SandyLSmith
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken at the Calgary Rugged Maniac race this summer 2015. This was a really tricky obstacle in the race where they had to crawl under wire in mud. I had to remove my shoes and climb right in knee deep in the mud and try to balance to shoot the competitorsTime
This was a really sunny day just before noon (worst lighting of course)Lighting
Flash tricky to use in this situation so be mindful of where your natural light is and meter oftenEquipment
Nikon D5500 70-200 2.8 Sigma lensInspiration
I love seeing people pushing themselves and trying to capture the focus and determination of their expressions. I also thought it would be tricky to do because of the poor light and miserable place I went to shoot from and I love a challenge or photo I really had to work for.Editing
I did a little processing in Lightroom by adjusting the shadows and highlights. I then played with the colours until I felt the eyes popped the mostIn my camera bag
I always have my Nikon nifty fifty, my D5500 usually with my Sigma 17-50mm 2.8 attached as I love its versatility and quick response. I always carry a tripod and use my phone as a remote when need for long exposures. My 70-200 2.8 Sigma is my portrait go to and always with me as well.Feedback
Obstacle races are a great place to work on focus of moving objects (racers) in various situations. Facial expressions are usually fantastic and people covered in mud make interesting subjects with tricky contrast. Get there early and scope your location before the racers begin. Lighting can be tricky And flash difficult to use so try to have the sun at your back and lighting the eyes of the racers if it works in the composition. You have to be in continuos shooting and focus mode and be quick.... Try to get your focus centred on the subjects eyes and have fun!