First time shooting skateboarders.

[Insane_Pikachu]

I found it really difficult to get good shots of skateboarders. I made a mistake of not using like 1/1000+ shutterspeed. I shot at like 1/60 to 1/300.

here are the end results -___-...


http://www.flickr.com/photos/ratnak/...08748349/show/


I guess you can say that the blur are meant to show motion.

Any advice on what I can do next time to get better shots?

[CSAgent]

I would suggest changing your physical position - it looks to me you were standing level the entire time. Try kneeling down, and shooting up.. in this instance it would give your shots more of an impact. Mix up your angles, they're very static when it's levelled.

As well, you realized that you need to shoot 1/1000+ to freeze frame the action - but it doesn't have to always be so. You can try slowing it down to convey action, or if you know how to, pan the shot as the boarder goes from one side to the other.

Did you use AI Servo for AF or One Shot?

Lastly, since it was sunny day, you did the right thing by underexposing it which helps the background become clear, but the details on the boarders are underexposed as well... what metering did you use? Use of polarizer?

[sfu_engineer]

I would suggest changing your physical position - it looks to me you were standing level the entire time. Try kneeling down, and shooting up.. in this instance it would give your shots more of an impact. Mix up your angles, they're very static when it's levelled.

As well, you realized that you need to shoot 1/1000+ to freeze frame the action - but it doesn't have to always be so. You can try slowing it down to convey action, or if you know how to, pan the shot as the boarder goes from one side to the other.

Did you use AI Servo for AF or One Shot?

Lastly, since it was sunny day, you did the right thing by underexposing it which helps the background become clear, but the details on the boarders are underexposed as well... what metering did you use? Use of polarizer?

Good advice! I suggest using a flash to freeze the action and underexpose the background as well. Most skateboard photos I have seen have been with a flash, wide angle lens, and shot from down below. It's always nice to mix it up though and as CSAgent suggests a pan shot would be sweet.