Southern Utah Snaps: Shooting Tight

Awesome day...unfortunate result

It was the opening day for DSU ladies softball and I thought why not head out for some practice shooting with a telephoto lens. I have never covered an entire game before so I was not surprised at how challenging it was and how much I would learn on my first time out. Just like shooting wide presented it's own set of obstacles, tight shots, especially with moving targets, is a definite talent I need a lot more practice at this season.

Since I didn't have a press pass my options were somewhat limited (I couldn't get on to of the dugout...grrr), but I started to learn some areas where I could get some good angles on the action. Being near first and third base are among the best options and even then it would have been impossible to get in to the drama without a telephoto.

One cool thing I did discover was when shooting with a wide aperture and getting in close to your subject, the background will blur out and create a much more isolated and interesting photo. I had some difficulty getting the light just right and I spent many of my 400 photos today playing around and attempting to get the right exposure. I was not always successful but practice, practice and more obsessive practice and maybe one day I will get there. Here are some of the best captures from shooting sports day one. Enjoy!