In cycle racing, corners are the locations where accidents are most likely to occur. Fortunately, whether there's an accident or not, cyclists flying around a corner always makes a good shot, as you can see in Figure G.

FIGURE G


That's DICE champion Bruce Grell at the head of the peloton (pack) rounding the first turn of this race. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Bruce felt this was the highlight of the race for him. Despite being ill he raced anyway, but was determined to be the first to round this turn.

Certain sports have certain things that are integral to the event. In basketball, it's the slam-dunk, in baseball, a slide into home. For hockey and soccer, it's a goal, or a blocked shot. Your position on or around the field will allow you to get these shots.

In cyclocross it's the obstacles. By positioning myself low and on the edge of the race lane, I was able to get the shots in Figure H of the racers negotiating these hurdles.

FIGURE H


Being low and almost on the course put me in the action for these hurdle shots. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Again, by being practically ON the racecourse, I was able to get shots of these run-ups in Figure I, where the rider must dismount and either push or carry their cycle up a hill.

FIGURE I


Being close, but not intrusive can put you in the action. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Whatever kind of event you cover, if there's any doubt whatsoever as to where you can and cannot be, ask the officials. If you are asked to move, be polite, apologetic, and ask where a better spot would be. A confrontational attitude is likely to end with you being tossed out and possibly even banned from future events. Plus, it will portray photographers a bad light, making officials and participants reluctant to cooperate in the future.

Along with capturing the beginning of an event, getting the end of it is important as well. The finish line of a race is likely to be crowded with fans, officials, team members, and support crew. This may be an instance where that long lens would come in handy. Luckily, I was able to be right there to catch this DICE rider winning the Beginner race, and this Team Skin rider winning the "B" category. Plan and compose your shots ahead of time and they won't be crowded on one side like the first image in Figure J.

FIGURE J


Always catch the culmination of the event. Roll over picture for a larger image.

Keep your eyes open for opportunity shots. Just because these riders are competing against one another doesn't mean there's animosity. Many sports foster camaraderie between participants even though they're opponents, like the shot in Figure K.

FIGURE K


Camaraderie between opposing team members. Roll over picture for a larger image.

In fact, I saw racers and fans cheering all the participants on, even though they may have been on opposing teams.

The aftermath
Even though the event may be over, your job as a photographer isn't. There's the aftermath. The joy of victory, and the agony of defeat so to speak. Get shots of the participants with their family, teammates, and support crew, like the image in Figure E above. Show them celebrating, but be cautious about capturing those who didn't perform well, or as well as they would have liked. They may see it as an intrusion on their grief. Even though his illness didn't let him perform as well as he would have liked, Bruce allowed me to capture him in Figure L after his race.

FIGURE L


Your job isn't over after the event, capture the participants following the action as well. Roll over picture for a larger image.