Skateboarding

[mrbillf]

Just thought I'd post a few pics from my new lens and why I bought the lens in the first place. number 3 is very close. But they say in this crazy sport you need to get in close. Number 2 & 3 are at the top of the main half pipe ramp which is about 15 ft high and 68 ft Wide

All shots taken at the new venue at Homebush Olympic Park last night.







comments welcome as always.

Regards,
Bill

[TonyH]

Bill,

Great shots!


Regards

Tony

[Paul]

Bill,
Looks like you got nice and close to boarders, you are a brave man!
I assume you were using the SB-600 to light these guys up?
Did you know these guys or did you ask before you fired the flash?
I saw this new venue this week when I was up at the State sports centre, It looks very impressive with the lights and music pumping.
Did you have to pay to get in to take the shots?
Well done on these shots, you might want to bump up the ISO to get the background to light up, overall very nice work, I would love to see more!

[mchampio]

Bill,
the shots look great.
I imagine you have to shoot wide open to get the speed, so the DOF you get is a pleasant surprise.

What lens do you use?

[mrbillf]

Hi Paul, yeah I get very close since I'm using the 10-20mm Sigma and SB600 flash. The guys all know me more then I know them really. Needless to say I still know them only at skate venues and on comp days.

I had to get a Press Pass in order to take these shots from the top of the ramps but you can shoot from the bottom by just signing a wavier. Oh, it's free for spectators and $8.00 for riders in 3/ 4hr session blots or a day pass for $15. Best to check the web site. http://www.monsterpark.com.au

Yeah I had the iso up a little but your right I'll bump it up next time round. I shot these guys before at other venues during the day is going to be awesome.

Regards,
Bill

[mrbillf]

Bill,
the shots look great.
I imagine you have to shoot wide open to get the speed, so the DOF you get is a pleasant surprise.

What lens do you use?

Hi Mark, Just picked up the Sigma 10-20mm HSM EX lens. (have had it for about a week) But as Paul suggested I'll have to really up the ISO to get more of the background. However, I can't wait for some pics in the day light.

In shot 1 & 2 I'm no more then 3 ft away from them but in shot 3 I'm about 1.5 ft away. Too close for comfort really, especially if they come off it. I will add that I'm not looking through the view finder it's basically point in the direction, pan, shoot It's all fun stuff.

Cheers,
Bill

[glass eye]

Great shots;

Love the second one and i gather this is taken with your 10-20mm.

[jerrysk8]

nice. 1 & 3 are too tight with parts of the skater cropped out and 2 is great but would be a lot better if you could see his whole face. also try using an off camera shoe chord.

go to the newsagent and pick up a copy of 'The Skateboard Mag' and check out the pics. this mag is totally run by the best skate photogs out there and are absolute lighting masters

[mrbillf]

Thanks guys for your comments. I agree with the lighting comment. I have tried using the flash off shoe and it's very hard to handle the camera, flash in both hands and get the shot as well. I actually have shot pictures with a pro photographer at a few skate venues and he uses flash units one on the camera and the other in his left hand. However, he still uses film though so, he does fire off heaps of pics like I do. He also uses a prime fish eye lens (all Nikon gear though)

The guy in number 2 shot, used to be a Pro skater some years ago and I have a number of other shots of him that I consider better then this one. The whole face would have been the ideal shot, agree with you there jerrysk8. Thanks for the tip jerrysk8. I've got heaps of skate mag from the newagents that my son brings home.

Great shots;

Love the second one and i gather this is taken with your 10-20mm.

Yeah all were shot with the 10-20mm

Regards,
Bill

[tarotastic]

I like the perspective in shot 1. Looks freaky weird!! I.5 feet from a boarder!! Wow, you've got guts!!