State Line NECXC Race

It was a quick ride from Morgantown to Mount Morris, PA this past Sunday to shoot at the race. It was definitely a beautiful day to be out racing or shooting.

As nice as the day was, the weather was still being a pain in the ass. A whole slew of a photographer’s favorite enemies were at play including harsh overhead sun, splotchy light through trees, and very dark wooded areas. I was shooting one minute at ISO 50 and the next at 1600. I did have two happy accidents though. One of the shots below looks like I was shooting through a huge scrim at camera right. The light was just soft compared to other moments. You can tell by looking at the shadow on the ground to the right of the rider. The other was the light being reflected off the water up into the riders helmet to light his face. Two neat lighting effects we try to do with gear at times, but nature did it on its own. Just had to see it happening and take the shots.

The riders never have it easy. They dealt with it all including hill climbs, mud holes, and some very, very slippery bridges. I’ve posted a shot of one very frustrated rider picking up a steaming bike after not making it over the crest of a hill climb. I felt bad for the dude but it’s a peek at the less glamorous side of these races. Most of photos we see are of riders moving fast and pitching the bike with wicked form. If only it was always like that; there would certainly be a lot less cussing. I didn’t have the heart (or the perfect focus) to post the shot of the dude wiping out on one of the bridges and falling down into the creek. Get back up, brush off, pick up the bike, and keep going.

Here are some of my favorites from the day.

NECXC-6203


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