? Bike race ?

[tlcmommyx4]

I was wanting some advice on what lens to use. I am going to shoot my brother riding in the Oklahoma Red Bud on Saturday. It will be eairly morning and I only have 3 lenses. My kit len which is the 18-55mm, a canon prime 50mm F/1.8 and a Sigma 28-70 F/2.8-4. I tend to get very nervous when shooting my family for some reason crazy ugh? I was thinking about maybe a tri-pod? I could use some wonderful advice? I did get to start my second set of photography classes, but we did a lot on White balance yesterday and I didn't have time to ask my instructor. I happen to learn way more on the DIS that anywhere else anyway. Thanks in advance for all the great words of wisdom

 

[disneyboy2003]

For a bike race, you'll want to go with a faster shutter speed. I'd say 1/500 sec at the very minimum, but probably 1/1000 sec ideally.

To achieve these higher shutter speeds, you'll want to go with a larger aperture (smaller f-number) and a higher ISO. For ISO, I'd start with ISO 400, and possibly consider going up to ISO 800, depending on how bright it is during the "early morning".

Of the 3 lenses you've got, I'd go with your Sigma + the Canon 50mm f/1.8. The 50mm lens is small enough that it shouldn't be too much of a burden to carry around.

I would also set your focus mode to "AI Servo". AI Servo is the autofocus for moving subjects. We recently discussed AI Servo in one of the threads last week: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2432827

I wouldn't bring a tripod. You're not taking pictures using slow shutter speeds. And the shutter speeds of 1/500 - 1/1000 sec are fast enough that you don't have to worry about camera shake from hand-holding.

The only downside to using such fast shutter speeds is that you pretty much freeze the action, so there's no sense of motion. The bike wheels are frozen, so it'll look like your brother is stopped right in the middle of the road. Overall, though, it's probably a very minor consideration.

One other intermediate photography technique you can consider trying is panning. Here's an example of panning from Flickr:

As you can see, panning photos convey a sense of motion. Not only does the background appear to be moving, the bike wheels are also spinning in this photo.

Panning takes a lot of trial and error (mostly error). You'll need to use a slower shutter speed (1/30 sec? or slower) and follow your subject with your camera, keeping your subject in the exact same part of the frame during the slower exposure. The best and most stable way to do this is to keep your camera held close to you, with your elbows tucked tight into your body. Use your waist to pivot your entire upper body as you track your subject. Your entire upper body should move as one. Even using this technique, some say about 1 in 10(?) panning photos actually come out pretty good.

Be sure to take some test shots of other bikers as they pass you by. That way, you can adjust your settings as necessary.

Hope that helps. Do you have any kids or neighborhood kids that you can practice on between now and the weekend? Be sure to show us some photos!

 

[boBQuincy]

If the race is a criterium (many laps) I would suggest getting some with a fast shutter speed (just so you have something) and then trying panning halfway through the race. As shown in the example, panning really gives the impression of speed. The shutter speed is determined by your distance from the subject, the lens, and how fast the subject is moving. Try your longest lens (70) and as a guess for bicycles, maybe 1/60 if they are pretty close.

Take a lot, as mentioned panning is not easy and we can expect a fair number of misses in the early going. As in golf (which I don't play) *follow through* for the smoothest photos. After a while it will become easier.

Static photos just don't show the excitement of bicycle racing:

and yes, that is George Hincapie (the eventual winner) leading the race!

 

[photo_chick]

If you're looking to put one lens on and leave it, I'd go with the Sigma 28-70 you've got. But that's me. If possible I'd tuck the 50mm in a pack or pocket as well. It's small enough, I pocket mine in my cargo shorts all the time.

Like said above, be prepared to have a lot of misses. If you've never shot this type of event before with the gear you're taking it may take a bit to get into the groove so to speak. Don't get discouraged by that, just keep shooting.

And take plenty of memory cards.

 

[tlcmommyx4]

Thanks so much for all the great advise. I can't wait until Saturday. I do think I am going to bring both of those lenses. I will post what I get on Saturday. I am going to practice with cars in front of my house. Cars are a lot bigger, but at least I will have some idea of how the technique works.
Thanks again!

 

[tlcmommyx4]

If you're looking to put one lens on and leave it, I'd go with the Sigma 28-70 you've got. But that's me. If possible I'd tuck the 50mm in a pack or pocket as well. It's small enough, I pocket mine in my cargo shorts all the time.

Like said above, be prepared to have a lot of misses. If you've never shot this type of event before with the gear you're taking it may take a bit to get into the groove so to speak. Don't get discouraged by that, just keep shooting.

And take plenty of memory cards.

What kind of lens would you use? I am saving up for a 70-200mm F/2.0, or would you want something ultra wide? I really have learned so much from all your experience and helpful advise.

 

[lap3]

Everyone here offered some great advice. For my choice of lens, I'd stay with the Sigma. Not sure what kind of bike race it is but if it is a crit, you'll have plenty of opportunities to take a lot of shots...and you will.

 

[tlcmommyx4]

Everyone here offered some great advice. For my choice of lens, I'd stay with the Sigma. Not sure what kind of bike race it is but if it is a crit, you'll have plenty of opportunities to take a lot of shots...and you will.

It's a 52mile race and I think I will only get one chance to get a start shot, and one time to get a finish shot of my brother, but with all the pepole I should get to several practice. I hope to get a least one good one. Have a great day.

 

[disneyboy2003]

It's a 52mile race and I think I will only get one chance to get a start shot, and one time to get a finish shot of my brother, but with all the pepole I should get to several practice. I hope to get a least one good one. Have a great day.

If that's the case, I'd go with the faster shutter speeds (1/500 - 1/1000 sec) for your brother. Better to get sharper photos of your brother, than to experiment on unpredictable panning techniques, especially when you've only got 2 chances to take photos of him.

You can practice panning on all the other riders.

 

[lap3]

It's a 52mile race and I think I will only get one chance to get a start shot, and one time to get a finish shot of my brother, but with all the pepole I should get to several practice. I hope to get a least one good one. Have a great day.

Michelle, is this the course your brother's competing in? http://www.redbud.org/info/maps.php If so, looking at the map, you might have a couple of opportunities to catch him in action.

 

[mom2rtk]

I would also set your focus mode to "AI Servo". AI Servo is the autofocus for moving subjects. We recently discussed AI Servo in one of the threads last week: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2432827

I was really happy with all the help I got on that thread! I got up that morning, looked at the photos again from the track meet and was disappointed. I couldn't quite put my finger on what I should try differently that day at his next meet. Then it occurred to me that a number of people here would be able to help..... Over the course of the morning they talked me through it and it went much better!

AI Servo was definitely the way to go!

Go fast on the shutter speed. It made for some nice sharp photos. I went with shutter priority at 1/1000 and was much happier that second day.

I also want to try panning at one of his meets. Now that I feel I have some decent "freeze action" shots, I'll give that a go at his next meet. Since yours is a one time event I would definitely use my limited opportunities to get some nice sharp shots though.

Not only do you not need a tripod at that shutter speed, but it would seem very cumbersome to recompose your shot fast enough with the camera fixed on a tripod.

I would definitely go with the Sigma with the zoom. I have found the zoom to be very helpful in getting more shots in that short opportunity I have. You can continue to zoom in as he approaches.

If there are other bikers ahead of him, practice on them.

Pray for bright sunny weather!..... Have fun!.... And be sure to post here when it's over!

 

[tlcmommyx4]

Michelle, is this the course your brother's competing in? http://www.redbud.org/info/maps.php If so, looking at the map, you might have a couple of opportunities to catch him in action.

Yes it is and I just got the map and I hope to catch him a couple of times. I just wish I knew when he would be coming through the stops (i know that is the wrong word, but I think you know what I am tring to say) I will post tomorrow. Thanks again.

 

[lap3]

Yes it is and I just got the map and I hope to catch him a couple of times. I just wish I knew when he would be coming through the stops (i know that is the wrong word, but I think you know what I am tring to say) I will post tomorrow. Thanks again.

Definitely practice with any earlier riders that come through so that by the time your brother rides, you will be ready to nail the shot. I'm really interested in seeing how it turns out. Be sure to post your pics, ok?

I'm heading off to Dana Point this morning to cover the TT. Should be a great day today!

 

[tlcmommyx4]

I have to tell you that I am very happy with the pics of my brother and his tour. Considering all the miss communication we had today. I was standing on the wrong side of the street and I missed him at the start, and at the 1st point we were going to, I just walked up and snapped the shot and missed him by maybe 15 seconds. The second and last try we got there before anyone had passed this check point, I sent my son and his son, my nephew to scream out his name and give me a heads up. Lets just say I was very glad I was taking so many practice shots and I got him in 3 of them. You will have to tell me what you think about them. It was hard to pick him out from everyone else, and they do ride by quite fast, Thanks again.

This is the shoot I missed him by about 15 seconds, he was in the front.

This is the second try, and successful.

This is my brother and nephew

Oh and his time was 2hours and 23mins. for 52 miles

 

[lap3]

It was good that you were able to practice with the other riders because you nailed it on the one that counts! Great job! I don't know if it was accidental or intentional but I have to also say you were in a good spot because of the lighting.

 

[disneyboy2003]

Great job on the bike race! Even the one where you missed your brother by 15 seconds, at least you got a really nice, sharp photo of everyone else. Good thing you had several chances to get good pictures of your brother.

I think your 1/1000 sec shutter speed was the right one for this situation. Did you find AI Servo easy to use?

You know, I was thinking the other day that you sure put yourself in a lot of challenging photo situations, especially for someone who just bought her camera! Instead of starting with simple snapshots, you've dived right into horse barrel racing, super low-light photography, and fast-action sports photography! For someone who's just starting out, you've actually done really well. Lots better than me when I first bought my camera.

Great job!

 

[mom2rtk]

Great job! You did your brother proud!

 

[tlcmommyx4]

It was good that you were able to practice with the other riders because you nailed it on the one that counts! Great job! I don't know if it was accidental or intentional but I have to also say you were in a good spot because of the lighting.

Thank you so much, I had so much fun yesterday, and tryed to keep the sun on the riders and at my back if I could. Thanks again for the tips!

Great job on the bike race! Even the one where you missed your brother by 15 seconds, at least you got a really nice, sharp photo of everyone else. Good thing you had several chances to get good pictures of your brother.

I think your 1/1000 sec shutter speed was the right one for this situation. Did you find AI Servo easy to use?

You know, I was thinking the other day that you sure put yourself in a lot of challenging photo situations, especially for someone who just bought her camera! Instead of starting with simple snapshots, you've dived right into horse barrel racing, super low-light photography, and fast-action sports photography! For someone who's just starting out, you've actually done really well. Lots better than me when I first bought my camera.

Great job!

I did find the AI Servo a big help to my pictures. I have always loved shaping photos, but their is something about my new DSLR that has taken me to another place. I want to learn, everything I can and see if one day I can be as good as some of you. I know each photographer is unique, but the shoots I see on these threads just take me into the picture and that is what I want people to see in my phots someday.

I do have a couple of hard assiginments coming up this week, if I have any takers? We are taking our class of PreK thru 1st graders to the Botanical gardens this week for a ladybug release. That should be fun with hardly no good light, 18 excited kiddos, and thousands of ladybugs. I might see if I can borrow an external flash. Which by the way I have never used Thanks again for all the encourgement, it truly keeps me going

Great job! You did your brother proud!

Thanks, I am so very greatful to all the wonderful people on this thread for all the great tips, and advise, it sure helps me out to get some wonderful pictures.