C&C Single Shot

[Postman158]

I took this today at the AMGEN Tour of California in Livermore at Greenville and Patterson Pass Road. I had to snap quick, because if you've ever been to a bike race (this was my first as well), they go by in a matter 30 seconds.. haha. I know the subject (racers) are out of focus, but I like how you can still see the intensity they're portraying while the officials are in focus.

 

[tirediron]

I rather like it as well; focus on the lead cyclists would have made it a stronger journalistic image, but the way it is, it almost appears as if the cyclists are chasing the officials.

 

[Robin Usagani]

those two guys at the front of the pack cheat! They use motorcycle! Dont they know that?

 

[Postman158]

Thanks Tirediron. I'm glad you see it sort of the same way I do!

those two guys at the front of the pack cheat! They use motorcycle! Dont they know that?

Haha I think thats why they look so angry!

 

[KmH]

Having the trailing vehicles (ie, the entire scene) in focus too, would have been even more journalistic.

The peloton of bike racers are the main subject of the image, it's obviously a bicycle race. The support vehicles, both leading and following the peloton are secondary, unless the guy on the bike with the blue sign is your uncle.

In summmary, I'd say you focused on the wrong part of the scene.

 

[Postman158]

Having the trailing vehicles (ie, the entire scene) in focus too, would have been even more journalistic.

The peloton of bike racers are the main subject of the image, it's obviously a bicycle race. The support vehicles, both leading and following the peloton are secondary, unless the guy on the bike with the blue sign is your uncle.

In summmary, I'd say you focused on the wrong part of the scene.

I gotchya. I figured that too, but for some reason I'm not terribly upset with that outcome. Its definitely something to try and shoot for next time, though!

 

[flameshots]

I suspect you would have been hard pressed to get the whole scene in focus. The available light was the biggest limiting factor. I do agree with tirediron, the focus would have been better if on the lead cyclists. What most people probably don't understand is that the bikes are probably going about 15-20 MPH and getting the focus is often more luck than anything.

 

[KmH]

Actually, getting the focus is more about skill than luck.

Once I had gained a little experience (about 5 minutes), focusing on race cars approaching turn 3 at 235 mph near the end of the backstraight at Indianapolis wasn't a problem .

Focusing on moving subjects is easiest when they are moving straight, or almost straight, at the camera.