Action Sports Flash Photography

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He wowed the crowd at Photoshop World Orlando ’11 with his incredible skills and passion for photography. Now, Dave Black is bringing that passion and skill to KelbyTraining.com with his debut class! In Action Sports Flash Photography, Dave uses his Nikon Speedlights and DSLR to create the kind of stylized sports portraits that you normally see in feature articles, programs and magazine covers – and he shows you how to do it too. In this class, you’ll learn how to capture action sports, in varying degrees of action from track and field to motocross, with high-speed sync and fast action shutter speeds. You’ll also learn what equipment and settings work best for each progressive action sports situation; but most of all, you’ll learn that while you may not have the exact same kind of equipment Dave does, it won’t matter half as much as you think as long as you share his exuberance and desire to take an amazing picture.

Introduction (02:42) Meet Dave Black and his first subject, an Olympic track runner.
Equipment Check (13:01) Dave gives you a rundown on the equipment he will be using throughout his class and in which situation he plans to use them. Do you need the exact same equipment to get a similar shot? According to Dave, you don't. But if you don't use Nikon Speedlights
On Your Mark (11:59) Back at the track, Dave consults with his athlete before explaining his set up and technique for a commercial action shot taken of a runner out of the starting blocks.
Get Set - Go! (11:03) Even though he was pleased with his first set up, Dave's advice to shoot not only for the assignment but also for the subject, prompts him to make some small changes to his light positions and his own angle for a more dramatic effect.
Seventh Inning Stretch (04:59) Next, Dave visits a Baseball diamond and sets up to shoot a pitcher with high-speed synch by starting with some portrait shots to test his short depth-of-field.
Here's the Windup (09:40) Dave studies the pitcher's actions as he sets up his Speedlights and captures the action.
And the Pitch (05:13) Dave changes the white balance and adds warming gels for a more dramatic look.
Motocross Up Close (09:32) Dave studies the track to find the best place to set up, then really gets in there for some impressive shots.
Catching Air (09:26) As the ambient light fades, Dave catches some impressive action before his final review. Thanks for watching Action Sports Flash Photography with Dave Black.

Course Time: 01 Hours 17 Minutes

J. Bright

Feb 10 2012

All I can say is WOW. The motocross photos were awesome. Can't believe how close he was getting to the action.
P. Lavigne

Feb 16 2012

The most enjoyable tutorial ever! Dynamic and really enjoyable! Awesome! Thank you very much. Pierre
D. Constable

Mar 27 2012

a really inspiring course, makes you want to get out and do each of the genres shown here. Great shots from all but the motor cross ones were a bit special. Thank you Mr Black

Your Instructor

Dave Black

Commercial Sports Photographer

As a freelance photographer for over 30 years Dave's work has primarily centered on the sports industry for such publications as Sports Illustrated, Time, Newsweek and the award winning TV show Sports...VIEW FULL BIO»

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