Photographing Cyclists

[KenJulio]

I plan on attending an event coming up in the next couple of weeks of some mountain bike cyclists in the woods. So, I'm thinking of using the 80-200 and possibly the 50 1.8 on my D300, but am debating on using the monopod. As to why I'm debating, I'm unsure, I see more pros than cons with it in this situation. For me, I'm not comfortable with using it and being somewhat maneuverable, which is probably why I'm not considering it.

Something I'm looking at doing, scoping out the course this coming weekend, picking several spots for some jumps or switchback, and the locations I choose, I would stick with a focal length and either lock my focus or use manual focus.

Any thoughts/suggestions is much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[Flea77]

As a cyclist, and a photographer I have a few tips. If you are anywhere near my line, I will run you down without remorse. If you flash me, you better like the taste of carbon because you will be eating my handlebars. Other than those two pearls, shoot wider than you think because it is easier to crop out the unwanted than to insert the unexpected, especially off road. I have seen some wonderful shots that could not have happened if the photographer was tight in on the shot.

Allan

[KenJulio]

sounds like the 50 1.8 will be out of he question then ;) I dont plan on getting on any of the possible lines, which is why i'm gonna scope it out this weekend before the event takes place.

[Casper]

Hi Ken,

I have enjoyed photographing bike events for years. Here are a few galleries at upperman.smugmug.com-

http://upperman.smugmug.com/Sports/39171

I assume you are taking photos of particular people, so getting their face is important, just like other sports.

Composition is a given, I try not to get people riding out of a scene.

Lighting is a tough one, I often use a flash to fill the shadows. Mountain bike racers hardly ever notice the flash, they are looking at the trail. Watch out for overexposed back light. I sometimes use my flash to overpower the sun and get a good exposure and dark blue sky.

I try to get several people in one scene to show the race aspect, look for passing places, water crossings, and steep hills.

What event are you going to? I may be there.

Steve

[KenJulio]

Originally Posted by Casper

Hi Ken,

I have enjoyed photographing bike events for years. Here are a few galleries at upperman.smugmug.com-

http://upperman.smugmug.com/Sports/39171

I assume you are taking photos of particular people, so getting their face is important, just like other sports.

Composition is a given, I try not to get people riding out of a scene.

Lighting is a tough one, I often use a flash to fill the shadows. Mountain bike racers hardly ever notice the flash, they are looking at the trail. Watch out for overexposed back light. I sometimes use my flash to overpower the sun and get a good exposure and dark blue sky.

I try to get several people in one scene to show the race aspect, look for passing places, water crossings, and steep hills.

What event are you going to? I may be there.

Steve

Steve,

There is a short track stampede event taking place in the Woodlands on the 11th hosted by GHORBA.

As for the flash, I am wary of using it due to it may interfere with the riders. Again, another reason why I'm heading out early to scope out the course and see what the lighting conditions COULD be, either good or bad. We never know how Texas weather will be like.

If you're going to make it out, it'd be cool to meet you and absorb any knowledge worth sharing.

Ken

[Casper]

Hi Allen,

I with you on what you said. I have raced many times in Texas and usually take photos of my teammates racing other categories than mine. I don't recommend getting in the way of any racer, they will look you up after the race! Also, I usually use off camera flash.

I have seen a few racers with little cameras on their handle bars or helmets.

Steve

[studiocygnet]

I raced mountain bikes for 20 years or so, and still help promote races and build trails. As a photog, of course I've also photographed the races. A couple things:
Depending on the course and the officials, you may or may not be able to walk the course. If you are able, walk it backwards to the direction of the riders, and listen and be ready to jump to the outside of any corners quickly.
If you are not able to walk the course during the racing, your scouting ahead of time will find you a spot to get to before the racing starts that will offer good action.
In the woods, you will probably want to use fill flash. Otherwise you get bright and dark spots all over from the canopy.
I always manually pre-focused on a spot a specific distance away, and waited for the riders to get there while panning for most of my shots. So with panning, I was hand holding and didn't mess with pods.
One other method is dragging the shutter with flash, you get a sharp rider with kinda ghost images of movement.
I always used wide to normal length lenses, for the greater depth of field with manual pre-focusing.
And about the riders, mostly they won't even notice you, unless of course you haven't jumped out of their way fast enough. Then they will be really p.o'd and you'll probably hear some salty language (even if it's a woman). So as long as you're not in the line, I wouldn't worry about anything else, they stay very focused on the trail.

studiocygnet added 2 Minutes and 23 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

Oh yeah, one more thing. Like Ken says: getting the expression on the riders face is usually key to a good pic.

[toverman]

I agree that a monopod would be kind of cumbersome, especially if you're not used to using it. Your 80-200 would be my choice, as you will have compositional flexibility and also be able to be further off the path of the riders.

For at least some shots, I'd recommend sitting to get interesting angles (akin to shooting field sports).