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Fight back with POV Cameras

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Today rolling across the social media landscape was 'Atropelamento na California' a video in where two guys, one wearing a POV camera filming the other in the Berkley Hills. Then they got hit, and the car ran. The footage is pretty hard to make out on YouTube but I think the raw footage was handed around and analyzed. They are currently narrowing it down. I think everyone should start wearing these and reporting, at $300 they are a cheep investment for proof of what went down. I have recently started riding with one and and I feel the way to go is 0.5sec time-lapse, because its easier to make out plates. Also battery life can be extended, but I really would like to see manufactures make a unit for cyclists for this purpose that is an easier system.

My current configuration is a GoPro Hero2 with a Battery BacPac mounted on a K Edge Big Pro Handlebar Mount I want to add an additional Hero 2 mounted on the Go Big Pro Saddle Mount as well.

Here are some resources:

Specialized’s Turbo e-bike & 360 Bike Photography

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e-Bikes have been around awhile but none really feel quite right, most are some abortion of a bike or a strapped on system on a geriatric looking machine that even my old Navy salt of a Grandpa wouldn't be caught dead on. Specialized has defiantly changed the game when it comes to looks and functionality with the new Turbo. I was lucky enough to be able to get my hands on one and shoot it, let me tell you it is a fun ride! Also featured in:

  • http://turbo.specialized.com/
  • http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/video-specialized-turbo-the-worlds-fastest-electric-bike-33568/
  • http://www.gizmag.com/specialized-turbo-ebike/21981/
  • http://www.bicycleretailer.com/news/newsDetail/6631.html
  • http://www.eta.co.uk/2012/03/29/specialized-turbo-electric-bicycle
  • http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/11477/Specialized-launches-Turbo-electric-motorized-bike.aspx
  • http://www.reghardware.com/2012/03/29/uk_government_says_e_bike_too_fast_for_roads/

Carson's 360ish - Join me!

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Last year I attempted to ride from Redding to Fortuna on Friday (√) then on Saturday ride The Tour of the Unknown Coast double (√/2) and then on Sunday ride back to Redding (x) I made it 1/2's of the way. This year I plan to do the whole thing (weather permitting) or maybe just the single century so around 360 Miles

Rapha did a very nice job with this video on the 2010 edition (if your having issues viewing refreshing this post seams to take care of everything.

Rapha Continental | Tour of the Unknown Coast | Humboldt, CA from RAPHA on Vimeo.

Deemed "California's hardest century", The Tour of the Unknown Coast rolls south of Ferndale, California along the Blue Slide Road & into Rio Dell, it then travels through the Avenue of the Giants, up Panther Gap, down into the Mattole Valley, along the ocean then up the wall — the Endless Hills — down the Wildcat back into Ferndale.

If you wish to join me Just RSVP on Facebook HERE anyone and everyone is invited. This is self supported debit card style adventure, SELF SUPPORTED.

One of my favorite things about this ride is the Food and Beer at Eel River Brewery, by far my favorite brew around and the food is amazing as well.

My Strava data from last year.

And if all this is not enough check out Platina road and Hwy 36, this route often ranks in the top favorite roads by motorcycle enthusiast.

OK NOW START TRAINING!!!

2012 SBCC Cycling, BRAVO!

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When Cody O'Reilly contacted me about shooting the photos for the new Santa Barbara City College Cycling Club/Team? (SBCCCCccccccc) I was filled with a very small glimmer of hope. I am a huge fan of Youth cycling and would love to see it happen from the ground up. Something like kindergarten through high school have actual bike education with a mix of competitive cycling, then offer collage scholarships for cycling. More people would ride a bikes, more people in cars would respect bike and look out for them. So I say Bravo!

It's not about the camera.

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Almost every time I run into someone and they find out that I am a photographer they ask me what camera do I use. The truth is that it's not really about the camera or the lenses, or Canon or Nikon, or anything like that. For most people, even professionals, it is about the finished product: the final image. I have used some of the "Best Cameras" in the world, Phase One's, Hasselblads, Leaf's, D3s (if I had to chose a favorite). They all rank at the top of the charts and do an amazing job, but I think most people just need to work on their images, not their equipment.

The key is to learn the limitations of what you currently have and keep it simple, instead of getting a 5D Mark II with 3 - 2.8 IS L lenses, a flash and a bunch of stuff to fill up your bag try getting a D7000 or 7D with 1 - f/4 zoom and just use it a lot, shoot a lot. If you do not like carrying around an SLR to shoot all of the time, grab a point-and-shoot that works for your needs and carry it. It is amazing what you can do with just a little exposure compensation and proper exposure settings.

Even your iPhone can produce some amazing images, remember, the best camera is the one you have with you!

Some camera and non camera things to consider:

  • Nikon COOLPIX AW100 - You can throw it around in your car, jersey, or purse; get it wet, drop it and still get the shot!
  • Nikon COOLPIX P7100 - A great "I don't want to carry my SLR" camera, but I want some pro performance.
  • iPhone 4s - You will most likely always have this camera on you and it is quite a little power house.
  • Best Camera - A fast powerful app that really goes to the heart of the issue.
  • Instagram - So cliché but if you are stuck in a creative rut this kind of app can help you out.
  • Postagram - Want to share your images threw good old snail mail, check out this little dandy of an app.
  • Camera+  - A bit more performance for the iPhone's camera.

Once you have reached the limitations of your equipment and tried to figure every way around it, think of what equipment that you may want to add to your gear list. Before you do, make sure you try before your buy. Online rental options out there are becoming more and more affordable, plus they ship you your equipment! This is especially convenient if you do not live in a major metro area.

At all the races I see people with:

  • 2 - pro bodies $9000
  • 2- pro lenes $4500
  • 1- pro flash $1000
  • 1- power pack $500
  • TOTAL $15,000!

I say put all that away (it's bulky and hard to manage anyway) go with a aforementioned smaller body and single lens, look at the light and the subject that exists and capture it!