A day at the races. Photo

Photographer’s Note

Hi All.
This is the only way I can think to do an event like this justice in one post. One image just doesn’t convey the colour and atmosphere well enough for my liking.
These are the Cemetery Circuit Motorcycle races held every year at Wanganui. Now held on Boxing Day every year the original event was held on the 27th Dec 1951 and consisted of 4 races, there were 19 this year.
There are not many races of this caliber that allow the spectators get quite this close to the action and as such are a great way to experience the speed and sound of motorcycles old and new ridden in anger.
There are many classes of races from the classic through to currant and a few in-between with sidecars also. With such a range of machinery there is also a range of riders from the veterans down to novice. In the classic sidecar race there was one rider who had been riding at these races for 50 years and he had his granddaughter riding passenger for him!! When interviewed after the race she told the crowd it was “effing awesome” “excuse my language” she said. I think she was still buzzing from the ride!
And yes they are raced around the cemetery, not so far to cart those that crash ;-).
All the best for 2009, Paul.

Gerrit, robertosalguero, axiotea, dip, vmf-214, besnard, ribeiroantonio, gary91, Cricri, ChrisJ, Budapestman, Vato_Law, riclopes, belido, Dyerco, edal, Uhu, trekks, josepmarin, gracious, AiresSantos, papagolf21, Graal, Photo65Net, Docarmo, feather, patdeph, Waylim, plimrn, jafadabret, Tue, Bluejeans, danos, alvaraalto, skippy007, edytungkal, MLINES, Didi, jaywalker, degani has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

robertosalguero (2763) 2008-12-30 21:08

Hi Paul,

Very nice collage of images. The action and colours stand out nicely in this composition. Good details to present this interesting sport. Thanks and have a Happy New Year :-)

Roberto

axiotea (16061) 2008-12-30 21:15

Hello Paul
A fine action shots all together well displayed giving a good idea how the show looks!
The large version allows to see the details at a closer range...Thanks for your note as well!

my best wishes to you&family for 2009 ;)

Marilyn

dip (12550) 2008-12-30 21:31

Hi Paul,
I like the way that you present the atmosphere of this sport,with one photo this is not possible,
very interesting details well captured and composed,
I wish you a Happy New Year!
Dimitris.

vmf-214 (1622) 2008-12-30 21:40

Hi Paul,

Well done on the collage of images. Great POV you captured in these shots, The details are great. Well done Paul.

Regards
Jason.

besnard (30526) 2008-12-30 21:52

Bonjour Paul
Un joli panoramique qui nous donne beaucoup de choses à regarder.
Tous mes voeux pour 2009 ainsi qu'à ta famille.
Nicole

ribeiroantonio (21885) 2008-12-30 22:15

Indeed, this is a great way of showing us all the action and colours of racing day. And the large version worked very well.
All the best in 2009.
Antonio

emka (21217) 2008-12-30 23:11

Hi Paul,
Guch races are not favorite of mine but the photo is interesting. Nice idea of the collage. Dynamic picture.
Have a Happy New Year...
Malgorzata

gary91 (15321) 2008-12-30 23:12

Hello Pauk,
A very good idea to bring us the mood and atmopshere of this event.
The impact s very good and the quality of each individual shot is great.
And a great subject for the biker that I am ;-)
My very best wishes for you and your family for this new 2009 year.
Best regards, Christian

danyy (68572) 2008-12-30 23:19

Bonjour Paul,
un montage très soigné et très vivant.
Il y a de l'action et du mouvement, le rendu d'une passion pour les courses de motos toutes catégories.

I wish you all the best things for 2009.
Regards.

Daniel.

Nicou (44571) 2008-12-31 0:28

Hello,

mangigique pano, , quel de belle photo ce ces motos avec des position superbe, de drapages, un pano très complet, beau bouot.

Bravo et amitié

Nicou

giorgimer (21034) 2008-12-31 0:39

Hi Paul,

a very nice mix of moments, giving a good idea of a pleasant motors day.

I wish you a great 2009!

Gio

Cricri (43030) 2008-12-31 1:15

Hi Paul
Trés belle idée et super bien réaliser, un assemblage au top, plein de détails et de dynamisme
bon choix
Happy new year to you too
cricri

JanD (14707) 2008-12-31 1:35

Howdy Paul!
Original composition. Good shots. Very nice effect.
Happy New Year!

ChrisJ (70099) 2008-12-31 1:42

Hi Paul

A good photo montage & photo-documentary collection of shots, of the racing motor cycles. Good colour, lighting & sharpness. Tfs, & have a happy New Year!

Budapestman (41618) 2008-12-31 1:48

Hi Paul,
Very impressive and spectacular work with superb details. Great collection.
Happy New Year to you and your family!
George

Vato_Law (11660) 2008-12-31 2:32

Hello Paul.
very good collage indeed with lots of details to watch on each of the photos.
Some of them are quite funny specially the red sidecar with the shark teeths in front.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!!

Paulo

riclopes (32969) 2008-12-31 2:38

Olá Paul, superb mosaic to express the atmosphere of a day at the motortcycle races. Being placed around the cemetery makes it a bit creapy. I wonder what the dead bodies are thinking with all the noise - it's suppose to be a place of silence! :)))) Funny story from the girl of the side car. The pic shows her(?) in a strange position, like falling off to the ground. Anyway, congrats for this original mosaic and large version.
All the best for 2009!
cheers,
ric

Giorgio (8680) 2008-12-31 2:53

- Nice composition and good work, it brings us back to the good old days at the time of my Jawa 350, that of memories! Congratulations and thank for sharing, ending very well the year 2008 Paul and start in a same way 2009, with attention to the liver ;o)
giorgio

belido (16341) 2008-12-31 5:18

Hi Paul,

excellent collage. This is a great action photo. I like to see all the dynamism provided by the moving bikes. Very well done!
Regards,
Carlos
PS: Happy New Year!!!

Dyerco (9032) 2008-12-31 6:56

Hi Paul
A great presentation that shows the action and excitement of the day. I love the one at the top right where the fellow is laying across the back of the bike. The exposures were all well handled and the use of a slower shutter speed at times was very effective.
Happy New Year
Phil

darek1978 (11165) 2008-12-31 7:28

Hello Paul,
A superb realisation, a very good photo reportage. Good photowork.
Thanks for sharing and wishes;)
Happy New Year 2009
Darek

edal (6567) 2008-12-31 7:40

Hello Paul,
Very interesting multiple documentary - full of details in good colors and compositions.
Happy New Year!
Anton

Uhu (7372) 2008-12-31 8:14

Great collage work!
All the best to you, Happy New Year for you - antipode guys, ha! :)

trekks (14262) 2008-12-31 8:49

hello Paul

The series of shots make up a good story about the races and this is perhaps the next best thing to a video.

Al the best of 09 to you.

tfs, bill

josepmarin (33785) 2008-12-31 8:55

Hi Paul,
Your composition is a very interesting collage, with good graphism, and the LV allows us to see the quality of the image with all the details.
While I write this critique already you are in 2009 in your country.
I wish you the best in this New Year, with a lot of health, happiness and peace, for you and for your family.
Warmest regards,
Josep

MarcT (21097) 2008-12-31 9:53

Hi Paul,
You're a real fan I see. Very nice panorama of the event!
Best wishes
Marc

gracious (20017) 2008-12-31 13:10

Hello my friend Paul,
HAPPAY NEW YEAR!! have a good one in Manawatu!!
Excellent composition something BIG happening in Wanganui with collective images in action shot!
the speed and sound must be fantistic around the place!
thank you for the sharing!
take care and warmest regards
from Auckland Tony

jimkilgallon (0) 2009-01-01 0:44

Hey Paul
HNY, just back from that festival in Gisborne.... no photography done whatsoever, excellent collage of photos showing us all the races, bikes which shows plenty of action and speed.
Well done all the best
Cheers
Jim

AiresSantos (41920) 2009-01-01 1:20

Hi Paul
Fine puzle with very interesting picture.
Excellent colours and details
I wish you all the best for the New Year 2009
Aires

jmdias (19097) 2009-01-01 2:39

paul

very beautiful collection of images showing the machines and men in a nice way. I liked the sense of movement in the whole work. nice work

happy 2009

jorge

Gerrit (35595) 2009-01-01 15:41

Hi Paul,
a wonderful compilation of a lot of action,.
Great series,
Happy New Year,
Gerrit

papagolf21 (56233) 2009-01-02 0:37

Bonjour, cher Paul,
Excellente présentation de courses de motos ou avec side-car avec un singe (je crois que c'est l'expression) ! la version large donne un très bel aperçu de l'ambiance qui peut régner sur ces pistes où le bruit, la vitesse donnent le vertige.
Beaucoup de bonheur, de douceur et de sérénité pour la Nouvelle Année, ainsi que la réalisation des projets les plus chers !
Amitiés.
Philippe

Graal (57717) 2009-01-02 0:47

Hi Paul,
amazing mosaic, fine presentation in one image. An interesting reportage. I like it.
All the best in New Year - to You and family!
Aleksander

Photo65Net (43084) 2009-01-02 3:05

Hello Paul,
These pictures summarize nicely the different way existing to shoot sports... I like a lot this result, nice job,
Have a beautiful year !
JB.

jhm (82297) 2009-01-02 4:05

Hello Paul,

Very nice all the different picture about the same place.
Great action shot, together with eleven picture beside each other.
Excellent quality with effects that really enhance the beauty of the scene.
Lovely presentation pleasant for look at. TFS.

Have a nice day,
John.

rodgerg (23793) 2009-01-02 5:04

Hello Paul,

A beautiful collage of images. Action and colours very well collected. The use of the large format is too an original and good idea.

The best for you in 2009,
Roger

Docarmo (8820) 2009-01-02 8:17

Hi Paul,
A nice way to show us the event, thanks! Action and colours to please everyone. Good idea!
Happy new year!
MCV

feather (49858) 2009-01-02 8:35

Thank goodness for the LV! Original idea to show this montage to give us a flavour of the event. Before reading your note I thought the cemetery image was you being ironic. Or maybe the organisers are being ironic having it there in the first place. A lot of work went into this presentation. Well done
Kath
Happy New Year

patdeph (17722) 2009-01-02 9:13

hello Paul
I am not really fan of bikes races,but I have to say that you have found the better way to show the atmosphere!This is really well done,and each of the small picture is perfect!
I wish you too an happy new year 2009.
Regards
Pascale

Waylim (10741) 2009-01-02 10:45

Paul,
Very nice combinations of shots showing multiple actions and activities. One can feel the excitement without having to be there. Off course it will never replace being there in person, but that's the next best thing to being there. All shots are of good quality and the large version shows just that. Thanks for effort to put them all together.
Way

plimrn (19600) 2009-01-02 11:33

Hi Paul,
Some events really need more than one photo to show the impact, people tend to get bored with a long series and the WS is often missed. I do think this is the first small composite photo I've seen that works. I think the reason it is effective is that each photo focuses on a bike in motion and that similarity maximizes the impact without having to wish too much for more detail.
HLJ, Pat

ElAprendiz (7370) 2009-01-02 16:01

Hello Paul:

Your mosaic is very dynamic and full of opportunism in trying to make the freezing of images with great clarity and definition. A job without a doubt, very interesting. Happy new year, which I hope is full of success

A hug, John

aadilj (17950) 2009-01-03 1:30

Hi paul. this is a superb collage with such a vibrant mood and lovely spread. i love the way you have presented this

jafadabret (39441) 2009-01-03 2:43

Bonjour Paul
C'est du très bon travail cet assemblages de toutes ces photos dans un panorama. Avec la version large on apprécie l'ambiance de ces courses. Le monde de la moto est un monde de passionnés et cet assemblage le montre fort bien.
Meilleurs voeux pour 2009 !
Jacques

Tue (25608) 2009-01-03 8:13

Hi Paul,
Excellent idea to present as many photos from this event as possible in one post. The colours and light of all the pictures are very good and you captured everything really well with great sharpness. Thanks for sharing!
Best wishes for a Happy 2009!
Regards,
Lars

barrufeto_77 (25715) 2009-01-05 4:34

Hi Paul.

My compliments for the composition! Something unual here.

Of course, the best for you and yours in the New Year!

Rgs ,OScar

Bluejeans (32053) 2009-01-05 5:40

Ola Paul ,
Que beleza de fotos cheias de movimento ,gostei muito das colagens , interessante esta pista junto de um cemitério :) deve ser única no mundo,parabéns

Um abraço Gonçalo

Angshu (33585) 2009-01-05 19:57

Hello Paul
A fine collage of all the action & thank god for the LV...there the action is quite vivid. Was surprised to see a picture of the cemetery between the all the roaring machines..before reading the note. A very different & very original & good 'picture' to end the old year.
Regards
Angshu

danos (32250) 2009-01-06 0:37

Hello Paul,
nice the stitched snapshots of the Circuit Motorcycle races.I like the idea of the LV that we can see with more details a lot of the action with the drivers.Informative your note about this fact.Well done.

Regards,Danos

marcdemoulin (1492) 2009-01-06 12:18

I like this collage. Wonderful work Paul. Wish you all the best in 2009 for you and yours.
Marc

alvaraalto (5231) 2009-01-06 13:02

Hi Paul,

Very surprising this collage of speed-images. This gives indeed an excellent (large) view on the event.
Very colourful and very attractive.

Groet Rob

skippy007 (6967) 2009-01-06 20:27

Hello Paul, A very nice collage, packed with action & colour, considering where this circuit is I doubt whether there would be complains about the noise & traffic from the local residents, as a matter of fact I doubt whether there would be complaints at all. HeHe, Well done some terrific action there especially in the sidecar.
Thanks
Santo

John_F_Kennedy (31229) 2009-01-07 4:52

That are wonderful motives, so beautiful arrange in this collage. The colours are nice too. Well done.
Best wishes,
Achim

stego (22350) 2009-01-07 10:42

Hi Paul,
Using a collage to present the event was a very good idea. It's an interesting mosaic and in the large version we can appreciate each image individually because of the great quality.
Regards, José.

edytungkal (4519) 2009-01-11 22:34

Hello Paul,
Very good idea to collage all the actions in one frame with attractive colours and composition, from here i can feel the spirit...thanks :-)

daniel

MLINES (10868) 2009-01-12 14:35

Hi Paul, Good to see such fine sporty images. Noticed you have a Sony 700, gives good results in your hands. The 70-300 is an ideal lens. Good colour and action packed. I like the shark - like on the green bike. TFS. Murray.

Didi (36044) 2009-01-19 16:35

Hi Paul
A circuit in a cemetery ? Very original picture ! with eternal spectators
Interesting stitch of mixed pictures.
Well done.
Cheers

Silversnow (2107) 2009-01-21 9:52

Superb idea for a multishot composition :D
It succeeds where one picture would not have been enough.
I particularly love the cemetary shot! :D

jaywalker (12190) 2009-02-01 14:11

Hi Paul, A great set of motor bike shots, I love the way you have tied them together, some superb pieces of action, good light & colours, TFS, kind regards Wilson.

degani (2876) 2009-02-08 12:27

hi Paul,
I would have hundreds of points to give for this composition, you show here so well the two principal passions I have; photography and motorcycles. Great work, bravo
kind regards
franco