Action shots? Todays attempts pge4

shadybug · Last edited by shadybug on Wed Mar 17, 2010 12:57 pm; edited 4 times in total

I touched on this in Andrews thread but it has been locked. So how do people take fab action shots if you are on your own, I have a great camera but think it may be a bit too good for me lol. pose pics not a problem but action no way Embarassed

Becs you are right I think someone should come and take pics for me lol, is there any takers lol Laughing

_Sam_ · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 8:52 pm Post subject:

its a bit far for me to travel otherwise i.d have jumped at chance to take photos for you.
I think you need a good zoom so that when you are taking the photos the dogs are still a distance away. I can take photos of coal on my own as he holds til i take so i have time to sort myself out but i can't or won.t with finn as his delivery took so long to get right.
You also have to set up your situations with the action shot in mind. Thats just me tho.
What sort of camera do you have?

shadybug · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 8:57 pm Post subject:

I must admit i rush so i can be ready for the delivery even though they all hold well.

Its a fujifilm finepix s2000 HD

Think thats it just read it off the camera lol

monkeyboy · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 9:02 pm Post subject:

Like Sam says you have to set up your shots.

It helps to have dogs that you know you can set up for an exercise/shot, and then direct them from a distance, as you've moved away to get in position to take your shot.

It also helps to continually practice techniques such as panning, and also play around with the settings on your camera.

A decent telephoto lens is a must for action shots.

I don't mind having a go at photographing your dogs, it's something that I'm hoping to develop (no pun intended) anyway so would welcome the practice.

Andrew

BushYakker · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 9:15 pm Post subject:

I will be watching this thread because I usually take 100 photos and delete 99 of them. Razz

My best photos come from the SLR, the pocket camera just isn't fast enough.

Very Happy

shadybug · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 9:16 pm Post subject:

That would be fab Andrew, but think you are about 3 hours away Rolling Eyes

I am going out tomorrow so will try set up shots, think Im going to drive Sam mad Laughing

_Nikki_ · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 9:31 pm Post subject:

A good zoom or telephoto lens is definitely a must for action shots. Practice panning and getting the focus right and check out your camera manual so that you use the correct setting for action shots.

monkeyboy · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 9:57 pm Post subject:

Just to give you some idea of how you can set up, this is how I took the pictures for this post

http://www.labradorforums.co.uk/ftopict-57749.html

I worked out where I wanted to take my pictures, at the start of the exercise, in motion, hunting , and then the delivery.

So I found a piece of ground with no obstructions for the panning shots, then went from there.

I decided to use the AV setting, as the camera takes care of the shutter speed, you set everything else.

The first shot was taken after I'd thrown the dummy. I then moved away to the side so I could track Fizz, as she went for the retrieve. I'd already decided exactly where I wanted to try and capture her, so it was a case of panning shots as she moved across the front of me, I used the single central focus point and kept it locked onto her head as she moved, firing a constant burst of pictures.

The method I use is to try and keep the subject central to the picture, as you can then use the crop tool when editing to improve the picture.

The final shot was taken as she came back towards me.

Hope that's some help, feel free to ask any questions, as I've probably not explained myself very clearly.

Andrew

frilly · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 10:00 pm Post subject:

shadybug · Posted: Mon Mar 08, 2010 10:10 pm Post subject:

Ok watch this space tomorrow Laughing