Anyone got any photo question?

Brycenator 2/22/2008 9:08pm
2/22/2008 9:08pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:13pm
Hi Paul, I'm a huge fan. I've just recently started shooting MX and I just can't get enough of it. I wanted to post a few shots to get some feedback from your eye and some things that I could maybe work on next time out. Here's my fav. 3 from the last time out.

Thanks for your help before hand. Bryce

[img:g43xnvnp]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2358/2272046307_9a09a87ec5.jpg[/img:g43…]

[img:g43xnvnp]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2170/2272025669_99e622c615.jpg[/img:g43…]

[img:g43xnvnp]https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2416/2272558227_bb294bf238.jpg[/img:g43…]
rjb
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rjb 2/23/2008 10:34pm
2/23/2008 10:34pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:14pm
Paul,
Like others here, love your work. Have used one or two of your pics as backgrounds. Would appreciate any feedback (i.e. tear them to bits) on these pics I took a while back. Many thanks for your work and help & tips you offer on this site.
[img:315dzvjo]https://www.blake-world.com/temp/IMG_1771.JPG[/img:315dzvjo]
1/400 seconds, F7.1, ISO200 (Shutter priority)

[img:315dzvjo]https://www.blake-world.com/temp/IMG_1804.JPG[/img:315dzvjo]
1/500 seconds, F8.0, ISO400 (Aperture priority mode)

[img:315dzvjo]https://www.blake-world.com/temp/IMG_1805.JPG[/img:315dzvjo]
1/640 seconds, F8.0, ISO400 (Aperture priority mode)
Camera: Canon EOS20D, Lens 70-200F4L

cheers,
Richard
Paul Buckley 2/25/2008 4:31pm
2/25/2008 4:31pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:15pm
[quote="Brycenator":1nc259me]Hi Paul, I'm a huge fan. I've just recently started shooting MX and I just can't get enough of it. I wanted to post a few shots to get some feedback from your eye and some things that I could maybe work on next time out. Here's my fav. 3 from the last time out.

Thanks for your help before hand. Bryce
[/quote:1nc259me]

Bryce, just be a little more choosy when you're showing your photos, the second two kick butt while the first is just ok. To improve it next time try for a better angle and more of a rule of thirds composition.
Paul Buckley 2/25/2008 4:36pm
2/25/2008 4:36pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:15pm
[quote="rjb":2ndfbjff]Paul,
Like others here, love your work. Have used one or two of your pics as backgrounds. Would appreciate any feedback (i.e. tear them to bits) on these pics I took a while back. Many thanks for your work and help & tips you offer on this site.

1/640 seconds, F8.0, ISO400 (Aperture priority mode)
Camera: Canon EOS20D, Lens 70-200F4L

cheers,
Richard[/quote:2ndfbjff]

Richard, watch the lighting, the first SX practice sessions are in the worst time of day as far as light goes and that's a perfect time to try some back lit shots. Put it on M, 640 is a good shutter speed to start with and then find an f stop that gives you a nice curve on the histogram so there are no blown out spots or filled in shadows. Walk around the stands during the non-seeded practice to scope out some spots so when the good guys come out you'll be ready.

The Shop

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hindsy
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hindsy 3/25/2008 5:25pm
3/25/2008 5:25pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:27pm
Paul these are some pics I took last year at Steel City. What do you think?
[img:fbo9kcuf]http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z110/hindsy57/DSC_0513.jpg[/img:fbo9…]
Broc Makes for great pics...
[img:fbo9kcuf]http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z110/hindsy57/DSC_0507.jpg[/img:fbo9…]
[img:fbo9kcuf]http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z110/hindsy57/DSC_0401.jpg[/img:fbo9…]
[img:fbo9kcuf]http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z110/hindsy57/DSC_0416.jpg[/img:fbo9…]
And some Amateurs too...
[img:fbo9kcuf]http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z110/hindsy57/DSC_0095.jpg[/img:fbo9…]
[img:fbo9kcuf]http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z110/hindsy57/Motocross%2007/DSC_075…]
[img:fbo9kcuf]http://i190.photobucket.com/albums/z110/hindsy57/Motocross%2007/DSC_141…]
I'm really loving this hobby of mine! I' wish my job was this much fun! lol
I also was curious if you could suggest any help books as far as using the photo shop? I'm just playing with stuff and I'm always afraid I'm going to jack something up with my PC. Like making pictures all B&W except for some specific item thats is left in color. I know I am a true beginner with that! lol
I feel like I have a decent eye for shots, the tech stuff is where I find issues! Thanks again for the help and giving us beginners something to aim for! Your shots are so amazing!

Rob
Paul Buckley 3/29/2008 6:24am
3/29/2008 6:24am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:29pm
[quote="hindsy":t02g8g8x]Paul these are some pics I took last year at Steel City. What do you think?
I'm really loving this hobby of mine! I' wish my job was this much fun! lol
I also was curious if you could suggest any help books as far as using the photo shop? I'm just playing with stuff and I'm always afraid I'm going to jack something up with my PC. Like making pictures all B&W except for some specific item thats is left in color. I know I am a true beginner with that! lol
I feel like I have a decent eye for shots, the tech stuff is where I find issues! Thanks again for the help and giving us beginners something to aim for! Your shots are so amazing!

Rob[/quote:t02g8g8x]

For a beginner Photoshop book I'd try the "Adobe Classroom In A Book for Photoshop" try to find it for which ever version of PS that you have. Your shots look pretty good, but a little adjustment in Levels or Curves would make them pop.
SIMX
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SIMX 4/4/2008 9:55am
4/4/2008 9:55am
Paul Buckley wrote:
[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...
[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.

Could you please explain using a higher sensor?

I get a lot of shot like hairy's!
mcleoud151
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mcleoud151 4/4/2008 12:02pm
4/4/2008 12:02pm
Paul Buckley wrote:
[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...
[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.
SIMX wrote:

Could you please explain using a higher sensor?

I get a lot of shot like hairy's!
On your camera you should be able to choose from different AF sensors, each in a different position. Generally, if you're using "spot" AF, default is the center sensor. You might wanna move one sensor up for those roost shots. A little higher aperture would help a bit as well.
SIMX
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SIMX 4/4/2008 1:25pm
4/4/2008 1:25pm
I see now!

I have been messing around with a lot of different settings. I'll give it a try!!!

Thanks
newport
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newport 4/5/2008 10:24am
4/5/2008 10:24am
Paul, This is a great idea! Thanks so much for taking the time to provide feedback to all of us. So I am new at photography, I have a D80 with the kit 18-135mm lense.

Here are a few pictures I took out at Milestone MX Park 2 weeks ago. I really need to upgrade to a new lense, since I was unable to get closer to the riders..............with that said here you go. Any feedback is GREATLY appreciated.













motox424
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motox424 5/11/2008 12:37pm
5/11/2008 12:37pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:55pm
Mr Buckely- I was wondering if you thought this would be a good buy for me, upgrading from the Kodak Easy Share Z10, http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Digital_SLR/productdetail.a… Would these lenses be adequate for outside MX and indoor AX? I have valued your input on this forum and would like to know what YOU would recommend for a set up UNDER $800?

Thank You Mr Buckely
Paul Buckley 5/14/2008 2:19pm
5/14/2008 2:19pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 6:57pm
motox424, I'd shop around at B&H and Adorama first just to make sure it is a good deal. I can't believe what you can get for 800 bucks, heck one of my bodies cost ten times that and I don't know if it's ten times better.
USC-MX
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USC-MX 5/23/2008 10:17am
5/23/2008 10:17am
Hi Paul,
I know it's been said many times, but I really enjoy seeing your moto photos.

Quick story I actually spoke with you some years ago at Saddleback during the Golden State Series and you were very gracious then when talking with my dad about photography.

So I've been kicking this shooting digital thing around for a few years now and this thread has really got me stoked!

With the Texas MX national just around the corner I been searching for a body and some Canon L glass.
I've settled on a 70/200L f2.8 to start but because I'm just staring in digital from 35mm the Mark 2 is still a bit pricey.
So the original Mark 1 that I dreamed about 5 years ago ($5000k) at the time can now be had for about $500-800.
So focusing on the best glass I can afford would you still recomend the 1D? My thought is I can always graduate to the Mark 2d as the price becomes more resonable.

Any advice or comments on this set up or tips from your experience a few years ago when this was the set up would be much appreciated.

Thank you for your time Paul.

SK
Paul Buckley 5/28/2008 2:44pm
5/28/2008 2:44pm
Hey SK,
See I knew it paid to be a nice guy, I really like talking to fans at the races esp the ones who enjoy this sport as much as I do.

If you can find a nice 1d in the 5-800 price range grab it, even if you sell it soon after you won't take that much of a hit on it. I had some covers and even a three page Fox ad with my first 1d.
USC-MX
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USC-MX 5/28/2008 4:36pm
5/28/2008 4:36pm
Thanks Paul,
I've got my eye on a 1D as I write this.
Very kind of you too take the time to respond as I know you were very busy at GH this past weekend. Man I miss Cali!

I'll post some photos as I get going. Keep up the great work as I know there are many of us that enjoy seeing it.

SK
mike154owen 6/4/2008 4:35am
6/4/2008 4:35am Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 7:10pm


Hello, is there anything i need to do to make this photo better next time im shooting?

i have a canon eos400d, canon 70-200 lenes not exsactly sure on the other stuff. but if u need ill chase it up
Paul Buckley 6/5/2008 5:07am
6/5/2008 5:07am
Mike, this looks good, there's not much to do to improve it. If I was to be real picky I'd say leave more room under the rider than above him but that's about it.
mike154owen 6/5/2008 5:53pm
6/5/2008 5:53pm
Paul Buckley wrote:
Mike, this looks good, there's not much to do to improve it. If I was to be real picky I'd say leave more room under the...
Mike, this looks good, there's not much to do to improve it. If I was to be real picky I'd say leave more room under the rider than above him but that's about it.
thanks heaps paul, ill make sure that ill do that, Thanks mikey #154-MXimages!

Pit Row

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motoxphoto
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motoxphoto 6/5/2008 7:40pm
6/5/2008 7:40pm
Paul,
I noticed that you are using Pocket Wizards. I just got my first set tonight. Until now I have been using high speed sync (ETTL). How do you deal with the limited sync speed when shooting with the PWs?

Paul Buckley 6/6/2008 12:28pm
6/6/2008 12:28pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 7:12pm
motoxphoto wrote:
Paul, I noticed that you are using Pocket Wizards. I just got my first set tonight. Until now I have been using high speed sync (ETTL)...
Paul,
I noticed that you are using Pocket Wizards. I just got my first set tonight. Until now I have been using high speed sync (ETTL). How do you deal with the limited sync speed when shooting with the PWs?

Good question and I have a good answer. When you pop a PW on a modern digi slr it doesn't know anything is there unlike when you mount a 580ex flash and it tells the camera all sorts of stuff like max synch speed. I did some experiments and found I can use 320 & 400 shutter speeds with the PWs and a Sunpak 120j at 320 pretty much the whole frame is covered and at 400 you only loose a small portion on the bottom. It doesn't give you high speed synch but it's better than 1/250th. That's with my EOS 1dS Mark II's and I know there are some electronic shutter slrs that will go even faster.
motoxphoto
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motoxphoto 6/6/2008 12:54pm
6/6/2008 12:54pm
Thanks for the reply. I normally shoot around 400 so if I can get that I will be happy. This weekend will be my first shoot with the Pocket Wizards.
russerbe
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russerbe 6/25/2008 11:08am
6/25/2008 11:08am Edited Date/Time 6/25/2008 11:10am
Hey Paul, I just got my first gig as a contributing photographer to 4 state mx/sx/atv magazine. They are having me shoot each race of the summer night series where I live, send them 15 of the best photos and a small summary after evey race. Do you have any suggestions for me? Thanks in advance.
Paul Buckley 6/25/2008 1:33pm
6/25/2008 1:33pm
Russerbe,
1. Get money
2. Try to shoot some new angles at each race
3. Write about what people were talking about after the race
4. Only send them your good stuff, chuck anything that's even a little soft
russerbe
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russerbe 6/26/2008 6:36am
6/26/2008 6:36am
Paul Buckley wrote:
Russerbe, 1. Get money 2. Try to shoot some new angles at each race 3. Write about what people were talking about after the race 4...
Russerbe,
1. Get money
2. Try to shoot some new angles at each race
3. Write about what people were talking about after the race
4. Only send them your good stuff, chuck anything that's even a little soft
Thanks Paul.
russerbe
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russerbe 6/26/2008 1:00pm
6/26/2008 1:00pm Edited Date/Time 4/16/2016 7:24pm
Paul, I've heard and read conflicting suggestions on what focus mode to use. I read continuous mode AF-C is best for sports. I also heard and read to always shoot in Auto Servo AF-A. What do you suggest?

Also which Auto focus area do you use, Closest, Dynamic, or Single area?



Do you use filters on your camera at all? I was using a CP filter at Freestone because it was so bright but I didn't try to shoot any without to compare results. Thank in advance
Paul Buckley 6/30/2008 4:28am
6/30/2008 4:28am
Russerbe, I use AI servo focus mode for anything that moves, the only time I use One shot focus mode is when I'm shooting stationary objects. I'm not sure about AF-C vs AF-A since I'm not familiar with those terms. Read your manual and see which one will track an object and calculate it's speed and then adjust the focus accordingly.

My cameras don't have auto focus areas, so I'm no help there either. I pick a focus point and then make sure it stays on the bike or rider.

I hardly ever use filters although I have been wanting to try a circular polarizer on my 28-70. When it's really bright out try a lower ISO (100-200) and look for the best light depending on the time of day.
russerbe
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russerbe 6/30/2008 9:50am
6/30/2008 9:50am
Thanks for your reply Paul.

A few more questions. I’ve got about 500 pics from the race I shot this weekend. I shot them all in RAW. I posted a flyer on the results board at the race, about me and my website and they could get race pics there as well as making another flyer with little tear off tabs with my phone number and website. I looked at my site stats this morning and I got blown up yesterday!!!! So, I need to get these pics on my site ASAP. It looks like I’ll be able to make some $$ this way. Now, where do I go from here? I really don’t want to post process 500 photos before I put them all up on my site. I also know that if I did do that, I would be able to sell more simply because the pics would look better. What should I do? Also Can you explain what I should do in Photoshop as far as converting them all to jpg? Should I just figure out some way to make an action to convert all photos in a particular folder to jpg? Also, what prices should I put on these pics? Thanks for your time.
Paul Buckley 7/2/2008 7:25am
7/2/2008 7:25am
Are you sure all those hits aren't from kids looking for pics for their myspace or vitalmx pages?

Find a template that will allow you to automatically create a web page where people can order the photos online and pay you via Paypal and CC. Photoshop can batch convert the raw files to make you a web gallery.

Put some kind of watermark on them and don't make them too big or riders will just print them themselves.

I charge 15. for an 8x10 and offer a rebate for orders over 50.
russerbe
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russerbe 7/2/2008 12:47pm
7/2/2008 12:47pm
Paul Buckley wrote:
Are you sure all those hits aren't from kids looking for pics for their myspace or vitalmx pages? Find a template that will allow you to...
Are you sure all those hits aren't from kids looking for pics for their myspace or vitalmx pages?

Find a template that will allow you to automatically create a web page where people can order the photos online and pay you via Paypal and CC. Photoshop can batch convert the raw files to make you a web gallery.

Put some kind of watermark on them and don't make them too big or riders will just print them themselves.

I charge 15. for an 8x10 and offer a rebate for orders over 50.
Ha, you might be on to something there. I have a pro smugmug account and just registered my own domain name and applied it to my smugmug account. That way people can get to my site via my smugmug name or by my domain name. They take care of all the ordering, printing etc... I just had to add my prices. I went with $12 for an 8X10. I thought that was a fair price. My smugmug account allows me to disable right click on all of my pics so, the only way to get them is if I post them on a forum or they buy them so I think I'm covered there.

Today the wife gave me the green light to do a major upgrade on my camera body. I'm going from the Nikon D40 to thhe Nikon D300. I just can't decide which lens to get with it. Now, that I'm getting track access, I don't really need a big lens. So, I'm trying to decide if I should go with a Nikon 55-200 f/3.5 or a cheaper brand lens so like a sigma or Tamron so I can get an f/2.8 lens. I've got to keep the price around $600. What would you suggest?
jbomx363
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jbomx363 7/2/2008 2:27pm
7/2/2008 2:27pm
Are you sure all those hits aren't from kids looking for pics for their myspace or vitalmx pages?

That's my guess.

Why the heck shoot RAW for amateur stuff anyway? Too much work, shoot straight .jpg

I use smugmug also. The only thing that ticks me off is their shipping costs. It keeps a few people from buying.

Disabling right click keeps the honest, honest that's it. I can take any photo I want, right click protected or not, easily done. Kids will take them anyway and I have resorted to a LARGE watermark now. Makes the pics ugly as sin, but thats the only way to keep these lil asshats from stealing them.

Don't get too excited about selling. You'll spend all day at the track, more than your fair share at home sorting/uploading, etc... and then learn that you "made" $75.00. Which means, you lost money if you figure your time in.

I keep doing it because I like to shoot moto and the little money made pays for the site, and if I save it, goes towards better equipment.

Good Luck to you!

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