Here are a few more images taken during the Boulder Cup CX UCI 1 race a few weeks ago. The Elite Mens race was held in the afternoon. About 2/3 through the race, the lighting began to dramatically change with the sun setting producing a orange glow. I caught a number of shots with a full moon in the back drop. If there are any suggestions to enhance these images (w/o oversaturating), let me know. Comments welcomed. Thanks.
1) http://sportifimages.com/Cyclocross-2009-1/Boulder-Cup-CX-UCI-1/Elite-Men/BCX-3793-3/703999952_NGySJ-L.jpg
Date Modified 2009-11-05 01:50:51
Date Taken 2009-11-01 17:24:44
Camera NIKON CORPORATION NIKON D300
Exposure Time 0.0025s (1/400)
Aperture f/5.0
ISO 200
Focal Length 140mm (210mm in 35mm)
Photo Dimensions 1705 x 2387
File Name BCX-3793-3.jpg
File Size 1.94 MB
Detailed
Flash flash did not fire
Exposure Program manual
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Exposure Mode manual
Light Source unknown
White Balance auto
Digital Zoom Ratio 1/1
Contrast 0
Saturation 0
Sharpness 0
Subject Distance Range unknown
Sensing Method one-chip color sensor
2) http://sportifimages.com/Cyclocross-2009-1/Boulder-Cup-CX-UCI-1/Elite-Men/BCX-3785-3/703998175_Zyru2-L.jpg
Date Modified 2009-11-05 01:49:39
Date Taken 2009-11-01 17:24:12
Camera NIKON CORPORATION NIKON D300
Exposure Time 0.0006s (1/1600)
Aperture f/3.2
ISO 200
Focal Length 140mm (210mm in 35mm)
Photo Dimensions 1797 x 2516
File Name BCX-3785-3.jpg
File Size 2.05 MB
Detailed
Flash flash did not fire
Exposure Program manual
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Exposure Mode manual
Light Source unknown
White Balance auto
Digital Zoom Ratio 1/1
Contrast 0
Saturation 0
Sharpness 0
Subject Distance Range unknown
Sensing Method one-chip color sensor
3) Cropping? http://sportifimages.com/Cyclocross-2009-1/Boulder-Cup-CX-UCI-1/Elite-Men/BCX-3694-3/703975235_guiMw-L.jpg
Date Modified 2009-11-05 01:38:50
Date Taken 2009-11-01 17:06:54
Camera NIKON CORPORATION NIKON D300
Exposure Time 0.0001s (1/6400)
Aperture f/2.8
ISO 320
Focal Length 70mm (105mm in 35mm)
Photo Dimensions 2848 x 3987
File Name BCX-3694-3.jpg
File Size 6.57 MB
Detailed
Flash flash did not fire
Exposure Program manual
Exposure Bias 0 EV
Exposure Mode manual
Light Source unknown
White Balance auto
Digital Zoom Ratio 1/1
Contrast 0
Saturation 0
Sharpness 0
Subject Distance Range unknown
Sensing Method one-chip color sensor
Dejan, I am thinking about going out to shoot the Colorado State Championships next weekend. I have never shot cyclocross or cycling for that matter. Which led me to your post as I am looking for ideas. Thanks for posting.
IMHO it seem to me that most pro cycling shots are less "head on" than what you have here. In other words, more of an angle. That angle shows more of the bike and to me appears to communicate more action. Also, you seem to be shooting from a low angle up towards the ski. I think this would make it difficult to balance the light. And at least in cyclocross it is probably more about the mud and muck and obstacles.
Dan, these are just a few images with the same venue...a nice backdrop. Unfortunately, there was no mud at the Boulder Rez...all loamy sand. The Bluesky Velo CX the day before was a mud fest http://sportifimages.com/Cyclocross-2009-1/Bluesky-Velo-Cup/Elite-Men/XCX-2734/701364137_ZPdp7-L-1.jpg. I usually try to expose for the riders face and capture the riders expression during the race. But, you're right, cyclocross without some mud or terrible weather condition makes for a boring race.
I'll be at the State CX Champs all day, and may be racing either the Mens 35+ or 45+. Maybe I'll see you out there next Sat.