RATE My PHOTO

Lane #4

TIM Bourke, COLORADO,

USA SAYS… I recently upgraded to the EOS-1D X Mark II, and I’ve been itching to try the 400mm f/2.8 with this new body, so I rented one. I typically shoot youth and high school action photos at the weekends, but I have never photographed a Track & Field event. I positioned myself on the first turn on south side of the track with an unobstructed view of the lane, taking full advantage of having the bright sun at my back and the big lens. I only shot one photo on the first hurdle, and then two photos on the second hurdle, resulting in this photo. BRIAN SAYS… A superb action shot, with the hurdler in full flight. The head-on composition is great and the long lens certainly helps to isolate the subject from the background. The fast shutter speed easily freezes the subject, and f/4.5 has given enough depth of field that both the sole of the lead shoe and the markings on the trailing foot are both sharp. It’s great that the hurdle is level regardless of whether you shot it like that or straightened in the edit. One of the few criticisms I have, would be the extra hand, from the competitor in the lane on the right of the picture, but this could be easily fixed with a slightly tighter crop on both left and right sides to keep the balance. Brilliant image!