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  1. #1
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    Sports pano composition?

    Composition is something I know I could work on in general, but I'm hoping to get some thoughts on this image:



    These action panoramas are something I'm pretty new to, and I'm struggling a little with how to keep them interesting. I really liked this when i first put it together, but it's gotten a pretty lackluster reception from others. I'm starting to think my initial excitement was mainly coming from knowing the back story, not from it being a particularly great photo or stitch job. What could I be doing to make these more interesting and pop more?

    thanks

  2. #2
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    I like the shot, but *personally* I don't like vertical panoramas... very rarely can you get the whole shot on the screen. When that happens, its tough to see the image as one shot and appreciate the composition- I think this is easier to accomplish with a horizontal pano.

    That being said, I also think the action-stitched photos are better left to the standard size (vert or horiz).

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by smmokan View Post
    That being said, I also think the action-stitched photos are better left to the standard size (vert or horiz).
    ^^^ for ease of computer viewing, or because something more is gained by preserving standard aspect ratios?

    I agree with your original sentiment as well, its frustrating to have to crush the image to fit it on the screen and loose all the detail. It might lend itself to an interesting print though.

  4. #4
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    I meant simply for ease of computer viewing, since that's where 90% of photography viewing takes place anymore.

    One place an image like that would kick ass is in a vertical advertisement in a magazine- down the outside edge next to an article. Slightly smaller and it could work for web copy too.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by smmokan View Post
    One place an image like that would kick ass is in a vertical advertisement in a magazine- down the outside edge next to an article. Slightly smaller and it could work for web copy too.
    I think it's going to get a place somewhere on my website soon, which is part of the reason I was looking for crit.

  6. #6
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    Composition wise, I think its great. It actually gives you a sense of how far the skier traveled when he launched off that lip. Scale is tough to convey in skiing pictures.

  7. #7
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    Everything looks fine to me, the only complaint is in the last image, he's right in the corner with nowhere to go. I think it would be a lot better if there was a little more space underneath and on the right of the picture to give him somewhere to 'go', might make him look like hes still moving rather than the photo just ending there. But other than that I love it, its fuckin awesome, and props to both of you

  8. #8
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    I also suck at composition...and I think the pic is dope. Good work.
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  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by hdcb166 View Post
    Everything looks fine to me, the only complaint is in the last image, he's right in the corner with nowhere to go. I think it would be a lot better if there was a little more space underneath and on the right of the picture to give him somewhere to 'go', might make him look like hes still moving rather than the photo just ending there. But other than that I love it, its fuckin awesome, and props to both of you
    all the above plus maybe a shot of him skiing away would be nice? its nice to know he stomped it and claimed that shit...
    also... can't really make out his head in any of the shots.... just a thought...

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by couloir View Post
    all the above plus maybe a shot of him skiing away would be nice? its nice to know he stomped it and claimed that shit...
    also... can't really make out his head in any of the shots.... just a thought...
    good thoughts. If I include any more from the sequence though, I wont get that nice vertical rectangle shape, it get's all jagged at that point. Something to keep in mind in the future though, as it could easily have been solved by taking a bunch of background photos.

    he's wearing a pretty big backpack, due to the funny angle the picture was taken from, it makes his head disappear.

  11. #11
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    You might pick up a few ideas from this Chase Jarvis video about shooting sequences:


  12. #12
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    Not really sure what the point is to run an image this skinny and small just for display on screen. The only real use for this would be to print big-ass vertical posters - which would be pretty rad. Overall I want more context both on the in-run and landing. Where is he coming from? Did he ski out clean? The action itself, just a straight air, isn't so strong to be steal the show. More context would help.

  13. #13
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    i think it is a great shot, and has a unique angle to it. the only problem with the verticle, straight-on angled shots, especially with dropping cliffs, is that it doesn't really show the angle or the severity of the cliff drop, it makes the cliff seem less gnarly...if i'm making any sense. great shot though, and i also agree that more context would only add to the shot
    two words: Glacier Park

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by smmokan View Post
    Composition wise, I think its great. It actually gives you a sense of how far the skier traveled when he launched off that lip. Scale is tough to convey in skiing pictures.

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