Bolder Boulder, May 30, 2005

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Elva Dryer, the women's winner at the 2005 Bolder Boulder...
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Posted on May 30, 2005
at 9:03:24 AM GMT-06:00
by ted
Tags fast running bolderboulder boulder
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Camera Nikon D70
Lens 18-70mm kit lens
Focal Length 70mm
Shutter Speed 1/80s
Aperture f5
ISO 200
Flash no
Tripod no
Date May 30, 2005
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This morning, I thought I would go into town and play sports photographer at the 2005 Bolder Boulder. How little I know about sports photography! I took around 150 shots and am not really happy with any of them. Part of my problem, I now realize, is that I thought I'd get a cool effect by using longer exposures. But most of those shots turned out pretty crappy looking. I think there's a reason that most sports photos are so tack sharp. And a reason that longer lenses are preferred.

Anyway, despite not being particularly happy (more complaining from me, Sidney), it was a tremendous learning experience. Next time I try to cover a race, I think my approach will be significantly different.

Today's shot is of Elva Dryer, the winner of the women's elite race. I believe that at this point, she had already pulled away from the eventual second place runner with over a mile to the finish.

 

Comments

The slow shutter effect can be pretty cool in sports photography. As for this shot, I personally like it. However, I feel it would've been more effective without the crowd in the background. But that's just me. The slow shutter works great on the runner, however. Gives a great sense of her speed and dedication to the race. Well done...

Posted by Jessyel Ty Gonzalez on May 30, 2005 at 4:27:06 PM GMT

I sometimes get the same remarks. This or that in the background is disturbing. My question is: how do you get rid of it/them? Should you tell the people to go home so that you can take a picture? I think we need to be realistic...
In any case it doesn't disturbe me. I like the blurred effect of the people in the background and the sharpness of the runner.

Again, no need to complain ! :-)


Posted by Sidney on May 31, 2005 at 1:46:00 PM GMT

Right! I totally agree with you Jessyel. I'm sorry I wasn't quicker to respond. I have a presentation to give to a bunch of people at work and I get really nervous and stressed out about "public speaking."

I think Sidney was referring to me complaining, not you. A shot or two ago, I was talking about missing a good shot, but I think Sidney liked the shot nevertheless. I'm not really complaining, Sidney. Just trying to improve. And I really appreciate your comments.

I really do appreciate the more constructive criticisms. I really feel like shooting things like the Bolder Boulder is pushing my abilities. There's as much to learn from my poorer shots as my better ones.

I agree with you, Jessyel, about this photo, too. It would have been better without the people in the back, though perhaps it would've worked with more people in the back? Either none or many?

Posted by Ted on June 1, 2005 at 1:16:14 PM GMT

Just an opinion. That's where setting up your shot (composition) comes in. Sometimes you can't move things in the environment, so it's your job to do so for a better shot. Hard with athletic events, but just giving an opinion Sidney, not complaining.

Through practice and I assume listening to constructive criticism, Ted's photography has grown beyond leaps. Just thought I'd add that in :-)

Posted by Jessyel Ty Gonzalez on June 1, 2005 at 6:42:35 PM GMT

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