Suspended animation - C&C please

[billtils]

I know that this type of shot is supposed to be captured by panning with a relatively slow shutter speed to freeze the bike and rider but show motion blur in the wheels. However, I like the sense of "action suspended" in this and am curious what others think.

[Shadowman]

Not sure the panning applies if the bike is in suspended motion but nice shot anyway.

[billtils]

Thanks John. The comment on panning applied to the set up normally used in MX bike shots (and other motor sports ones), and not to this one which was taken at 1/1250th with the aim of freezing.

[Mike Buckley]

Great color and composition!

[billtils]

Thanks Mike.

[John 2]

Nice shot Bill.

[madcrow]

Great action shot and well captured.

[NorthernFocus]

Technically well executed shot. The freeze frame works well IMO. On the one hand having nothing but sky for BG suggests great height being achieved in the jump. But with no frame of reference we're left to guess at how high it is.

[bnnrcn]

I agree with Dan and it would be nice to see some of the environment as a reference. But anyway it is a very nice shot

[billtils]

Thanks Dan and Binnur. The answer to the height question is not very! From memory it was about 10 to 15 feet (or two tall people) off the ground but the vantage point was chosen to frame the rider in the sky with nothing in the way.

[Mike Buckley]

The answer to the height question is not very! From memory it was about 10 to 15 feet (or two tall people) off the ground

If I'm gonna be that high off the ground, I wanna be on a bridge.

[billtils]

Me too Mike

[Craigie]

What a truly great capture Bill

[billtils]

Thanks Gary

[rpcrowe]

Super capture... I think maybe opening the shadows on the rider/bike might add but, the image is great as is!

[IzzieK]

Beautiful shot for the purpose you intended! I think at 1/1250 will be good enough to freeze the front wheel too but it did not exactly did that so the blur on the wheel there still expressed motion though it will be good to show some environment with it. Just a thought...

[billtils]

Thanks Richard and Izzie. Richard, yes I can see what you mean but (personal taste) after trying it I prefer it as is. Izzie, yes, that slight residual motion blur left me a bit uncertain. On balance if I were doing it again I'd take two shots, one panned and one at about 1/2000. In fact, it's a nice sunny day and the MX track is usually quite active on a Saturday so off I go!

EDIT: But only to find that the track was closed

[IzzieK]

EDIT: But only to find that the track was closed

There will always be a next time...then go for it! You did a very good job there...