Tour de France

[superstes]

The Tour is coming through my village this year, so my question, where is the best place to be?

1. The start line is only 15min's away from me.
2. Be lazy and stay around the village.
3. The finish line.

It's a shame I can't travel to all three, so any tip's would be great, I'm leaning towards the start line but it will be packed chock a block.

I only have the gear in my sig to use, so any advice on getting some impacting shots would be great, it's not until the 17th so I have a little time to practice.

Thanks

Steve

[cstewart]

The Tour is coming through my village this year, so my question, where is the best place to be?

1. The start line is only 15min's away from me.
2. Be lazy and stay around the village.
3. The finish line.

It's a shame I can't travel to all three, so any tip's would be great, I'm leaning towards the start line but it will be packed chock a block.

I only have the gear in my sig to use, so any advice on getting some impacting shots would be great, it's not until the 17th so I have a little time to practice.

Thanks

Steve

You could always hire and fly myself and one other lucky photographer to come over and help. That way you would cover all 3 positions! :)

[superstes]

Sounds like a good plan.

I'm just popping off to shake the sofa, back in a moment................................

Well, would 56cents cut the deal :D

Steve

[alphonsis]

the 70-200 would be nice to keep the shots tight on the rider(s).

I've also seen that most of the cycling shots I like involve tracking (something I'm no good at yet), so you might want to practice with cars before the race gets to your village.

[superstes]

so you might want to practice with cars before the race gets to your village.


Where I live it's horse and carts, tractors or Tour de France nut's, the Ariege hasn't quite got the hang of progress yet :)

Tracking, is this the same as panning?

Steve

[manutd101]

Where I live it's horse and carts, tractors or Tour de France nut's, the Ariege hasn't quite got the hang of progress yet :)

Tracking, is this the same as panning?

Steve
Yes, tracking = panning.

[dig-it-al]

At the '96 Olympics in Atlanta, I enjoyed watching and photographing the mens' road race. Since these men-on-bikes can go really fast, I positioned myself:
1) near the top of a long hill (they stand up and ride slower, thanks to gravity)
2) on the inside of a curve for some great panning shots
3) up high, so I could shoot down as they approached
4) down low, so I could emphasize the bike and wheels
There are so many different angles, I would just move around if possible to get a variety of compositions. Think ahead to what effects you want and have fun! Don't forget the crowds, the support vehicles, the crashes - more entertaining images are possible when you include them.

[Palladium]

At the '96 Olympics in Atlanta, I enjoyed watching and photographing the mens' road race. Since these men-on-bikes can go really fast, I positioned myself:
1) near the top of a long hill (they stand up and ride slower, thanks to gravity)
2) on the inside of a curve for some great panning shots
3) up high, so I could shoot down as they approached
4) down low, so I could emphasize the bike and wheels
There are so many different angles, I would just move around if possible to get a variety of compositions. Think ahead to what effects you want and have fun! Don't forget the crowds, the support vehicles, the crashes - more entertaining images are possible when you include them.


great tips :)

[Biffbradford]

Which stage will it be? The start would be interesting if you can get some 'behind the scenes' pictures of the riders and mechanics getting ready. You know that there will be 100 photographers getting a shot of the finish, so try the start or some where along the course. What an excellent opportunity !!

[Caspita]

I would definitely recommend somewhere near the finish line. By placing yourself there, you can photograph any break away groups as well as the entire pelaton. I think that would be your best chance to be able photograph more action. Although if you line up at the finish line, sprints to the finish must make for some great pictures. As well as the celebration shots, and the placing of the jerseys.

[superstes]

Originally Posted by dig-it-al View Post
At the '96 Olympics in Atlanta, I enjoyed watching and photographing the mens' road race. Since these men-on-bikes can go really fast, I positioned myself:
1) near the top of a long hill (they stand up and ride slower, thanks to gravity)
2) on the inside of a curve for some great panning shots
3) up high, so I could shoot down as they approached
4) down low, so I could emphasize the bike and wheels
There are so many different angles, I would just move around if possible to get a variety of compositions. Think ahead to what effects you want and have fun! Don't forget the crowds, the support vehicles, the crashes - more entertaining images are possible when you include them.

It seems so obvious now you have pointed it out :rolleyes: Thanks

Biffbradford
Which stage will it be? The start would be interesting if you can get some 'behind the scenes' pictures of the riders and mechanics getting ready. You know that there will be 100 photographers getting a shot of the finish, so try the start or some where along the course. What an excellent opportunity !!

11 Medium mountains Wednesday 16 July Lannemezan Foix 166 km
12 Plain Thursday 17 July Lavelanet Narbonne 168 km

Looking at the stages, I could get some road shots between Lannemezan and Foix, fantastic mountain scenery, be at the start line in Lavelanet, then take the autoroute down to Narbonne for the finish line, East coast sun and sand, it will be hot :cool:

Caspita I would definitely recommend somewhere near the finish line. By placing yourself there, you can photograph any break away groups as well as the entire pelaton. I think that would be your best chance to be able photograph more action. Although if you line up at the finish line, sprints to the finish must make for some great pictures. As well as the celebration shots, and the placing of the jerseys.

As this will be the last of the three photo opportunities, I should have warmed up :p

Cheers everyone so far

Steve

[troutfisher]

Just make sure you post lots of photos-have greatt fun, wish I was there but it will have to be TV

[superstes]

Just make sure you post lots of photos-have greatt fun, wish I was there but it will have to be TV

I'm really starting to look forward to it, I love events with a good buzz. keep an eye open here around the 19th, should have a few shots to post.

I'm thinking I might have to buy a few more cards, I've only got five GB at the moment and I like to shoot RAW so thats around only 492 shot's.

I suppose I could switch to small jpeg for the web photo's, the start and finish lines will be shot in RAW though.

Steve

Edited to add: is there a good small device I could download RAW files to in the field, ???????

[pilotboat]

I think you have to ask yourself what kind of photos do you want: shots of riders, sprinting, group shots? The start will be very busy and you may not to be able to capture what you want. Passing through your village will afford individual shots while the finnish will give you great action shots of the riders in fast sprints.

Pilotboat

[superstes]

Hi pilotboat

I think the finish line would be the most dramatic too, the first is in Foix on the 16th and Narbonne on the 17th, plenty of time to cover both.

I would think the 70-200 should yield some good shots, I'll get a friend with his wifes shopping bike to practice on :lol:

Welcome aboard BTW

Steve

[Biffbradford]

Cycling photography is my passion and I can usually shoot a whole day with an 8gb card (EOS 40D). One charity ride I shot this spring took two 8gb and one 4gb cards! (I shoot .jpg). :p

For a mixture, lay on the ground:

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc54/biffbradford/cycling/Critique2.jpg

Get part of the crowd:

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc54/biffbradford/cycling/4410.jpg

In their face:

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc54/biffbradford/cycling/Critique3.jpg

and capture the emotion:

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc54/biffbradford/cycling/Critique5.jpg

If you want any company, let me know ... I'd love to see it myself!! :D

[superstes]

Cycling photography is my passion

Some great stuff there and advice, thanks.

Just had a look at your site, it's going to take a while to get through, but I can see certain shots that I would like to capture.

If you want any company, let me know ... I'd love to see it myself!! :DI take it you are in the States at the moment, could you arrange a trip that quick.

We could always book it for next year, get a group of 4 or 6 together, I run an adrenaline sports company over here so the organizing of transport, accommodation, translations, etc is no problem from this end :D

I might be touch real soon for a few more tips though lol

Steve

[Biffbradford]

Yeah, I don't think I'll make it this year ... but will be watching it daily on satellite TV. I suspect that you'll do a great job showing us all what we're missing! http://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/rennrad.gif http://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/rennrad.gifhttp://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/rennrad.gif ................ http://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/rennrad.gif....................................... ......... http://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/rennrad.gif

[volleybrad]

I'd say the finish would probably be the best. That way the field is spread out enough to give you a lot of opportunities for shots, and you'll get to see the pain in all of the riders' faces.

[Nick Pro]

I was watching the sprint today for the finish, and man! Some GREAT shots could be made.

[tomd]

I was watching the sprint today for the finish, and man! Some GREAT shots could be made.

I agree, lots of emotion today. Great race.

[Richtherookie]

Ok, so here I am hoping for some Tour shots.................Come on guys. PLEASE post some. VS just isn't cutting it.

[superstes]

Ok, so here I am hoping for some Tour shots.................Come on guys. PLEASE post some. VS just isn't cutting it.

I hear ya, there must be somebody on here with some shots.

Only three days to go for me till they get here :D

I have decided to go to the finishing line in Foix, and as they pass through my village, somewhere along this route, might look for an uphill section, should give me some good shots, also, this will create a little local interest for my site.

Steve

[SilverHCIC]

At the '96 Olympics in Atlanta, I enjoyed watching and photographing the mens' road race. Since these men-on-bikes can go really fast, I positioned myself:
1) near the top of a long hill (they stand up and ride slower, thanks to gravity)
2) on the inside of a curve for some great panning shots
3) up high, so I could shoot down as they approached
4) down low, so I could emphasize the bike and wheels
There are so many different angles, I would just move around if possible to get a variety of compositions. Think ahead to what effects you want and have fun! Don't forget the crowds, the support vehicles, the crashes - more entertaining images are possible when you include them.
^^^^^

This is good advice. As a long-time cyclist, I can tell you that the start is the WORST place to position yourself. The field will be one large pack, and you will not have many pictures other than a frame filled with cyclists.

To get cycling images with a lot of character, you want to advance yourself far enough along the course to ensure that the field has stratified itself. Furthermore, if that particular stage is a tough one, the field will break into multiple primary packs which means you will have multiple shooting opportunities. I recommend a position in the latter half of the stage, and as previously mentioned, near the top of a hill. An added benefit, is that shooting downward from an uphill position will ensure you don't have the sun in your face.

Finally, the physical expressions are best near the top of an ascent. This is where the real men separate themselves from the boys, and you will catch that in their expressions.

Oh, one more thing, it's a heck of a lot easier to get an accurate focus on someone climbing UP a hill at 30+ km/hr rather than somebody in a tucked descent at 80+ km/hr !!!

[tomd]

Ok, so here I am hoping for some Tour shots.................Come on guys. PLEASE post some. VS just isn't cutting it.

I agree, someone post a TDF shot. :)

[superstes]

Finally, the physical expressions are best near the top of an ascent. This is where the real men separate themselves from the boys, and you will catch that in their expressions.

Oh, one more thing, it's a heck of a lot easier to get an accurate focus on someone climbing UP a hill at 30+ km/hr rather than somebody in a tucked descent at 80+ km/hr !!!

This looks like a good place for the first shoot, Col de Portal, quite easy to get to

http://www.letour.fr/2008/TDF/LIVE/us/1100/etape_par_etape.html

And here for my last, Col de Camperié, stunning area

http://www.letour.fr/2008/TDF/LIVE/us/1200/etape_par_etape.html

Let me know what you think.

Steve

[Richtherookie]

I just can't believe that all of the people in the forums have yet to post any pictures. OUCH, oh well. I can't afford to fly there and take my own. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

[Biffbradford]

While not the Tour, we have a 17 day race series going on here in the Chicago, IL / Milwaukee, WI area. I'll be shooting everyday for 9 days starting Thursday. Here's a couple from day one in Chicago until someone posts some TOUR pics.

http://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/rennrad.gifhttp://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/rennrad.gif ....... ...... http://www.bikeforums.net/images/smilies/rennrad.gif


http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc54/biffbradford/cycling/July%2011%20Superweek%20Beverly%20Hills/IMG_3766.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc54/biffbradford/cycling/July%2011%20Superweek%20Beverly%20Hills/IMG_3869.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc54/biffbradford/cycling/July%2011%20Superweek%20Beverly%20Hills/IMG_4075.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc54/biffbradford/cycling/July%2011%20Superweek%20Beverly%20Hills/IMG_5142.jpg

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc54/biffbradford/cycling/July%2011%20Superweek%20Beverly%20Hills/IMG_5285.jpg

[superstes]

Cheers for the pic's John, should wet peoples appetites for the Tour pic's :p

I should have some up tomorrow night around this time, but please don't expect anything too spectacular, my first Tour so hope I don't get caught out.

I might have to change my shooting locations a little, they lock the roads down early so I might have to settle for what I'm given.

All the same, I'm excited to get some shots.

Edited to add: anybody got a 101 fast track to panning with a 30D and 70-200 f4 :o

Steve

[jdmsds]

I am so unbelievably jealous that you will actually be AT the Tour..... i'd be so excited to be there i'd end up blowing all the shots lol

i say you throw on some kind of wacky costume and run along side the peloton while snapping away :) jk

Good luck and please share your work!! i know a bunch of us would love to see the pics.

[Richtherookie]

jdmsds, lets go next year! Man i wish.

This is what i watch at work while they are riding.... http://www.letour.fr/us/homepage_courseTDF.html


Thanks for the Chicago shots. I got the bike out again and i am riding. I am due for a good crash, ill post the pictures! haha I laugh cuz yesterday i actual got my speed up to the Tours average! Man I am old.

[superstes]

Well, what an afternoon.

Managed to blag my way into the film camera enclosure with an other photog at the last turn before the final straight :D

The front 4 were very fast, just had time to get a few off before they blasted past :shock:

Here are just a quick three photos to suppress appetites ;)

These are not for critique, just to post for ya till better comes along.

[superstes]

Another quicky

[Richtherookie]

The leaders, the poke-a-dot jersey AND team Garmin!!! SWEET, thanks SO much for posting. can't wait to see more. Good job.

[superstes]

Glad you are enjoying them, watching this lot below scream towards you an turn at the last second is quite a buzz.

2.5 hours driving, 3 hours sitting around, 10 second photo opportunity, well worth it :D

can't wait till they come trough my Village tomorrow.

[Biffbradford]

Maybe too late to ask, but did you take any of the promotional caravan before the riders arrived.

We NEVER see any of that here in the States. :confused:

[superstes]

Yes, got a few.

Be back soon with some pics :D

Steve

[superstes]

Here's a few caravan shots, nothing fantastic though.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/off-centre-photography/sets/72157606221254147/show/with/2677298076/

Managed to get a few more race shots today, I'll post some later after I have played with them a little, seemed to come out much better after yesterday.

Steve

[funkin]

For info there's some fantastic shots from this years tour over at The Big Picture blog at boston.com. http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/07/2008_tour_de_france.html

[dolfinack]

For info there's some fantastic shots from this years tour over at The Big Picture blog at boston.com. http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/07/2008_tour_de_france.html



eek!! You just beat me to it!!

[Dan-o]

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/200...de_france.html

WOW!!!!!

[Caspita]

http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2008/07/2008_tour_de_france.html

DOUBLE WOW!!!

What I would give to be able to ride on one of the motorcycles and take pictures of the riders. Oh well...guess Versus is as close as i will get this year.

[superstes]

They were all giving me that "wish you were here, don't you" smile as they passed.

Steve

[primalcarl]

I love this shot, I remember seeing it on the live coverage

http://cache.boston.com/universal/site_graphics/blogs/bigpicture/tdf_07_14/tdf7.jpg

[superstes]

I had a little play with this photo.

[Richtherookie]

OK to help out the guys here in the states, addicted to The Tour, here are two links I keep going here at work.

http://www.letour.fr/us/homepage_courseTDF.html
the other link i can't copy and paste but it is Versus live audio on EUROSPORT

I would have to believe standing up on the back of a motorcycle while flying down the road taking pictures would be a rush. I don't see me getting one usable picture, i'd be holding on to much!

[monochrome]

Some of my favorite Tour pictures focus on France, not the Tour. The shots of the peloton dwarfed by the beautiful countryside always tug at my heart.

[krissanthosh]

Steve, Thanks for sharing.. nice shots.

Pictures from Boston blog are brilliant!

So sad to see Sounier Duval pulling out of the race. Its just frustrating. But nice to hear that they took an excellent decision by sacking both Ricco and Piepoli.

Missing Levi big time in the tour.............Go Cadel!!!

[primalcarl]

http://www.gettyimages.com/Search/Search.aspx?src=quick&contractUrl=1&family=editorial&phrase=tour%20de%20france%202008

[Biffbradford]

I had a little play with this photo.

\Thor Hushovd !!

[Peter Ho]

Lovely shot.

[superstes]

Thanks very much, glad you like it.

Steve