MARCUS THE CYCLIST

A typical Central Oregon spring here with the weather shifting constantly...sunny and 60+ degrees during the day, freezing cold nights... mixed with rainy half-days and snow dumping in the mountains.  Spent some time after work yesterday taking advantage of one of the sunny days...time for cycling portraits!!!



Marcus is a guy I work with and is an avid cyclist, pursuing mountain and road biking and spicing it all up with cyclocross as well.  He currently is riding for Therapeutic Associates cycling team here in Bend.  He enthusiastically devoted time for me to expand my portfolio in this direction.  I've been following a lot of different blogs on lighting techniques over the winter and (finally having achieved a wireless multiple-flash setup) this is the first attempt at emulating some of the styles I have been seeing.  Using the sun as the main light and the flashes for fill and "rim" lighting allows for great creativity.  

Underexposing in camera and allowing the flash to light Marcus and his bike created a deeper and moody feel to the shots.  For some of the frames I used Photoshop to desaturate the color and provide a more intense and edgy presentation, similar to much of the current editorial and "sports" look that is out there.  Others are a more traditional and accurate look as captured in camera.




Check out this link for more info on lighting at David Hobby's blog, STROBIST.  It's a wealth of data on lighting situations, gear, and great links to other photographers.  I'll be looking for other opportunities for this type of shot, hopefully getting other sports portraits lined up.  Stay tuned!