Bicycle Racing

budman101

I'm finally getting the hang of how to use my flash in HSS mode.

Mike J

I really like the POV on this and the use of flash to open things up is nicely done. You really can't tell that flash was used.

The entire left third of the comp is distracting though. I look at it and want to crop it at the first p in you watermark. This would put the lead rider smack dab in the middle of the frame so maybe even at the 2nd p in your watermark.

budman101

I have one cropped that way but I like the blurred image of the chase group in the background. I might crop off some of the right though.

2whlrcr

Looks great. I know you wanted to put the chase group in, but only a cyclist would know what that blob is, because they are too out of focus. And whatever that stuff is to the left is distracting. I think in this case the lead group should be cropped by themselves.

I'd hunt for a different photo that shows the chase group and maybe a slighter greater DOF, so a non cyclist would know those are bikes in the background.

Gary752

I was visualizing different crops for this photo, and I think cropping the left side just inside the double yellow lines, from the bottom to the top, and then cropping out the single rider on the right, would give it a nice verticle look, and you'd still have one rider slightly out of focus. Just my thoughts on how I'd crop it. Other than that, nice capture, and nice lighting!

GaryB

Toshido

I am not a cyclist and while I would not have known to call them a chase group I knew that blob was a group of riders chasing the leaders. Partially because of the escort vehicle behind them as well.

I like the comp the way it is. Even the guard rail on the left.

cmkultradome

Toshido wrote:

I am not a cyclist and while I would not have known to call them a chase group I knew that blob was a group of riders chasing the leaders. Partially because of the escort vehicle behind them as well.

I like the comp the way it is. Even the guard rail on the left.

I also like the composition the way it is. I think the broader area shows the viewer what kind of race it was and the surroundings, yet it still captures some nice faces.

Stephanie

budman101

Here's the reworked image per some suggestions. To me, as a bike racer, this looses some of the drama. Now it just looks like a fast group ride. Of course my view is slanted as I would prefer to be in the saddle instead of behind a camera.

denisegoldberg

budman101 wrote:

Here's the reworked image per some suggestions. To me, as a bike racer, this looses some of the drama. Now it just looks like a fast group ride. Of course my view is slanted as I would prefer to be in the saddle instead of behind a camera.

I agree with you - I think the first image is the more powerful of the two.

--- Denise

codiac2600

I have to agree that the original image is the best! Great capture and I know exactly how you feel when taking photos of sports you'd rather be involved in instead being on the sideline at times.

dejan80501

I too am a bike racer. My first impression of the image is the breakaway, then the barriers, then the chase group or field. From that location, you probably could not help eliminate the barriers (if that is what they are). You're right, there is drama with the field in the background, but the barriers are too distracting. It happens, including myself. What I do like is the image...sharp, a little drama in the break, and the three riders drafting off the rider pulling (look at the cycling shoes in order). Good colors and nice angle and good WB. I think you nailed a good shot, but again, the barriers are a bit distracting. I'd like to add that a vertical shot or "crop" of just the break would work really well...

Mike J

budman101 wrote:

Here's the reworked image per some suggestions. To me, as a bike racer, this looses some of the drama. Now it just looks like a fast group ride. Of course my view is slanted as I would prefer to be in the saddle instead of behind a camera.

Having been one of these that suggested a different crop, I will recant and say that the original is better (except for that barrier at the left). The chase group completes this.

mercphoto

budman101 wrote:

Here's the reworked image per some suggestions. To me, as a bike racer, this looses some of the drama. Now it just looks like a fast group ride. Of course my view is slanted as I would prefer to be in the saddle instead of behind a camera.

I agree - the original photo adds some environment, some context to the shot. The cropped version loses all that. Plus it then suffers from center syndrome, with the subject begin dead center in the frame.