Cycling time trials @ Commonwealth Games

sir_bazz · 21st March 2006, 7:49 PM

The Commonwealth Games came to Mentone today so I packed up a lens kit and monopod and went for a look.

I've never shot racing before and the first thing I noticed was how how annoying the flag wavers are. I was cursing little kids and their boxing kangaroo flags, as well as their parents from bringing them, for getting in my way whenever some action approached.

Anyway....I did manage to get a few shots so here they are. Comments are welcome as usual.

I picked a nice spot about 1/3 of the way up the final hill just before the turn around point. Started with the Sigma 70-200mm f2.8 to get a feel of the action.

Here's the view from the spot I found with the first of the cyclists just about to begin the climb.

One of the international competitors feeling the strain of race.

Switched to the Zenitar 16mm f2.8 later in the race to try and capture some different angles. I liked the way this one came out. What about you guys?

cheers,
bazz.

^catalyst · 21st March 2006, 7:59 PM

Seem ok,

Which is unusual for your shots, usually very good.

Seem soft/lack of detail? Have you compressed them heavily?

-Lachie

decryption · 21st March 2006, 8:00 PM

Sucks about all the people in the way, I had the same problem at the baton relay.

The shot with the Zenitar is a good one indeed. Were you sitting on the floor?

Ronza · 21st March 2006, 8:04 PM

One thing I remember about trying to photograph at the Jacobs Creek Cycling was the crowd; quite hard to get shots without OOF heads unless your there early or primed yourself a nice spot. Was there only one cyclist on the track at once for all these shots; because that would have been awfully trying to get different angles or even keepers when they whiz past in a fraction of a second.

sir_bazz · 21st March 2006, 8:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ^catalyst

Seem soft/lack of detail? Have you compressed them heavily?

-Lachie

Processed as per normal. I've never really shot anything where the subject is coming towards me at speed and I think the bikes were just a bit too fast for the DS's autofocus.

Quote:

Originally Posted by decryption

The shot with the Zenitar is a good one indeed. Were you sitting on the floor?

Yeah man. Parked on my butt with my head and camera wedged between the barrier rails. It was fun.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronza

Was there only one cyclist on the track at once for all these shots; because that would have been awfully trying to get different angles or even keepers when they whiz past in a fraction of a second.

Yep..just one at a time. And everytime one came near those kids and their flags let me know

If I had the chance again I'd go to the turn around point where the we know the cyclists have to slow down.

Thanks for the comments.

cheers,
bazz.

Nafe · 21st March 2006, 11:21 PM

I love the zenitar shot, I think it works great. My only nitpick would be the front wheel got a little chopped... but that's only a tiny gripe. Love the shot - makes me want to buy wide angle and go play...

bubbablair · 21st March 2006, 11:38 PM

I like the last one as well, all the tension and effort is visable in his whole body. Nice timing.

Bubba

petal666 · 22nd March 2006, 9:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronza

One thing I remember about trying to photograph at the Jacobs Creek Cycling was the crowd; quite hard to get shots without OOF heads unless your there early or primed yourself a nice spot.

Just use a long lens and you generally miss all the hands, caps and flags waving around. having said that at the night time crit at the TDU I got the too late to get any decent photos as there were sooooo many people about.

f@rmboy · 22nd March 2006, 1:50 PM

Farmboy likes the second one most.
He likes the "different" angle for the third one but feels that panning the shot would have improved it greatly.

21st March 2006, 8:00 PM	#3
decryption Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: St. Albans, Melbourne Posts: 2,455	Sucks about all the people in the way, I had the same problem at the baton relay. The shot with the Zenitar is a good one indeed. Were you sitting on the floor? __________________ http://decryption.wordpress.com

21st March 2006, 11:21 PM	#6
Nafe Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: North Shore, Sydney Posts: 3,910	I love the zenitar shot, I think it works great. My only nitpick would be the front wheel got a little chopped... but that's only a tiny gripe. Love the shot - makes me want to buy wide angle and go play... __________________ Nathan Speed Shots Photography \| CAMS Gold Level Accredited Photographer Official Photographer 2013 \| Liqui-Moly Bathurst 12 Hour \| Shannons Nationals \| Porsche GT3 Cup Challenge Australia Presented by Pirelli \| Radical Australia Cup \| Kumho Tyres Australian V8 Touring Cars Series

21st March 2006, 11:38 PM	#7
bubbablair Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: The Shire, Sydney Posts: 1,227	I like the last one as well, all the tension and effort is visable in his whole body. Nice timing. Bubba __________________ My Photo Gallery

22nd March 2006, 1:50 PM	#9
f@rmboy Terrorist Photographer Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Yo mommas bedroom Posts: 2,116	Farmboy likes the second one most. He likes the "different" angle for the third one but feels that panning the shot would have improved it greatly. __________________ Flickr

21st March 2006, 7:59 PM	#2
^catalyst Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: melbourne Posts: 10,061	Seem ok, Which is unusual for your shots, usually very good. Seem soft/lack of detail? Have you compressed them heavily? -Lachie

21st March 2006, 8:04 PM	#4
Ronza Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 3,159	One thing I remember about trying to photograph at the Jacobs Creek Cycling was the crowd; quite hard to get shots without OOF heads unless your there early or primed yourself a nice spot. Was there only one cyclist on the track at once for all these shots; because that would have been awfully trying to get different angles or even keepers when they whiz past in a fraction of a second.