Tour de France - Prologue - 07.07.07 (56k Warning)

MG TF 135 · Jul 8, 2007

Was really excited to go up to London and watch the Prologue to this years Le Tour. As well as soaking up the atmosphere at one of the worlds bigget sporting events it also gave me a chance to expand my photography skills. I had never tried panning shots before and was a touch nevous about getting home with nothing!

The crowds were amazing, top marks to everyone who turned out, and on the anniversary of the 2005 bombings it was a fantastic way to show what being British is all about.

Anyway, here is my pick of 3 memory cards!!

#1

#2

#3

#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#9

#10

Thanks for looking, there were so many it was hard to pick this selection. Comments and Critique ALWAYS WELCOMED

|)\/8 · Jul 9, 2007

Very nice, wish I was there. I am surprised that the photos shot at 1/100 came out as sharp as they did, was this intentional to blur the spectators?

tempra · Jul 9, 2007

Great panning shots! Might be worth linking some of them so that they show in here as people are a bit lazy when it comes to clicking links

MG TF 135 · Jul 9, 2007

tempra said:
Great panning shots! Might be worth linking some of them so that they show in here as people are a bit lazy when it comes to clicking links

All done! And thanks for the comment.

Chris of Arabia · Jul 9, 2007

I guess due to the set up the course here, you weren't able to cross the road/track, but it might have been nice to see someone cycling in the opposite direction just for varieties sake. The focus isn't quite sharp on some of the photos, but that's quite difficult when the subject is moving fast and you are panning into the bargain. Not a bad effort though for a first attempt.

deanimator · Jul 9, 2007

Excellent. The panning was very well done. :thumbup:

I especially like the shots where you can clearly see the strain in the faces (I know...I ride too, but not quite this fast)

crownlaurel · Jul 9, 2007

Great panning. I can't even successfully pan my children running, :lol:

, much less cyclists.

morydd · Jul 9, 2007

I'm jealous. For first time panning shots, these are amazing.

Sweetsomedays · Jul 9, 2007

I think you did a great job!

bakstreet · Jul 9, 2007

I am a cyclist also and I think these look great. I'd love to have a pic of me like any of those. Great job!

MG TF 135 · Jul 10, 2007

|)\/8 said:
Very nice, wish I was there. I am surprised that the photos shot at 1/100 came out as sharp as they did, was this intentional to blur the spectators?

Trying a slower shutter speed was intentional to try and get a sense of speed, i did take a lot with faster shutters too as a back up. i had visions of me coming home with nothing!

Chris of Arabia said:
I guess due to the set up the course here, you weren't able to cross the road/track, but it might have been nice to see someone cycling in the opposite direction just for varieties sake. The focus isn't quite sharp on some of the photos, but that's quite difficult when the subject is moving fast and you are panning into the bargain. Not a bad effort though for a first attempt.

We got to this view point about 3 hours before the racing started, the nearest crossing point was about 25 mins walk away and then i would have had a nightmare trying to slide to the front of the crowds again. So i decided to just sit tight. As for the panning, i'm pleased, i came away with better results than i thought i would..