A Baja Mountain Bike Race

[DianaT]

I an new here, and I am new to learning about photography, but I am having fun. This is my first thread. I would like to say be kind, but I really want input, suggestions, and help.

The setting---the middle of Baja California Sur, Mexico and a Mountain Bike Race in which the mountain bike team from the little remote fishing village that we call our second home participated. Being the Baja Desert in July, it was the middle of the day, about 100 degrees and not a cloud in the sky---brutal race and photo conditions. I really need advice as to how to fight those bright conditions while shooting and afterwards.

This time I decided to focus on faces. I have many, but here are some of just one of our riders, America, one of our 13 year olds (our team ranges from under 4 to almost 50 years old.

Before the race







After the race







And just one of Alejandra, not a racer, but the sister and daughter of one---



Now, please go for it.

Look forward to all comments, suggestions, etc.

Thanks

Diane

[Bonish Photo]

Nice close-ups of their faces. Really gives a feel for the personality of it

[tortuga]

Hi Diane,

I checked these out after seeing your plea on the other board. Sorry you haven't had a big response yet but this forum is not very populated. I normally don't even look at the sports board since I don't do sports and know little about the subject. Of course these are more like portraits than sports, but I know little about that too.

Typically, the best way to get good C&C is to only post one, or maybe two pix. This way, it's not so overwhelming to try to pinpoint a critique.

My favorite by far is #3. The expressions on all of the are great but this one is also well framed and lit. Just enuf shadow on her face to feel real and have depth. Also, the BG is well out of focus so that is isn't too distracting - although a little selective dodging and burning would make it even less distracting.

With this type of action photography, it is really hard to get the shot you want because you have no time to think. That's what keeps me from doing it since I am a slow thinker. But you have done an excellent job on these in my opinion. The closest thing I get to action is underwater photography where the secret to good action is to be prepared by always knowing where your light is and having your settings set. From these shots, I'd say you already know that.

[DianaT]

Hi Mike,
I thought I posted a reply, but must have hit the wrong button!. Thanks for taking the time to look and comment. Next time I will post just one or two and probably in the other more active forum.

I am really enjoying this new hobby and I really want to learn. I will take that one photo you suggested and play with it a little in photoshop---just learning about it also.

Do you have any suggestions as to camera settings when it is the middle of the day, very hot, and very bright?

Saw your new water pictures and as usual, they are really nice. I really like what you do with water. Think I might just post a fun one in that thread.

Thanks AGain
Diane