Flickr a Day 53: The Racer

If you followed this series for the past 52 days, a pattern may be obvious. Not all, in fact not many, of the photographers are professionals. That’s particularly true for Bob Mical, whom I hope won’t be offended by my expressing such. The best pics aren’t those that stand as works of art but which matter most to you and to friends or family; and the story each image tells about these people.

I see in stand-out photography, particularly events, a quality Bob demonstrates: Willingness to get in, and get down if necessary, for the best shot. That quality makes this photo of a racer during the 2014 VA State Cyclocross Championships today’s selection. Sports photography isn’t easy, and should be more than stopping the action with the longest lens. 

Bob captured this pic on Nov. 30, 2014 with Nikon D300 and 17-55 mm f/2.8 lens. Vitals: f/8, ISO 400, 1/1500 sec, 18mm. The angle, and biker’s expression, makes the shot. During the sporting event, he also used 55-300mm lens.

He is from Wheaton, Md., which I know well. I lived less than a mile from downtown for almost 10 years before moving to San Diego in October 2007. Bob, who now resides in Charlottesville, Virginia, describes himself: “I’m a enthusiast and hobbyist looking to make some nice images. Street, landscape, industrial, sports, and nature photography interest me most”.

Photo Credit: Bob Mical