dig-it-al wrote in post #5845567
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 !!!
