

Also how many other photographers have 2nd jobs? Because i know weddings and portraits are what pay the bills but is shooting sports anywhere in that ball park?[/quote:33dja8dn]

I'd take some art and design classes as well as the usual photography courses but I'd also take some business classes too. Sports is a tough market to make a living at since everyone wants to do it for fun and sometimes they'll do it for free just to get on the track or the field or the court.

I went to the Art Institute of Boston for advertising and design and only minored in photography all the rest has been self taught by trial and error plus reading a lot of books.
2/2/2008 2:51am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:07pm
Paul great shots on EXPN.com in Leyba's blog!

It looks as if you used a strobe or some sort of off camera lighting. Care to explain??
[img:2tmo4x93]http://expn.go.com/07/motoblog/08201_RennerStep_H.jpg[/img:2tmo4x93]
[img:2tmo4x93]http://expn.go.com/07/motoblog/08201_BuytenStep_V.jpg[/img:2tmo4x93]
2/2/2008 6:53am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:07pm
[quote="dirtcyclewill":mtn5mby7]Paul great shots on EXPN.com in Leyba's blog!

It looks as if you used a strobe or some sort of off camera lighting. Care to explain??
[/quote:mtn5mby7]

Thanks, glad you like those photos, I had it easy at X since I shot for ESPN I had a staff pass instead of a regular photo pass, it was like cheating.
For the Renner medal shot I pulled off one of my 550EX Canon flashes, hand held it and controlled it with the 550EX that was on the camera, full on wireless ETTL. I set the on camera flash to not fire, underexposed the ambient light in the Staples Center by about a stop and shot a few frames.

The other shot is just available light @ 3200 iso, auto WB
2/6/2008 1:35pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:08pm
Here are a few I took at Monster Mountain this past weekend. I have been reading this thread now for weeks and really enjoy you sharing your knowledge. Thanks!!!

[img:esklkt61]http://www.robin1grafix.com/simx407.jpg[/img:esklkt61]
[img:esklkt61]http://www.robin1grafix.com/crash1.jpg[/img:esklkt61]
[img:esklkt61]http://www.robin1grafix.com/crash2.jpg[/img:esklkt61]
[img:esklkt61]http://www.robin1grafix.com/mx918.jpg[/img:esklkt61]
[img:esklkt61]http://www.robin1grafix.com/stairway.jpg[/img:esklkt61]
2/8/2008 6:48am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:08pm
[quote="SIMX":1fpbiw8z]Here are a few I took at Monster Mountain this past weekend. I have been reading this thread now for weeks and really enjoy you sharing your knowledge. Thanks!!![/quote:1fpbiw8z]

Thanks, this thread has been way more popular than I thought it would ever be. Like your photos, I like to shoot tight too. Try a little exposure adjustment, these are looking a little light, but just a little nice job.
motox424
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Iron Belt, WI, USA
2/10/2008 2:23pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:09pm
Paul- below are just 2 of my most favorite photos that I took over the summer. Thesewere shot using a Kodak Z10, but it does have manuel settings and have been experimenting with it most of last summer. i would love to buy a SLR digital, but the funds aren't there. Any tips for settings for this camera.

Also, what do you think of the shots in general, and these were straight from the camera, as I hate PS!!!! i do have a ton more pics if you would like to see more?

Thanks for [b:1irb5unh][i:1irb5unh]ALL[/i:1irb5unh][/b:1irb5unh] the advice given in the previous pages!!!!

Local track owner and friend
[img:1irb5unh]http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/motox424/100_0366-1.jpg[/img:1ir…]

My son
[img:1irb5unh]http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l267/motox424/100_0108.jpg[/img:1irb5…]
2/11/2008 5:25am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:09pm
[quote="motox424":33gk8ee4]Paul- below are just 2 of my most favorite photos that I took over the summer. These were shot using a Kodak Z10, but it does have manuel settings and have been experimenting with it most of last summer. i would love to buy a SLR digital, but the funds aren't there. Any tips for settings for this camera.

Also, what do you think of the shots in general, and these were straight from the camera, as I hate PS!!!! i do have a ton more pics if you would like to see more?

Thanks for [b:33gk8ee4][i:33gk8ee4]ALL[/i:33gk8ee4][/b:33gk8ee4] the advice given in the previous pages!!!![/quote:33gk8ee4]

These are pretty amazing for Kodak Z10 photos. Try walking around a turn some more looking for the best lit angle for that spot at that time of day. Lighting changes so much during the day and with the seasons, it's hard to duplicate a shot unless it's exactly a year later. Also try to get the track side junk out of the backgrounds. But I have to say these are better shots than some of the stuff I've seen out of much more expensive cameras.
fcr
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2/20/2008 3:10pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:13pm
[quote="Paul Buckley":2zayg2f6]Post them here and I'll try to answer them as best I can. Anything from camera set-up to Photoshop sharpening settings.[/quote:2zayg2f6]
Looking at the D300 Nikon. I have seen most place at retail $1799.00, there are some places advertising way low about $1300.00. how do they do it? Do they take out chargers, chords, instructions? They advertise on the inside cover of Digital Photography buyers guide. Abes of Maine, ring a bell?
Forgot to add Thanks!
2/21/2008 10:32am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:13pm
[quote="fcr":3bg38py6][quote="Paul Buckley":3bg38py6]Post them here and I'll try to answer them as best I can. Anything from camera set-up to Photoshop sharpening settings.[/quote:3bg38py6]
Looking at the D300 Nikon. I have seen most place at retail $1799.00, there are some places advertising way low about $1300.00. how do they do it? Do they take out chargers, chords, instructions? They advertise on the inside cover of Digital Photography buyers guide. Abes of Maine, ring a bell?
Forgot to add Thanks![/quote:3bg38py6]

I will answer that for you.
Its called Grey Market.
They buy a shipment of them from some other place other than direct Nikon USA. So they get them cheaper because of a whole list of things.
They could be minus, chargers, batteries, cables and software. Or all of the above. They might have all that stuff with them but its not useable with our power system or computer systems so they take them out. Or get them without at a discounted price.

The one thing that 100% certain about them all is that there will be no warranty with them. If you have a problem with them Nikon USA will not service them.
mxracer32
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Charlotte, NC, USA
2/21/2008 3:48pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:13pm
got some pics last week, this is just of a friend riding at a local track, nothing special riding wise, just trying to figure out this new camera, its only the 2nd time ive used it. shooting mx is hard! ha...for the most part they arnt touched, just a little cropping..

[img:3ai1zgor]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/tkutiliquest/0d/IMG_2794.jpg[/img…]

[img:3ai1zgor]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/tkutiliquest/0d/2.jpg[/img:3ai1zg…]

[img:3ai1zgor]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/tkutiliquest/0d/3.jpg[/img:3ai1zg…]

[img:3ai1zgor]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/tkutiliquest/0d/10.jpg[/img:3ai1z…]

[img:3ai1zgor]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/tkutiliquest/0d/6.jpg[/img:3ai1zg…]

[img:3ai1zgor]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/tkutiliquest/0d/4.jpg[/img:3ai1zg…]

[img:3ai1zgor]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/tkutiliquest/0d/8.jpg[/img:3ai1zg…]




...also, im going to atlanta this weekend, hopefully i will be able to get some shots there as well.
fcr
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Monkeys Eyebrow, YE
2/21/2008 4:37pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:13pm
[quote="Homey":3q1s91ag][quote="fcr":3q1s91ag][quote="Paul Buckley":3q1s91ag]Post them here and I'll try to answer them as best I can. Anything from camera set-up to Photoshop sharpening settings.[/quote:3q1s91ag]
Looking at the D300 Nikon. I have seen most place at retail $1799.00, there are some places advertising way low about $1300.00. how do they do it? Do they take out chargers, chords, instructions? They advertise on the inside cover of Digital Photography buyers guide. Abes of Maine, ring a bell?
Forgot to add Thanks![/quote:3q1s91ag]

I will answer that for you.
Its called Grey Market.
They buy a shipment of them from some other place other than direct Nikon USA. So they get them cheaper because of a whole list of things.
They could be minus, chargers, batteries, cables and software. Or all of the above. They might have all that stuff with them but its not useable with our power system or computer systems so they take them out. Or get them without at a discounted price.

The one thing that 100% certain about them all is that there will be no warranty with them. If you have a problem with them Nikon USA will not service them.[/quote:3q1s91ag]
That is what I thought. I don't want to deal with that situation, Thanks Pete
TKL
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USA
2/22/2008 4:52am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:13pm
hay paul, found this thread and had to join the forum!
could you give me some advice on these pics, i have just got a camera and started taking mx photos, its a canon 300D, i have been using the TV mode and just changing the speed of that to take my pics, i found this thread and reliased how i can chagne everyone to what i want. could you give me some rough settings to build off from, settings for sunny day?? also should i manual focus or?? i read somewhere that you follow the rider on auto focus and click when you want to take teh pic, what would you recommend, also how would you go about focusing at night? say like open air stadium?? many thanks Todd.

[img:jazjxfj0]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Todd106/minisx386-1.jpg[/img:jaz…]

[img:jazjxfj0]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Todd106/minisx117.jpg[/img:jazjx…]

[img:jazjxfj0]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Todd106/minisx403.jpg[/img:jazjx…]

[img:jazjxfj0]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v613/Todd106/minisx304.jpg[/img:jazjx…]
2/22/2008 8:41pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:13pm
[quote="hairyfandangler47":1g2rywpa]hey paul!
uber big fan.
this is a pic from local 65 rider at the 2007 KROC race in NJ that i took.
i want to know what you think.[/quote:1g2rywpa]
I think the AF sensor caught the roost instead of the rider. These types of shots are tough for AF, try using a higher sensor and time the shot a split second before the roost is all over the frame.
2/22/2008 8:48pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:13pm
[quote="TKL":2bz21n8h]hay paul, found this thread and had to join the forum!
could you give me some advice on these pics, i have just got a camera and started taking mx photos, its a canon 300D, i have been using the TV mode and just changing the speed of that to take my pics, i found this thread and reliased how i can chagne everyone to what i want. could you give me some rough settings to build off from, settings for sunny day?? also should i manual focus or?? i read somewhere that you follow the rider on auto focus and click when you want to take teh pic, what would you recommend, also how would you go about focusing at night? say like open air stadium?? many thanks Todd.[/quote:2bz21n8h]

Sunny days, ISO 400, 640-800 shutter, f8, AI servo AF

Use manual focus for freestyle sequences and shots that will miss the AF sensor.

Stadium lights should be bright enough to AF.

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