Images for the Exergy Tour Women's Stage Race (cycling)

[Chris350]

Back in MAy I spent 5 days in the Boise Idaho area working the Exergy Tour. 5 days of Top level professional women's bike racing. I thought to share a couple of the better shots.

[Photo-John]

Awwww - that first one kicks ass, Chris! Funny how similar Boise and Salt Lake are, isn't it?

[Old Timer]

I'm with John that first shot is a really top drawer.

[Photo-John]

I'm with John that first shot is a really top drawer.

I'm assuming that was shot with your 70-200mm f/2.8, Chris? This is a perfect example of why the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is almost mandatory equipment for a sports photographer. In this case, it allowed you to head on from a distance (something you have to do on a straightaway because the riders are coming at you so fast) and pull in that background without letting it get too busy. That background makes the shot - gives it critical context that makes it more than just some woman on a bike. And the big aperture allows you to open it up and soften the background so that the whole image isn't too busy. You need that separation between the rider and the background for this photo to work.

Great work!

[Chris350]

I'm assuming that was shot with your 70-200mm f/2.8, Chris? This is a perfect example of why the 70-200mm f/2.8 lens is almost mandatory equipment for a sports photographer. In this case, it allowed you to head on from a distance (something you have to do on a straightaway because the riders are coming at you so fast) and pull in that background without letting it get too busy. That background makes the shot - gives it critical context that makes it more than just some woman on a bike. And the big aperture allows you to open it up and soften the background so that the whole image isn't too busy. You need that separation between the rider and the background for this photo to work.

Great work!

Thanks John,
That's actually my 300 f/4 from about 100 meters out. Same with the second two shots. it does truly amazing things with light. My 80-200 is dirty as all get out and it's lost some IQ. It need to go to Nikon for service. I agree thought a 70-200 (or the old school 80-200) is a staple for all sports shooters. Load one of those and a wide angle on my second body.

[mattb]

Great shots! I agree about the first but they are all super. I always like a nice contrasty B&W too!