One Shot Challenge
Monday, October 3, 2011 at 4:00AM 6 Comments 
Lately, I've been thinking about photography and the experiences or events that I like to shoot, share and chronicle. As I think about a new event or look back over images from a recent trip or photo session, I like to find a single image that captures the essence and conveys a message. That is the constant challenge for me with regards to photography. It's also a constant challenge for me because I generally take these photographs while riding my bicycle. The photos I like the most are the ones where I am also moving and experiencing the same things as the subject matter. Because I am often times riding along side, I am shooting one handed and there are no second takes.
There are days where it is easier than others. The light, the subject, the location, and my equipment are all just right. There are times I can't pick a single one because I didn't get the shot I want or I have several that are close, but not just right. Then there are days where a single one stands out for one reason or another. Today is one of those days for me. Truthfully, last Friday morning was perfect in everyway and I could have picked about 10 different images that tell a pretty good story. In my reviewing of the images it came down to 2 images. But in the end, the above image stood out from the rest. Bikes. Friends. Sunrise. Gravel. Twisty roads. For me, this image says all that and more.
Ben and I had an amazing ride out in the country. We rolled out of town rolling on new roads and found some amazing landscape as we rolled in and out and up and down the Cannon River valley. It was simply incredible. The perfect fall morning. The crisp air and pristine light also really helped.
Thanks Ben. Can't wait to find more roads like this.
Salsa Casseroll, sunrise in Rides with Ben, Salsa Casseroll, sunrise
Reader Comments (6)
Great to finally meet you at IB... I hope you're enjoying some local riding after all your travels.
Once again your photo's have a powerful motivating effect and I'll be out on the gravel roads when the sun is up here in NZ tomorrow...
Have a great day : ]
I agree with you though. Many of my favorite shots were also taken from the saddle of a moving bicycle. In fact, maybe this is a new genre of photography and film making. Stuff done while participating in said activity that is the subject matter.
GT - Yes I'm a rule breaker! I do think it could be a new genre of photography with much of it being spurred on by companies like GoPro. You simply can't share the full emotion of something without some movement and feeling like you are participating.
When can we go again?!
Thank for the ride sir, it was a great morning indeed.