Downhill Mountain Biking Flash??

cmcm789

cmcm789

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I haven't been to a downhill race before, but thinking about attending a local event just to take some photos. As most of the action will be in trees and probably backlit, what is the protocol for using a flash. I would assume it is a complete no-no, but have to ask anyway. p.s. the flash would only be used for fill and is not very powerful (canon 270EX).

Alternatively, i find the best lit spot i can and shoot close up with my 17-50 wide open.

Also, i have shot cross country and other races and i know for these 1/500 is ample to stop the action. What minimum shutter speed should i use for bikes hurtling through the woods at me?

Thanks
 
I am a novice at this, so perhaps I shouldn't comment… But I tried to take some shots in the woods using a slower shutter speed and panning. I preferred the ones that showed motion rather than those that froze the action. I experimented with flash and discovered I should have used second curtain sync, and also I should have reduced the power… sorry that's probably really obvious to lots of you, but I am a novice with flash.. and panning… I plan to try again when I get the chance

I'd have thought flash would be a no no in a race.

I'd be interested to hear what advice the experts have too :)

This is what I managed - when the flash didn't go off - which was an accident! Both taken at 1/30s f/8 ISO 400 lens at 70mm
(I haven't posted a pic in a while so hope this works)


Mountain Biking in the Woods 4 by BuzzleCup

and when the flash did go off - too much power! I prefer the other one.

Mountain biking in the woods by BuzzleCup
 
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Interesting bike! I prefer the first without flash but do like a couple with flash on your flickr page
 
tp1109 said:
Interesting bike! I prefer the first without flash but do like a couple with flash on your flickr page
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My hubby - spends his money on bikes while I spend it on camera gear :)
I plan to have another play when I get the opportunity. I barely use flash, so I have an awful lot to learn. I was just trying to show the movement you get with a slower shutter speed.
 
I'm not sure on the official protocol but I don't think I'd be very impressed with a flash in the face when I'm downhilling!

I'd probably use manual and expose for the skin tones.
 
I am also attending a downhill bike race in March. I was told that flash is acceptable as many point & shoot cameras fire flash anyway.
I think if you used some big boy studio style flashes straight in the face someone might find a new use for a cycle pump ;) but at a reasonable distance in day light shot side on, the flash is only a minor distraction, no greater then sun flashes when going through the trees.

I like the flash shot but do agree there is too much. Your panning is really good.
 
I think it comes down to common sense, when I use flash it's off camera to the side and not blasting in the face of a rider and it just give a nice side light and a bit of pop.

I have seen in one DH race some chap behind a bush so the rider only see's him when he's 6ft away and he was firing a flash in there face's which it's not cool in my book and I heard plenty of riders bitching about him which I don't blame them.

but 9 out of 10 times don't use flash.

most riders are in the zone so to speak so a side flash or at 45 degrees wont phase them at all but I would never fire a flash straight on in there line of sight.

you can get some great shots using a wide angle lens but one thing to bare in mind is if that rider stacks it you are going to either brake your lens with a spoke in it or be chewing on a mouth of rubber or both so chose your spot very wisely next to a tree is always a good plan ... plus I would say stick a protective filter on the lens as well for all that flying mud and stones if you getting close to the action I nearly wreaked a 70-200 L lens worth £1800 due to flying stones standing next to a bern on a bend with flying stones and I was a good 20ft away.

I hope that helps

Steve
 
Steve1210 said:
plus I would say stick a protective filter on the lens as well for all that flying mud and stones if you getting close to the action I nearly wreaked a 70-200 L lens worth £1800 due to flying stones standing next to a bern on a bend with flying stones and I was a good 20ft away.
Steve
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Excellent advice, had never thought about a protective filter before. Have a CPL and a Variable ND. If my memory is correct the variable ND at it's brightest will still reduce light by around 1/2 stop and the CPL by more. Might have to source a cheap UV filter for the task.
 
Having raced and ridden DH for the last 20 years and now doing some race photography here....

https://www.facebook.com/bigmacphotography?ref=hl

I can say that i have never been bothered or had any problems using flash at the races at all. As long as you are sensible and don't have a huge bank of flashes then you will be fine.

Never had anyone one complain and couldn't get 95% of the shots without OCF.

1.


IMG_8300 - Version 2 by nessiemac1, on Flickr

2.


IMG_7039 by nessiemac1, on Flickr

and even world class riders are fine.

3. Brendan Fairclough


IMG_8419 by nessiemac1, on Flickr
 
Dave,

you at Rogate this weekend for the GP Honey?
I might see you there if I can get out of bed in time.

Steve
 
Steve1210 said:
Dave,

you at Rogate this weekend for the GP Honey?
I might see you there if I can get out of bed in time.

Steve
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Should be Steve. Look out for a baldy fat bloke wearing BigMacPhotography shirt.

Looking forward to getting out and seeing some old faces!!
 
So how do you guys use OCF? Speedlight on a tripod? Do you use a diffuser of any kind? Just wondering because I have some events coming up for the first time and not too sure about how to use flash in this situation?

Cheers
 
Steve-T said:
So how do you guys use OCF? Speedlight on a tripod? Do you use a diffuser of any kind? Just wondering because I have some events coming up for the first time and not too sure about how to use flash in this situation?

Cheers
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Hi Steve,

One or two flashes on a lightweight tripod with no diffuser works for me.
 
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Steve-T said:
Thanks nessiemac, I had almost given up on this one ;) I take it if you use 2 flashes you mean on the same tripod?
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Steve, I've been using one flash so far but have just bought another flash for more power and or same power split between the 2 flashes but faster recycling. So using the same tripod with either a dual flash bracket or make your own like I've just done!!
 
nessiemac said:
Steve, I've been using one flash so far but have just bought another flash for more power and or same power split between the 2 flashes but faster recycling. So using the same tripod with either a dual flash bracket or make your own like I've just done!!
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That makes sense, I will try with a single first, I have some running events to photograph but a bit worried about flash and reflective clothing as I have never really got into using a flash but about to buy a SB910. Perhaps glare will only be an issue for on CF and not OCF given the angles?
 
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