US Pro Cycling Championship

I put this in the critique section but maybe it will get more comments here...

I would love to get your comments/critiques/etc on the photos I took this weekend at the US Pro Cycling Championship. I'm a relative newbie when it comes to photography, so I am sure I have a lot to learn! I shot these with a Canon 40D and 28-135mm lens. The link is below, I couldn't figure out how to post the photos right on here.

http://slmorris.smugmu​g.com/Sports/U...32333​54_rNfzgB

Those look great for the most part. Some missed focus, and not quite spot-on panning, but you know where those are.

Exposure is not quite consistent, and that can be touched up easily in the RAW tab in DPP. Like this one is just a bit dark (compared to your later shots, or something like this from Graham Watson):

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Thanks! It was my first ever attempt at panning. I'm not sure how I managed to get part of the rider in focus but the rest blurry. Maybe because they stood up out of the saddle for a second on the climb? What do you suggest to have better success?

Panning is tough with cyclists because their feet are moving, and they may change their position as you suggest above.

One trick is to pan in a fast corner, where they won't be pedaling or changing position.

That's a great shot! What lens did you use, and what shutter speed for panning?

Thanks! That was actually the kit lens (18-55). 1/250s (EXIF is intact in image). I didn't bring the bigger glass with me since we rode about 50 miles before we watched the race.

Great set. Hanging out at the feed zone - good times!

those are good, find 3 or 4 you like and try posting them here

Your photos are not watermarked. A word of advice, if you are shooting a high profile event water mark your images on Smugmug. They take a screenshot and crop the images and you'd be surprised to see even the big brands do that.

aliengin wrote in post #14506944
Your photos are not watermarked. A word of advice, if you are shooting a high profile event water mark your images on Smugmug. They take a screenshot and crop the images and you'd be surprised to see even the big brands do that.

Not necessary because it is a very popular event, there would be hundreds of shots from it. Even if the OP did watermark it, even the organizer wants photos from it, they could get them from all other unwatermarked photos... I am sure there are plenty.

Not worth the time for me to watermark. I have nothing to lose, as this is just for fun. Losing my time by watermarking and degrading my shared photos would be more aggravating than seeing an image on some cycling blog or even in print.

Ok, I finally figured out how to post the photos on here directly! Here are some of the ones I like the best. Helpful hints, C&C are much appreciated! I'm here to learn!!!