Bicycle racer: Had never been to a bicycle race before. Here in STL they have have races over 4 days at 4 different locations. Not sure how the overall winner is decided and am not too...

stlborn

Had never been to a bicycle race before. Here in STL they have have races over 4 days at 4 different locations. Not sure how the overall winner is decided and am not too concerned. I thought it was an opportunity to shoot something I had not shot before. I was not enthused with many of the pics, I made many mistakes (as I have in many first attempts in my life, except marriage) but I took this pic and worked it in PS with this result.

Your comments are appreciated.

kenn

(Download)

NJFrank Loc: New Jersey

To me it looks more like an illustration more than it does a photograph. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. For me I think it has to do with the overall color tone. The panning worked. Except for the spokes or lack of them. They should be there but look blurred. It looks like it was time well spent at the races.

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Very well done Kenn. I like the processing you did on this one.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

There's a lot to love here! There is a great pop of color contrasts between his clothes and the perfectly centered red door. The blurred background lines indicate speed, although his posture and face appear surprisingly relaxed and stress-free

The bike's shadow is a fun detail.

I particularly love that most of the scene are similar light colors, while his suit and helmet are dramatically dark and detailed.

Very enjoyable!

stlborn

Thank you NJFrank, Curmudgeon and Linda for the kind comments. The original pic was not note worthy, hence the PP work in PS.

I may be entering in our club's, Jefferson County (MO) Photography Club. annual comp. Still not sure of the category.

Thanks for looking and commenting.
kenn

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

I like it much better than just a boring shot of a guy on a bicycle.

stlborn

Thank you jaymatt

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

stlborn wrote:

Had never been to a bicycle race before. Here in STL they have have races over 4 days at 4 different locations. Not sure how the overall winner is decided and am not too concerned. I thought it was an opportunity to shoot something I had not shot before. I was not enthused with many of the pics, I made many mistakes (as I have in many first attempts in my life, except marriage) but I took this pic and worked it in PS with this result.

Your comments are appreciated.

kenn

I think the processing works because it absolutely isolates the rider. We can still see the background; but it does not intrude. Maybe not necessarily "realistic"; but it put us in touch with the concentration and maybe loneliness of the sport. I would suggest that he might want to put on some gloves on his next ride. Road rash on the palms is a nasty thing.
Erich