MX jump shots

[gsgary]

Not had much experience with MX any help much appreciated

http://gsgary.smugmug.com/photos/48909403-M.jpg

http://gsgary.smugmug.com/photos/48909383-M.jpg

http://gsgary.smugmug.com/photos/48909396-M.jpg

http://gsgary.smugmug.com/photos/48909367-M.jpg

http://gsgary.smugmug.com/photos/48899007-M.jpg

All taken with 300F4 uncropped

[mercphoto]

Not had much experience with MX any help much appreciated
I don't completely have the hang of jumps yet, but I've had the most luck at smaller focal lengths, like 100mm and under. I know a guy who usually shoots his 24-70/2.8 for the jumps.

I would try to get the shot with the front wheel high, rather than low. A few of your shots had the bike already descending. A flash helps a lot because you are usually shooting into shadow (i.e. the underside of the bike), but your day looked over-cast which helps as well. Shorter focal lengths help your flash as well.

The hardest thing about jumps is the timing. It can be hard to get yourself in a position where you can see the approach and still have a nice vantage to photograph from. If you can't see them coming, makes it hard to get the shot. Therefore I've personally had better luck at profile jumps, rather than head-on jumps. (but head-on jumps do look nice) Also the riders will jump to varying heights, making it hard to follow them.

Lastly, if shooting head-on, be careful... landings sometimes go bad. Don't get in the path.

[gsgary]

I don't completely have the hang of jumps yet, but I've had the most luck at smaller focal lengths, like 100mm and under. I know a guy who usually shoots his 24-70/2.8 for the jumps.

I would try to get the shot with the front wheel high, rather than low. A few of your shots had the bike already descending. A flash helps a lot because you are usually shooting into shadow (i.e. the underside of the bike), but your day looked over-cast which helps as well. Shorter focal lengths help your flash as well.

The hardest thing about jumps is the timing. It can be hard to get yourself in a position where you can see the approach and still have a nice vantage to photograph from. If you can't see them coming, makes it hard to get the shot. Therefore I've personally had better luck at profile jumps, rather than head-on jumps. (but head-on jumps do look nice) Also the riders will jump to varying heights, making it hard to follow them.

Lastly, if shooting head-on, be careful... landings sometimes go bad. Don't get in the path.

Thanks Bill
Just gone through some more and really like these, do you think these are better
http://gsgary.smugmug.com/photos/48763426-M.jpg

http://gsgary.smugmug.com/photos/48763422-M.jpg

http://gsgary.smugmug.com/photos/48898987-M.jpg

http://gsgary.smugmug.com/photos/48899007-M.jpg

[mercphoto]

Thanks Bill
Just gone through some more and really like these, do you think these are better
The last two are because the bike is completely in sky. The first two, though the bike is in the air, is backgrounded by dirt. Which makes a difference on the impact.

Jump shots, maybe there is a trick I haven't learned yet. Dunno. They seem extremely reactionary, moreso than typical sports shots. Unpredictable (is he going to show-boat this jump or not? jump high or low?), short-lived. But I believe the jump shots are the big sellers to the MX crowd.

My best composition for selling has been a jump at a particular track that has a large American flag in the background.

[gsgary]

The last two are because the bike is completely in sky. The first two, though the bike is in the air, is backgrounded by dirt. Which makes a difference on the impact.

Jump shots, maybe there is a trick I haven't learned yet. Dunno. They seem extremely reactionary, moreso than typical sports shots. Unpredictable (is he going to show-boat this jump or not? jump high or low?), short-lived. But I believe the jump shots are the big sellers to the MX crowd.

My best composition for selling has been a jump at a particular track that has a large American flag in the background.
Next time i go i will look for the background first see if that helps
Tanks
Bill

[gsgary]

The last two are because the bike is completely in sky. The first two, though the bike is in the air, is backgrounded by dirt. Which makes a difference on the impact.

Jump shots, maybe there is a trick I haven't learned yet. Dunno. They seem extremely reactionary, moreso than typical sports shots. Unpredictable (is he going to show-boat this jump or not? jump high or low?), short-lived. But I believe the jump shots are the big sellers to the MX crowd.

My best composition for selling has been a jump at a particular track that has a large American flag in the background.
Next time i go i will look for the background first see if that helps
Thanks
Bill

[DoctorIt]

My biggest comment was, I think the jumps need some reference. Just sky in the background makes them look weird.

This one is good:
http://gsgary.smugmug.com/photos/48898987-S.jpg

He may not be as high as some of the other probably are, but at least you can tell. And I agree, front wheel high guides your eye to a more dramatic event.

[Se7enUK]

It was nice and warm.... lol. Some good shots there Gary, I like No88 that works very well.

[gsgary]

My biggest comment was, I think the jumps need some reference. Just sky in the background makes them look weird.

This one is good:
http://gsgary.smugmug.com/photos/48898987-S.jpg

He may not be as high as some of the other probably are, but at least you can tell. And I agree, front wheel high guides your eye to a more dramatic event.

Yes i see what you mean i like this one, the high one's could probably do with a wider lens, when i get my MK2 and win the lottery:D

[gsgary]

It was nice and warm.... lol. Some good shots there Gary, I like No88 that works very well.

Thanks Paul that is one of my favourite

[DR Motard]

This one is good:
http://gsgary.smugmug.com/photos/48898987-S.jpg


+1 :thumb

This is my favorite picture. The dirt in the frame with sky below the bike sets this one apart from the rest.

-Drew

[gsgary]

+1 :thumb

This is my favorite picture. The dirt in the frame with sky below the bike sets this one apart from the rest.

-Drew

Thanks Drew

[tmlphoto]

+1 :thumb

This is my favorite picture. The dirt in the frame with sky below the bike sets this one apart from the rest.

-Drew

I agree about including a little ground for perspective. Maybe just a tad more room on the left? cool shots.

[gsgary]

I agree about including a little ground for perspective. Maybe just a tad more room on the left? cool shots.

I see what you mean give the bike somewhere to go
Thanks
Thomas

[Art Scott]

http://gsgary.smugmug.com/photos/48898987-M.jpg

I also like this one the best . Good shooting.:thumb

[gsgary]

http://gsgary.smugmug.com/photos/48898987-M.jpg

I also like this one the best . Good shooting.:thumb

Thankyou for the positive comments:thumb