Mountain Bike Racing

[BLS439]

So like Jorge, I also went to the Sea Otter Classic. I usually race, but this year thought I'd get back into photography. It's been a couple years since I'd been taking pictures and thought this would be the best "re-introduction" I could get.

I already posted some of these on the Photo Critique board and got a little feed back. Please, take a peek at the images and let me know what you think!

Thanks!
BLS439

[BLS439]

Here's a couple more images.

[Photo-John]

Welcome to the site, BLS439! I think these look really good. Obviously, being a mountain biker gives you an intimate knowledge of the sport and I can see that in these photos. Right off the top of my head the only criticism I have is exposure. Some are blown out in the highlights and others are too dark in the shadow areas. I don't know how you're shooting these or setting them up. But I generally shoot dark to hold the highlights with the intention of selectively lightening up the important areas that are too dark. Like the photo of Mary - I would lighten all the shadow areas and definitely work on making her face a little easier to see. I wouldn't want to make it look light. But I want enough information that the viewer can see it without working at it.

I really like the photo of Adam Craig with the drop bars and his foot out. That saya a lot about this year's Sea Otter. Not sure about the tape. But it doesn't ruin it for m, either.

[Homer]

They are all nice shots and tell a good story. I really like the tight crop of the first one. Nice job.

Jim

[BLS439]

Hey John,

Thanks for your input about Mary. I played with it a little bit in PS CS. Maybe this is better? I played with the highlights/shadows and the contrast. I do like this better than the bland shot I first posted.

Here are some other's I took also. I am torn on the super close-up of Gunn-Rita, I like it and then some times I dont.

My shots were all handheld from a brand new body (still getting used to the settings/view finder), from shady area without any flash and a slow lens (100-300 f5.6-6.3).

After upgrading from my EOS 3 to the 30D, I went out and just got the Canon 70-200 f 2.8 lens. It looks like it's going to give far superior quality shots.

Homer- Thanks for your input. It's really encouraging!


I am interested in the idea of submitting to magazines and companies. Does anyone have any suggestions or insight they are willing to share?

Thanks!

--Dave