Speed Gray
This past weekend provided another opportunity to improve my performance as I re-enter the world of "analog photography." It has been 40 years or so since I have shot a fast moving, action sports activity with a manual camera. That was ice hockey.
My grand-daughters were in town for a state-wide soccer tournament. After 15 minutes into the first game (of a total of 8) I realized that following the action with my Minolta X-700 was more challenging than with my Cannon G-12 or cellphone. I actually had to think, and plan ahead, and pace my itchy shutter finger until the scene developed to the point of recording it. Composition at times took a back seat; I would suppose, so did focusing and exposure! Hopefully, not all three at the same time. Oh, woe is me!
At the very first game it was a mostly sunny morning, a few high clouds. The initial plan was to sit mid-field and shoot Tri-X with my 200mm using a wide aperture (f5.6) and fast shutter speed (1/1000th) to give me minimum depth-of-field and stop action for the fast moving little feet. Next, fill the frame as much as possible with the subject; follow her around the field; and wait for something memorable to happen. I learned quickly focusing was going to be a problem, so I selected a spot on the field, focused there, and only released the shutter when the action was in that area; don't worry about the extreme ends of the field.
Next, 200mm was far too much lens while sitting on the sideline; perhaps sitting at the end of the field would have been okay. So, I dropped down to the 135mm and I could still fill most of the frame effectively and even predict upcoming action due to the slightly wider area of view. I managed to shoot with relative low-level stress and "think" I got some good shots. I'll know when the film is hanging on the drying rack.
To me, it is amazing how "easy" current photography has evolved through technology. My daughter, sitting next to me and shooting with her Cannon EOS something-or-other, sounded like an AK-47; I was the sniper in his Gilley Suit, one shot, one picture. I could have used the motor drive, but I was interested in quality, not quantity. Still, we both had fun. I guess that's what counts.
More practice will be required on my part to hone my skills to effectively capture dramatic action as it is unfolding. The pursuit of perfection and ability improvement are high goals. It may come in time.
The Minolta performed flawlessly; the operator, well, who knows.
Speed Gray, K8SG
Grand Rapids, MI
My grand-daughters were in town for a state-wide soccer tournament. After 15 minutes into the first game (of a total of 8) I realized that following the action with my Minolta X-700 was more challenging than with my Cannon G-12 or cellphone. I actually had to think, and plan ahead, and pace my itchy shutter finger until the scene developed to the point of recording it. Composition at times took a back seat; I would suppose, so did focusing and exposure! Hopefully, not all three at the same time. Oh, woe is me!
At the very first game it was a mostly sunny morning, a few high clouds. The initial plan was to sit mid-field and shoot Tri-X with my 200mm using a wide aperture (f5.6) and fast shutter speed (1/1000th) to give me minimum depth-of-field and stop action for the fast moving little feet. Next, fill the frame as much as possible with the subject; follow her around the field; and wait for something memorable to happen. I learned quickly focusing was going to be a problem, so I selected a spot on the field, focused there, and only released the shutter when the action was in that area; don't worry about the extreme ends of the field.
Next, 200mm was far too much lens while sitting on the sideline; perhaps sitting at the end of the field would have been okay. So, I dropped down to the 135mm and I could still fill most of the frame effectively and even predict upcoming action due to the slightly wider area of view. I managed to shoot with relative low-level stress and "think" I got some good shots. I'll know when the film is hanging on the drying rack.
To me, it is amazing how "easy" current photography has evolved through technology. My daughter, sitting next to me and shooting with her Cannon EOS something-or-other, sounded like an AK-47; I was the sniper in his Gilley Suit, one shot, one picture. I could have used the motor drive, but I was interested in quality, not quantity. Still, we both had fun. I guess that's what counts.
More practice will be required on my part to hone my skills to effectively capture dramatic action as it is unfolding. The pursuit of perfection and ability improvement are high goals. It may come in time.
The Minolta performed flawlessly; the operator, well, who knows.
Speed Gray, K8SG
Grand Rapids, MI
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