Bikes and Beers is a great event that combines 45, 30 or 15 mile bike rides with great brews. The 2022 ride was hosted by the Definitive Brewing Company in Portland, Maine. I was the lead photographer for this event, along with another photographer out on the course.
We shot typical event type shots, a little promotional, groups and normal start and finish.
Start
At the start I normally get riders listening to last minute instructions, preparing for the ride, bucking helmet chin straps and making finial adjustments. If the event has a nice banner / arch its worth wile to grab shots of participants ride or running under. They make memorable photos and may be also used for promotional.
Promotional
Promo shots are great for the event organizer and other vendors. A little goes a long way, spend a few minutes getting the freebee products they give away and any type of raffle prizes. Of course group shots in front of finisher banners, signs, and etc are great for both organizers and participants.
Finish
Finisher pictures are usually the most important in any type of race, this event was no different. I shot hand held 16-35mm f/4 as the riders came under the arch, grabbing both rider and much of the arch as possible. I also had another camera set up off to the left of arch, opposite of me shot wide, 24-70mm f/2.8. This camera was shooting every 2 seconds with an intervalometer.
The Details
Number shot taken – 6,209
Camera Bodies – 5d Mark III #1 and 5d Mark III #2
Lens – 70-200mm f/4, 16-35 f/4, 24-70 f/2.8