cycling photography

I have managed to get a ride on the back of a motor bike to take photos of one of the events down here.

Any advice on shutter speeds etc to use bearing in mind the speed of the cyclists, vibrations from motorbike & lens being used (70 - 300mm zoom) - and any other advice

thks

gaw

 

You will probably be better off with a smaller lens, such as a standard 50 mm or 28 - 80 mm, as you might battle to keep a 300 mm lens still and focused on the back of a motorcycle. Sports photography is usually shot with a fast shutter speed to capture the moment. If you have an auto camera, then select a fast shutter speed (1000) and let the camera decide the f-stop for you. If you are a purist with a manual camera, then you'll have to rely on a light meter to get the f-stop right. Another important factor is film speed. 100 or 200 ASA film is perfect for sunny or bright, cloudy days. Maybe slap in a 400 ASA film right at the end for some "atmospheric" shots. 400 ASA film is grainy, great for the artistic animal in you.
And here's a tip: Use the camera flash. Try and over-ride the automatic flash setting on the camera, so that the flash is always on. Use the shutter speeds and f-stops as described above, but let the flash fire aswell. If it's a bright sunny day, the natural light will "tone" down the harshness of the flash, while the flash will help to eliminate shadows and give you a much brighter shot. If you are afraid that the flash will over-power the natural light, then close the aperture one stop.
To prepare yourself for the big day, visit some cycling websites that have photographs you can browse thro. That will give you some good ideas for composition.

Good luck and remember we want to see those pics!

 

.... but "fun"

following the peloton down Hellshoogte at +100 km/h on the back of a motor bike is pretty scary!!

here's one of the few shots I like - David George wining the 5.5 km uphill time trial (and the Giro) on the last day - note the big chainring for those who know the hill!!

 

Nice picture !

I just cannot believe that big chainring!

Leon

 

Very nice action pic indeed!

 

Yep, it's one of those that you rather go down than up! Only problem coming down is that there are some sharp bends which makes for very interesting riding.

 

Yep nasty to ride up

5.5 km with a climb from just under 100 m above sea level to about 230 m above - a small dip in the profile about half way up but other then that you are pointing uphill all the time. Also some pretty horrible corners to negotiate

The pic is taken at the hairpin about 1/ of the way up
record time for his is 12minutes flat

 

If I'm not mistaken this is the same hill that the Downhil extreme guys use for "Death sledge" and "Speed skating", obviously they take the easier down route.
Click below if you want to see some pics.
http://www.geocities.com/inlinecapetown/dhx2000/dhx2000.html