Photographing a skateboarder for the first time next week

[jdong217]

We have a mutual friend so I agreed to give it a try. It's in a laid back setting and I'd like the experience. Anyway, I've never done any action shots before as they're not really my thing. I'm nervous I won't get it right. Here are my lenses:

-Nikon 18-55mm/3.5-5.6
-Nikon 35mm/1.8G
-Nikon 55-200mm/4-5.6
-Tokina 11-16mm/2.8

We're not going to be at a skateboarding park, just a sloped street since there isn't a park nearby. Anyway, my first choice was the 35mm. Would the Tokina be decent if I could get very close up to him? That might be hard though

If I want to get him in focus and the background blurred while he's moving, do I just follow him with the lens? Would autofocus work in that scenario? I'm so new to action/sports photography

 

[Ballistics]

Ah I'm very interested to see the outcome.

 

[tirediron]

I would say that you'll probably have good luck with both the 35 and 11-16. Don't discount your 55-200 though. The expressions on people's faces are often as interesting as the actions. Example. Stand back and try and capture the concentration.

 

[DiskoJoe]

I would say that maybe you need to do some research on this type of photography. lots of people on flickr are in to this and you could probably find something to give you inspiration and ideas. Just try to go at a good time of day when you will have good lighting.

 

[Mia331]

Great topic! I am going to my friends sons soccer game tomorrow night and am trying to figure out what lens I will use (I only have 18-55 & 55-200). I am really like the 200 so i will probably use that the most and zoom in while he is playing and if I get a chance maybe to some portraits.

Good luck and post your pics!