Of course...feel free to post any pictures that you're curious about and I'll try to do what I can to answer your questions. I can tell you that it's all about how you position yourself when taking those shots. Most folks don't realize how important what you do behind the lenses is also just as important as what's in front as well.

For example, when I snap off a shot, I always make a point to either use a tripod, rest the camera on something solid, use "mirror-up lock" mode, or even brace my elbows on my chest while holding my breath and snapping off a shot. Those are the basics.

Here's couple nice in-motion shots that I like.

 

Edit: Looks like we were posting at the same time, Jason. Great pointers on the motion shots!

I'd also appreciate your feedback on the below, if you have a chance as well.

Thanks!
- Mike

Coming back to my question for Jason.

I hope you don't mind, but I did a quick search to post up some examples of photos you've posted, where I'm really impressed with the detail in the shot -- especially given what must be otherwise tough conditions in which to shoot.

1st example, from ski/snowboard thread:

I figured I'd start here because you weren't even behind the camera for this shot. Yet the scenery is amazingly sharp and the colors are so well pronounced. Was this a result of you setting the camera prior to handing it over to whomever took the shot, or was there some post-processing involved here to bring out the colors?




2nd example, from the ski/snowboard thread:

It looks like there was some incredibly strong sunlight to contend with there. But all of your colors just 'pop' and nothing is washed out at all. Fantastic! So, how'd you do it?



And, lastly a self-shot from the POV pic thread:

It's obviously hard to pull off a good self-portrait shot, but this one really impressed me. There's great color in both the subject (you) and even in the rocks behind you. How did you pull this off while, what looks to me like, shooting into sunlight? It looks like you used a flash, but I'm guessing there's more to it than that.




Again, I hope you don't mind me re-posting your photos here. I'd just really appreciate some pointers, if you're willing to share.

 

Thanks! Looks like you & I were typing at the same time.

Those are some incredible motion shots (I really love the detail in that e92 M3 photo).

 

Because of me, a couple of my friends have all made the switch to the Nikon D700. Pure Evo and Alzilla are two of them. I'm sure they both can testify how good that camera is. But, I'm not going to say that is the definitive answer. There's more to it than that. I do believe it's important to have the skillset, the eye and the artistic ability. The best way to practice, practice and practice. I've been taking photos since I was 14 so I guess it kind of comes naturally for me.

Believe it or not, this was taken with my point and shoot camera, the Canon S90 in "P" mode and really is an amazing little camera for what it it can do. I just set the camera in "P" mode and adjusted the exposure to -0.3 and handed it off to my guide who snapped that shot for me. Another shot of me by someone else turned out well


I took this picture with it's replacement, the S95. I tweaked the colors a bit but what you see is what you get.


For this shot, I used my Nikon D700 with the 70-200 f/2.8 lenses from the top. I adjusted the exposure, adding a bit because the snow "fools" the camera into thinking that everything is underexposed. It's just a matter of knowing your surroundings. If it's too bright then the camera will try to compensate but the best "tool" is your eye. Your eye knows better and you need to adjust accordingly.

You're right, I did use the flash because I knew that there would be a shadow caused by the sun being behind me causing everything to be too dark. I adjusted the exposure to be a bit underexposed to capture the details. Lots of times the camera overexposes the images washing out the colors and details. I'd rather capture the details than have everything washed out.

If you have more, shoot them my way.

 

First offfff... WeLcOmE to the thread Jason
Now please keep the nudity out of this thread

 

LOL, I thought I had stumbled into the Playgirl thread by accident when I saw that nudy shot.

 

I wasn't the one who brought that shot into this thread. Blame him!!! I don't think I need to bring any more skin into this thread.

 

Hahahahahaha

 

Soooo, you guys are saying I shouldn't post the other nudy ones he PM'ed to me? Okay, those will be our little secret

But seriously, thanks VERY much Jason for the tips.

Regarding your equipment, I've seen that a few of you guys are using the Nikon D700 -- it's definitely an impressive camera. I'm looking to upgrade my camera body very soon and, while the D700 looks awesome, my current body, other lens and flash that I have are Canon. I'm currently shooting with a Canon EOS 300d -- pretty old school in comparison to the D700. I think that upgrading the body, along with a good quality primary lens might help get me started with some cleaner images. Even though I know it's not at all just the equipment.

Any Canon guys here? What do you think of the 60D? I've read some good reviews and it's at a really good price point for me. Just curious if anyone has some good/bad experiences with this body?

Thanks again guise! This is a great thread that MUST keep going.

 

Ha! I always tell people that once you've made the choice to go with either Nikon or Canon then stick with it. It's not worth the investment to make the switch especially if you've already invested a fair bit into one particular brand. I'm just intimately familiar with Nikon because that's all I've ever used. Both companies make incredible cameras. I just know Nikon cameras really well which is why I recommended the D700 in particular. I can however say that having the right "glass" makes a difference.