Out !

[Stagecoach]

Sometimes you wonder why you are spending a few hours shooting local club cricket in the oppressive heat and strong afternoon sunlight, then you get home and find it was worth it

500mm, f/8, 1/1000s, ISO640



Comments, suggestions or questions welcome as always.

Grahame

[Shadowman]

Hi Grahame,

Have you considered cropping out the two figures to the right, the one gentleman's relaxed state sort of diminishes the energy of the other three near the ball? Nicely exposed.

[Stagecoach]

Hi Grahame,

Have you considered cropping out the two figures to the right, the one gentleman's relaxed state sort of diminishes the energy of the other three near the ball? Nicely exposed.

Yes I had considered the square crop eliminating the two to the right John but I also liked the bowlers expression and the laid back umpire. I think both versions will work, also with two, three, four or five in the shot.

[Shadowman]

Yes I had considered the square crop eliminating the two to the right John but I also liked the bowlers expression and the laid back umpire. I think both versions will work, also with two, three, four or five in the shot.

Yes, the figure near the edge is interesting.

[DanK]

I agree that the expression of the man on the right is interesting, but I would nonetheless lean toward the crop John suggested. As it is, the photo has two different main points of interest, and they are on opposite sides of the photo. When I first looked at the photo, it didn't draw my eye to either one.

If the batter's (is that the word) face is a main point of interest, I would dodge it a bit. It's in shadow, so it is hard to see the expression.

[Stagecoach]

I agree that the expression of the man on the right is interesting, but I would nonetheless lean toward the crop John suggested. As it is, the photo has two different main points of interest, and they are on opposite sides of the photo. When I first looked at the photo, it didn't draw my eye to either one.

If the batter's (is that the word) face is a main point of interest, I would dodge it a bit. It's in shadow, so it is hard to see the expression.

One of the things I come up against when shooting sport such as this is deciding who the image is for. Is it for me as the photographer where capturing the ball near two bails in the air achieves my goal (rare good luck) or is it for the bowler as the proud moment he bowled out the opposition? There are a number of images within the full shot that will have different priorities to different people.

Here's John's suggested crop and PPd a bit differently, but it would not be the bowlers choice

[FootLoose]

I much prefer the original image, especially when viewed at full size because it shows all actors on stage, so to speak and therefore the full story. The umpire is supposed to be impartial so he should not be excited by the fall of a wicket. The bowler's expression is interesting, to say the least, because he appears to be surprised that he has taken the wicket.
In any case, it is well captured moment in the game and you have set yourself up in the right spot to include all the main actors in the scene.

[dje]

Good capture Grahame, great timing. Did it take many shots to get this? I don't have a preference for either crop, they each tell a different story.

Dan, we call them "batsmen" in cricket, not "batters". "Batters" play for the Red Sox

Dave

[Stagecoach]

I much prefer the original image, especially when viewed at full size because it shows all actors on stage, so to speak and therefore the full story. The umpire is supposed to be impartial so he should not be excited by the fall of a wicket. The bowler's expression is interesting, to say the least, because he appears to be surprised that he has taken the wicket.
In any case, it is well captured moment in the game and you have set yourself up in the right spot to include all the main actors in the scene.

Thank you Greg,

A very good description of the scene. From the many shots I have taken this is the first that I have managed to get the key 'actors' separated so well with the prized added bonus.

[Stagecoach]

Good capture Grahame, great timing. Did it take many shots to get this? I don't have a preference for either crop, they each tell a different story.

Dan, we call them "batsmen" in cricket, not "batters". "Batters" play for the Red Sox

Dave

Thanks Dave,

The afternoons session was over two hundred and fifty shots between two matches being played in the same park. The actions pretty tame with these clubs and this was the only wicket I saw go, most are caught out.

[Stagecoach]

The revised version of the shot with all 'actors'

A bit more PP than I would normally do.

[JBW]

I like the L shaped original. The bowler and the 'batter'? both need to be in the shot with their oh yeah and oh no expressions

[Stagecoach]

I like the L shaped original. The bowler and the 'batter'? both need to be in the shot with their oh yeah and oh no expressions

Thanks Brian,

What is it you regard as "L" shaped?

[JBW]

Thanks Brian,

What is it you regard as "L" shaped?

From bottom left three people then a turn to the right with 2 people. An inverted L

[Stagecoach]

From bottom left three people then a turn to the right with 2 people. An inverted L

I see, but I reckon more of a 'J'

[JBW]

I see, but I reckon more of a 'J'

wouldn't that require a dot or a line crossing the top

[William W]

Interesting reading all the comments.

The man on the right is (I am 99.999999% sure) the "Bowler". Possibly an Off Spin Bowler. For someone looking at the image who is involved in Cricket, the Bowler's presence in the image is (IMO) vital - his expression is as he is "Appealing" to the "Umpire" for a decision . . . as mentioned the Umpire is very "laid back". That dynamic works really well.

The man with the bat is the "Batsman". He has tried to "Hook" and he failed.

The "Bails" floating in the air are quite apparent in the first version - I would keep the whole panorama there are themes and sub themes - it would be a pity to lose those sub-themes by cropping tight and focusing only on the Batsman.

But as you say Grahame . . . who is the picture for?

In any case very enjoyable - your time was definitely NOT wasted.

Bravo

Bill

[xpatUSA]

Excellent! Takes me a long way back in time to Merrie England. Thanks.