Help w/taking pics from chaseboat (pics attached)

(jwat142) · (jwat142) **Join Date: Jan 2002** 10-05-2008, 7:22 PM

So I finally got a chance to take some pics from a chaseboat this weekend and wanted to see what kind of tips everyone has. The hardest part obviously is focusing...especially when the rider is coming at you or going away from you. Here are some of the pics I got. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

p.s.
These are un-edited (except for being re-sized)

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(dakid) · (dakid) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 10-05-2008, 7:28 PM

horizon's crooked on most of 'em.

also, "un-natural" crops are no-no's.

(jwat142) · (jwat142) **Join Date: Jan 2002** 10-05-2008, 7:35 PM

Yeah, that one that is cropped does look weird. I'm totally an amateur photographer (obviously). Just looking for some advice. Thanks for the help!

(jwat142) · (jwat142) **Join Date: Jan 2002** 10-05-2008, 7:37 PM

Any advice on focusing when shooting from a chaseboat, etc?

(dakid) · (dakid) **Join Date: Feb 2001** 10-05-2008, 7:48 PM

"practice" is the best advice.

(caskimmer) · (caskimmer) **Join Date: Apr 2006** 10-06-2008, 7:10 AM

I like images cropped to a different perspective than the usual boring 3/2. Panoramic action shots done right kick ass.

(deltawake) · (deltawake) **Join Date: Sep 2004** 10-06-2008, 7:24 AM

Joe- What do you mean by "un-natural" crops?

(Walt) · (Walt) **Join Date: Jan 2003** 10-06-2008, 2:57 PM

JKW,
What camera are you shooting with ?

(jwat142) · (jwat142) **Join Date: Jan 2002** 10-06-2008, 3:06 PM

Canon rebel xt

(Walt) · (Walt) **Join Date: Jan 2003** 10-06-2008, 3:28 PM

Try changing your focus to a single focus point. Also try shooting AI servo. You might also want to read up on how the auto focus system works.

(Walt) · (Walt) **Join Date: Jan 2003** 10-06-2008, 3:29 PM

What lens are you shooting with ? The lens can make a big difference too !

(jwat142) · (jwat142) **Join Date: Jan 2002** 10-06-2008, 5:56 PM

Canon EF 55-200mm 1:4.5 - 5.6 II USM. It's their lower end lens

(steezyshots) · (steezyshots) **Join Date: Feb 2008** 10-06-2008, 6:06 PM

Make sure the takeoff is in the pic, water, double up, kicker whatever the rider is launching off of. A rider floating in the air in the frame is lame. Try shooting vertically.

(reservoir_dog) · (reservoir_dog) **Join Date: Jul 2007** 10-06-2008, 6:20 PM

I change the focal point to the lowest one on the camera depending on the orientation of the camera at the time. Then place the focal point on the lower part of the wake where the riders hit it at. It has worked well when I am shooting. I am also a am photo but this advice came from a very knowledgeable photographer. Hope this help and keep on shooting!I have included one of my fav chase boat pics. Upload

(Walt) · (Walt) **Join Date: Jan 2003** 10-07-2008, 1:47 PM

quote:
It's their lower end lens

Focus will be slow then.

(jwat142) · (jwat142) **Join Date: Jan 2002** 10-07-2008, 1:58 PM

Ya, I shot all of these with manual focus

(Walt) · (Walt) **Join Date: Jan 2003** 10-07-2008, 2:16 PM

It looks like all the shots are under exposed too.

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(richd) · (richd) **Join Date: Oct 2003** 10-07-2008, 8:55 PM

That 55-200, when it does grab focus, looks like a pretty good lens. I've been impressed with some of the shots I've seen from Randy's as well.

"It looks like all the shots are under exposed too."

I think what you're seeing is more the AWB being out of whack, Walt, (along with a tad under exposure.) At least that's what my monitor is showing.

(Walt) · (Walt) **Join Date: Jan 2003** 10-07-2008, 9:14 PM

That too Rich.