How to take a good picture.

pyrocasto · Posted: Sep 04, 2004 11:27 pm Post subject: How to take a good picture.

How the heck do you take a good picture. I just got my new camera, and dont know how to get the best image yet.
This right here would be nice.
http://forums.wakeboarder.com/files/will1.jpg
My pictures are coming out pretty crappy so far, for wakeboarding at least.
It was a cloudy day so the settings were: ISO 64, S 1/1600 or so, and 3.5 A 1600x1200, on extra fine jpeg. I know going to full 8mp raw would be better, but could I get the same kinda shot as Will's(is it)?

Want2ride · Outlaw Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 182 City: Layton, Utah

What kind of camera are you using?
You are going to want to use manual focus and set it rider then leave it alone.
Also have you read this article yet? It has alot of useful information,
http://www.wakeboarder.com/display.phtml?id=553

salmon_tacos · Posted: Sep 05, 2004 6:04 pm Post subject:

Good camera, good lens, good lighting, good focus, large aperture, good shutter speed.

1. It sounds like you didn't have good lighting.

2. You didn't say what camera you are using so we don't know if you can get a good blur on the background. Larger image sensors let you get more blur at the same aperture. We also don't know about the quality of your lens.

3. It looks like your focus might be a little off but it could be the camera quality (not sure since you didn't way what camera).

BTW, Will is the rider; Bill is the photographer.

Also, you can delete that other thread yourself by just deleting the first post, as long as nobody has replied to it.

pyrocasto · Posted: Sep 08, 2004 12:45 am Post subject:

Sorry, using the KM DiMage A2.
I didnt know bill was the photographer, but I was refering to the rider. But I guess it is Bill's picuture. I'll have to try on another day, but I dont know if I'll get to till next season... Sad

BillJ · Posted: Sep 09, 2004 3:55 am Post subject:

One of the things that makes that pic look good is the lighting (and the rider of course!). Shoot early morning or late afternoon to get the best light. Then it's all about timing and anticipating what the rider is going to do.

Your shot doesn't look like it was well focused. I focus on the rider after they get up and are directly behind the boat, then lock the focus on manual. I also sharpen the pic using the USM filter in photoshop since the Digital Rebel images aren't very sharp right out of the camera.

And finally, gets lot of practice with the camera so you are familiar with the controls and settings. It took me several weeks to start getting really good results with the Rebel and even then the shot of Will is one of the better ones I've taken.