The Race

A group of cyclists draft one behind the other in Prospect Park,

Brooklyn. While not a formal race, this group appeared to be quite

competetive. The photo was taken very late in the afternoon, with the

final rays of sun peeking through the trees visible in the foreground.

 

I would estimate that this group was traveling 25 - 30 miles per hour

on level ground. A "radial blur" effect was employed via Photoshop to

enhance the perception of motion and speed. Shutter speed was about 1

/250 of a second.

They almost look "photoshopped" onto the roadway. Noble effort with the zoom-blur thing, but this hurts my eyes.

Beautiful effect, the "action" is well described and there is a good composition. Nice

I LOVE THE MOTION BLUR

Very interesting use of contrast in the film. Love to know if this was PS'd or what type of film was used. It does hint of that impefect digital "film"

 

Love the shot though

 

Mike Sea

The contrast was not increased, and is due to the low angle of light about 15 minutes before sunset. I assume you are referring to the four riders in sunlight.

Very nice zooming effect

The zoom effect on the cyclists alone is very impressive. However, the road does not seem to fit at all, and looks like it was added afterward. It might work better if they were placed against a background of uniform color.

The road was not added. Only the radial blur effect via a quick mask which included just the road.

Here's the original photo without any special effects or sharpening.

I normally intensly dislike obviously altered photos, but you've managed to do some good stuff with this one. A marked improvement over the original, and Photoshopped to good effect.

It depends on how you employ digitial editing, Justin. Film photography, which I did a lot of for 20 years, can also involve extensive "editing" of prints in the dark room.

 

Rarely does one get a perfect photo, whether that be with digital or with film.

I don't know. I certainly don't oppose using photoshop to enhance things, but I don't think this works. It has the unnerving effect of making the riders' cycles appear as if they're not really in contact with the pavement.

Interesting Grant. Folks really see this photo differently -- my eye doesn't get that effect. Perhaps I'll try reducing the % of the effect.