Charity Bike Ride

[kelack]

Hi all

Just had a meeting about a charity bike ride I've been asked to photograph. There will be about 500 riders.

Has anyone done something like this and got any tips for me?

They've got me at the start, at a location en route and at the finish.

TIA

 

[DemiLion]

There are a couple of decent cycling threads in the sharing forum.

From what I've seen:

Singles look better than groups.
If you can find a high speed corner where they lean in it looks impressive.
Character shots work well.
Usual get low shoot up stuff.

Pray for good weather!

Other than that, pass, but if you want a hand give me a shout!

 

[kelack]

Thanks mate, I'll have a scout around when I get home. Can't browse too well on the blackberry! Lol

I'd love a hand but it's a non paying job as it's for the local church. I could probably cover expenses but any money I make on prints is going straight to the church too xx

 

[DavidMAM]

How long is it? What mix of riders? That will dictate how mch pressure you have to get between locations.

The start and finish shots you should be OK with - pick a relevant iconic background if you can. (this is presuming they are group photos.)

Along the route pick your own location.
First chech the angle of the sun . Look for a a small rise such as a humpback bridge or the crest of a hill where you can get good separation from the background. If there is a significant landscape feature, include that.
Separation works well if you can get a dark (eg shadow under trees) background and the riders in sunlight.

As other posters have said, shoot low. be at the level of the handlebars or lower to look up at their faces.

Some of mine to give you an idea..


DSC_0190 by davidmamartin, on Flickr


DSC_1172 by davidmamartin, on Flickr


DSC_1073 by davidmamartin, on Flickr

or for something a bit quicker..


DSC_0909 by davidmamartin, on Flickr


DSC_0930 by davidmamartin, on Flickr

 

[kelack]

Thanks very much for your post David, very useful and great photos to inspire me

It's a big mix of riders - there's three rides staggered- the 40 mile "elite" type one, 23 mile and the 13 mile "fun" ride which tends to be more families and groups of friends from what I gather.

Luckily it sets off from the church which I though might be good for the backdrop and it's hilly round there

I shall take along something soft to sit on then, so I can go on the floor. Never thought of getting that low, thanks

I'm probably going to be limited on my location along the route as it's pretty much rural out here and nowhere to park, the organisers are going to give me a map of both of the routes and highlight the possible places for me.

Thanks again for your advice though