The 2011 Tour of California was a bit of a mixed bag for us, photographically speaking. Last year, we seemed to get a terrific number of great shots from inside one of the media cars.
This year rules are tighter and at least one driver told us the cops and race marshals and TOC officials have clamped down on media people shooting out the window or sunroof. (That and overzealous, safety super conscious cops make the whole point of a media car almost pointless.
We were often so far in front or behind the race that the experience was nearly pointless. But race access in the morning and after the stage is always excellent and so we came away with some great images. We admit up front to no training or particular artistic vision or skill but hey, snap enough shots and you’re bound to come away with some winners.
Very cool–that last photo is my favorite!
I think the last is my favorite as well I also like the second, that the emphasis is focused on the background and not the foreground (rider), but still capturing both. I just wish there were more!
Me too. Sometimes I'm caught between my duties as a writer and my desire to just take as many cool photos as possible. It's a constant struggle between interview and photo. Glad you liked the shots. I should get some great ones at the Tour de France. Matt