Andrew McCutchen in the On Deck Circle
19 June 2015: Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) stands in the on deck circle at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. in a 14-frame composit...
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19 June 2015: Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) stands in the on deck circle at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. in a 14-frame composite High Dynamic Range (HDR) image. The Washington Nationals defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates, 4-1.
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Jun, 2015Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photograph was taken at National Park in Washington, D.C. from the photo well on the third base side. I am a working photojournalist in Washington, D.C. 19 June 2015: Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen (22) stands in the on deck circle at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. in a 14-frame composite High Dynamic Range (HDR) image.Time
This photo was taken on June 19, 2015 at about 8PM during a game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Washington Nationals. Since this was an HDR image, I was waiting for most contrast in the sky after a rain delay.Lighting
In order to do an HDR (in this case 14 images), I took 6 shots underexposed in 1/3 stop increments and then waited for Andrew McCutcheon to stand in the on deck circle, where I took one frame at the correct exposure and then another 7 frames overexposed in 1/3 stop incements to get th full HDR effect. The compositing of the images was done on POST using NIK HDR. I don't really mess with them, because I want the image to look "real" as in not overdone with HDR effects.Equipment
This was shot on a Nikon D3s with a 17-35/2.8 lens. No tripod. For HDR's to work, there cannot be any movement, or else you would see multiple scoreboards and stands, etc. I brace myself against the wall of the photo well and pick a spot in the viewfinder as the "anchor" and I do not move off of that spot until all the images are shot.Inspiration
I try to do an HDR image almost every game I shoot outdoors when there is a lot of contrast (clouds) in the sky. I have been trying to perfect the technique and the HDR's typically are at least 14 and up to 20 images combined.Editing
The images were composited using NIK HDR Effects Pro 2. You can buy it a standalone application or plug in for Photoshop.In my camera bag
Normally I am carrying 2 Nikon d850's and a D3s. Usual lens kit is a 200-400/4; 70-200/2.8; 17-35/2.8; 10.5/2.8, and a mono pod.Feedback
Be patient and do not overwork the images. Look for high contrast situations, which makes for better images. Some expamples of my HDR work can be found on my website: https://goldman.photoshelter.com/gallery/HDR-Images/G00006QEQmGJnoTk/
