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A work of sublime beauty and meaning. What appears to be a night at the "supercross" instead is a deeply symbolic commentary on the plight of the Midwesterner, an ode to the common man, and his desire "to be super," to fly away, to escape his lot as it were. But as with anything, the rider must return to the ground, return to earth, return to his reality. Only for a few moments is he free of the earth's muddy embrace, moments to be cherished in a photo like this. Moments we all live for. It brings a tear to my eye. When is the gallery show?

Kelvin's just jealous. This is a work of art AND a social commentary about man's yearning for freedom....and an orthodontist's dream.

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Hey Kelvin, show us your photos! Great pic, Z! The Zen of Motorcycle Non-Maintenance

I like this picture; you've captured the jump very well. I also like the inclusion of the lights in the image. A good choice for POW, I think.

Perhaps it would have been even more interesting if the bike was a bit more tilted (front wheel up). And perhaps, though I wouldn't know if that were possible at all, it might be nice if there was actually more blurr, rear-sync-stopped by a flash. Just two thoughts that popped up in my mind; nevertheles, a very fine image.

Perhaps the photographer would care to share some technical details such as lens, exposure mode, use of AF, IS (or not, perhaps) etc ?

I thin kthe rating criteria added to the comments on POW is a nice addition. However, cleverness and aesthetic appeal are not the only considerations. While this weeks POW is quite conventional in terms of cleverness or aesthetics, perhaps we could add a 3rd consideration of either "technical merit" or "execution". A very clever idea poorly executed is still a bad photo In the case of the POW, It is an average idea that is reasonably well executed (someone said that is could have been sharper. Perhaps.) What do others think of this suggestion?

...as many pseudo-photographers as many trees in the forest. Sorry, it is getting extremely boring to see the greyish crap. Tschueeeesssss, Eikin

Inasmuch as both wheels on this Midwestern vehicle are depicted complete and without interruption throughout their 360 degrees, this photo is immune to criticism. Way to go Z! I did think, however, that the rider could have been a little taller; and I got the feeling that if he were to take off his helmet, he would not be very good looking. But these are small difficulties and, of course, no fault of the photographer.

This looks like the type of shot the photographer always wanted to take, and finally did. Actually, the "rule of thirds" notwithstanding, there should have been more space beneath and behind the subject, to dramatize the sense of altitude and distance. This could be a mere foot or two off the ground. Only because this type of photo is so commonplace does the viewer assume that it is much of a jump at all. But in the end, the photographer deserves a round of applause for achieving his goal; the shot, after all, did require some expertise.

Nice job Z! Of course, it would be better with a red motorcycle - I like red. And the number 7 should appear on the plate - it's my lucky number. Other than that, I love it.

First of all, let me say that all comments are a great thing to me. A pro race event is something that has to be experienced first-hand, to truly appreciate. Those of you who have, know what I mean...{:-) I like this picture for what it is, blur, grain, fuzz, and all. It appeared on film the way I envisioned it would, and to me, brings back the memories of being hit with dirt chunks, choking on the smoke, and just plain having fun shooting. After being an AMA/CCS roadracing cornerworker for about 5 years, and not being able to bring my cameras with me, (due to flagwaving and such) I'm getting back to the motorsports with a different goal. This, and the others in the folder, were my first attempt at shooting a Supercross event, or a night race, for that matter. Lighting was great for viewing, but not for shooting, as I found out later. For the technically minded, I was shooting a Canon ElanIIe, on manual focus, and exposure. The lens was the 28-105mm /3.5-4.5 USM, at approximately 60mm focal length, 1/60th, (for the motion blur) At /4. The rider is on his way down from his jump, from about 18-20 ft. I do agree with some posters that more area around him could have been shown for a better perspective. However, I have other shots that do that. I was looking for something different here, and I'm pleased with the result. Being picked for photo of the week doesn't hurt either! Thanks a bunch, folks. I really appreciate it!

 

Z {:-)

I just ran across a cool thing that would be of interest to viewers of this forum, the Image Bank CD. Available for free from Image Bank (a big stock photography database), it has over 11,000 first rate photos. They'll even pay you for your photographs. I'll dump a particularly cool one off on you.

Very cool picture. Definitely not deserving of an Image Bank spam (Tom if you're going to spam at least make sure the link works....jeese).

Glad to hear about the link...with the second broken link in about 10 minutes, I was starting to wonder about my new computer setup.

 

As I shot motocross and mountain bike races for a number of years, I can tell you getting any shot to turn out --and then to turn out as you envision-- takes talent (and oh yes, a little luck) So congrats there Z!

 

As far as aesthetics, the picture is pretty much split in half... the image of the rider and the area without. I like that ratio and the way the space intertwines.

 

As to the amount of blur, which is slight, I would have liked either a lot more blur, or clearer. That's me. (And I'm not even sure how clear I'm seeing the image here, so I may be speaking out of turn.)

 

So, Z, are "crash and burn" shots next? lol. At my college newspaper, I worked with the guy who went on to be editor of that magazine. That's a whole 'nuther area... morbid, but with spectacular potential. Catch ya in the whoop-de-doos.

 

 

 

Congratulations Stephen! What an honor it must be to have your photo chosen for photo of the week. We should all be so fortunate!

 

 

very cool. FOX rulez!

Fitting honour for great work !!! Congrats :)

 

This photos were here for some time and now it has been put in the right place "Photo of the Week"

I'm usually not critial of other people's work. e.g I usually don't have an opinion. However, I did enjoy this series, they all have a very surreal dream like quality. Good job. One thing I would be interested in seen, however, would be if they were printed more abstractly. Perhapes ligther with higher constrast.

A very clever idea poorly executed is still a bad photo

It is still a 100 times better then a perfectly executed poor idea.

Very good pic none the less , but maybe if it was a bit sharper and the exposure was a bit darker(1 stop?) it would be better . good job

Way to go, Z!!!

 

Keep up the good work!!!

Ok I am not doing it to be considered different, but I'd just like to express my own personal opinion (and I am not a prefessionally trained photographer).

 

I don't like the photo. For a few reasons.

 

Firstly it's blurred horribly. I know it might be considered "art". But, hey, if it was to be art why isn't it blurred way more?

 

Secondly the lights. They don't make any sence here. They distract your concentration and pull your eyes away from the main subject (I understand the bike-rider was the main interest of the author).

 

Lack of originality. Just open any magazine about motor-sports and you're going to find lots of picutres on this subjec (that are in fact much better).

 

Well that'd be it.

 

But maybe after all I am a bit different?

Excellent shot Z. Have you told them that I was the rider?!!!!!!!

 

Ciao!

 

don't listen to those bashing this image...this is a great shot!!!

Nice shot Stephen. I think the lights add to the photo. They help balance the compostion, give the sense the rider really is flying through the air, and also lend the photo a sense of place.