Learning to ride a bike

[adamhiram]

I had 2 goals for my son this summer, learning how to swim, and riding a bike without training wheels. Goal #2 accomplished! (Not pictured: goal #1 also accomplished)

I wanted to use a telephoto lens with a wide aperture to create some nice background separation. While the Sigma 135mm f/1.8 lens is meant to be more of a portrait lens, I was surprised how well it was able to keep up with a moving subject. I would have liked a little more reach, so this is a bit of a crop.

This was also a good exercise in playing around with AF tracking modes. Auto-area with face tracking was hit-or-miss once you consider the subject wore a helmet and was often facing away from the camera. Subject tracking worked well to track the bike, but at f/1.8, that meant the subject's face wasn't necessarily in sharp focus. Dynamic area AF actually worked pretty well here. Ultimately, I went back to eye/face detection and waited for him to get closer and be facing me for better results.

Nikon Z 6II + FTZ + Sigma 135mm f/1.8
135mm, f/1.8, 1/800s, ISO 100


20210912-DSC_4174a by adamhiram, on Flickr

 

[Space Face]

Seems to be success all round. Love the concentration on his face and there's just enough motion blur on the tyres to give the impression of movement. Very well done.

 

[Jeff15]

Good shot, the kids face is great......

 

[Dean_Gretsch]

One of the most important accomplishments for a youngster and you have captured it perfectly

 

[jeffashman]

Very nicely done!

 

[smoke665]

Great shot, great memory!