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Seb Rogers launches new blog

Pick up some MTB photography tips (and a bikey screensaver) from a professional


Posted: 11 December 2006
by Mike Davis

Seb Rogers's blog

Lots - we might even go so far as to say "most" - riders seem to carry some sort of camera with them on rides these days. Particular since you can get phones that are better camera than some cameras we've owned. Taking good pictures of bike rides isn't all that straightforward, though (although judging by the reader pics that have graced our front page, quite a few of you have got the hang of it). We can think of few better ways to glean some tips than to pick the brains of a professional, and handily a professional has just started to tip the contents of his brain on to the internet.

The lensperson in question is Seb Rogers. He's been getting paid for pictures of bikes for over a decade, has more than 70 magazine covers to his name and has had pictures in just about every UK bike mag you care to mention. His new blog (sebrogers.typepad.com/) supplements his existing portfolio site (www.sebrogers.co.uk) with behind-the-scenes stuff from the world of pro MTB photography, sneak previews from shoots and a load of stuff about bikes, cameras and the combination thereof.

"It's a great excuse for me to blather on about two of the things that I enjoy most," admits Seb. "Riding... and taking pictures of riding."

There's also a free screensaver on the way. "Mountain bike screensavers seem to be a rare breed," says Seb, "so I thought I'd do something about it." Featuring some of Seb's favourite shots, the screensaver also includes a clock and calendar function and will be available for both Macs and PCs. Keep an eye on the blog for details.

And by way of an extra incentive (of sorts), two of the pictures on the front page of Seb's blog at the time of writing feature your esteemed editor (or limbs thereof)...


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Discuss this story

Having just bought meself a Digi-SLR, I found some really good tips for MTB specific photography on Seb's site, if only I had more attractive riding buddies ! (wife excluded, just in case).


;¬)
Posted: 14/12/2006 08:44

Nerd!
Posted: 14/12/2006 13:48

Who me ?
Posted: 14/12/2006 13:52

What in fcuk is that...?!!!
Posted: 14/12/2006 13:54

What camera DK?
Posted: 15/12/2006 18:41

If you ask me he's a bit over-fond of wide angle distortions, but cant deny he's among the best MTB guys out there. I'd do all these sort of shots myself, but my riding buddies are all shite riders and just end up looking slow....
Posted: 15/12/2006 19:36

Nikon D40 :¬)

Perfect for outdoor types, lightweight, easy to use. My Dad recommended it, he's a photographer and well impressed with it. Good price for the technology tbh.
Posted: 15/12/2006 21:58

I thought your Dad built model planes?
Posted: 15/12/2006 21:59

He does whatever he likes, his main profession is photography, he has a sideline in hi-tech carbon RC planes but he also makes all kinds of stuff from carbon fibre from his garage, he's like a mad professor, seriously.
Posted: 15/12/2006 22:31

So I see!

Daddy Dirty Karlos
Posted: 15/12/2006 22:37

I was thinking of a D40, though wonder if the lens choiceis limited. I also saw the Sony a100 for only 100 wing-wangs more today, that too caught my eye

Whats your old man reckon of the Sony?

You subscribed to 'Amature Photogrpahy' yet? or sumitted to readers wives yet?
Posted: 16/12/2006 11:26

Don't know owt about the Sony. I shouldn't worry too much about lens choice though, there are plenty available already, for what I need anyway.
Do a search for some reviews of the Sony, for the price I think it would be hard to beat the Nikon tbh, it has a lot of features of the higher models, the build quality is plasticy though but robust, this is where they've saved weight. It has all the standard programs of a compact eg landscape, portrait etc... but at the same time you can get creative if you wish .
Not subscribed to AP yet but check out the "Arty" photography books in Waterstones :¬)

I loved this book.
Posted: 16/12/2006 11:47

Will think some more, not going to do anything before new year anyway....

My most major concern is that I dont own an anorak and cant afford a camera AND an anorak.
Posted: 16/12/2006 12:16

The D50 is a better bet... full AF. although most of my lenses are AF-S anyway. Still... its a Nikon, there is no shortage of lenses.

Funnily enough i use the same cameras as Seb right now, a D200 and D2x, with a D70 as an emergency backup (always need a backup at weddings).
Posted: 16/12/2006 21:49

Better bet yeh, but it depends what you want, the D40 is so lightweight, perfect for me.
I just tested it out today, couldn't wait till chrimbo ;¬)
Me & mrs were absolutely amazed at the picture quality, unbelievable really. You a Photographer I take it then Steve ?
My Dad recommended me the D70 as they are on offer at the minute but when I explained what I wanted ie something lightweight and almost compact the D40 won it for me, I really am stunned how much digital cameras have come on.
Posted: 17/12/2006 21:26

Yeah, for my sins, D40, D50, D70 and D70s are basically the same sensor, and if anything the D40 probably is a more refined product as the D70 is quite old now. I'm sure it'll be great for out on the bike. Just dont try to track with continuous focus, as it wont keep up on that camera. Pre-focus and you'll get nice sharp shots. Enjoy.
Posted: 17/12/2006 22:23

I just bought my girlfriend (self) a sony compact cybershot W-100 with 8.1 Mega pixels. Hoping to take some nice snaps, and progress to an SLR...in due course.


Posted: 27/03/2007 12:31

I'd only ever use a digital camera (Canon 1DS) for work.

Best camera I've used/own is the Olympus OM4 I've got four bodies now and get greedy for any OM lenses I can pilfer.

My latest addition is my new darkroom it's going to be lush when I get the running water sorted.

Old fashioned I know but I like the fact that going manual with film you get one chance to get it right.

If you don't have the skills you bugger up...digital slr's take the fun out of learning and hey if you do screw up you can always photoshop it.

One of my little rants.
Posted: 27/03/2007 12:45

Thats old school buddy!, and while I am sure there is a lot of reward to developing your own prints, when you want to share them with you BM friends, think of how the quality will be reduced when scanning on to the web.

Or do you plan to post them to all of us?
Posted: 27/03/2007 12:50

Personally I print them frame, them and sell them.

But yes sharing photographs is indeed easier in digital.

I'm not a digital prude, everything I do at work is fully digital but for fun purposes I prefer the time consuming, methodical and laborious process of taking manual photographs.

PS Old school? I was recently taking photographs with a 1906 Zeiss bellows camera and the results were Lush!

:¬)

Posted: 27/03/2007 12:59

They dont make them like they used to!
Posted: 27/03/2007 13:11

Well in my opinion they don't.

But it's horses for courses, I may one day consider getting a digital SLR.

I quite frequently use images for 8 foot plus banners and whilst they show their limitations at that size it's a hell of lot easier than plating up slides.
Posted: 27/03/2007 13:14

I have an Olympus OM1.
its a lovely camera.

But it weighs twice as much as modern camera.

Love printing my own black and white prints. standing under the red light, dodging sections of your print with bits of cotton wool on wire, and cut out cards makes you feel like you are really creating something.

dont have a darkroom anymore tho :-(
Posted: 27/03/2007 13:22

OM's are solid pieces of kit, I prefer the weight there's something which just says...quality...something I don't get when I use plastic bodied cameras. OM1's were nice, but after a while the shutter release jams, nothing a rebuild can't fix and the good thing is, they're really easy to take apart and put back together again.

The missus bought the darkroom off ebay, for xxmas.

Complete Darkroom, enlarger good for A2 prints, automating rinsing tray, paterson tanks, trays, thermometers, a stack of photo papers (some a little out of date) filters, jugs, bellow tanks, easel masks.

£50
Posted: 27/03/2007 13:45

I've got an OM 1, don't use it very often 'cos if you are taking shots of human subjects they are likely to die of old age before you have it all sorted, and wildlife shots? No chance.

Tales a lovely piccy if you can spend the time mind.
Posted: 27/03/2007 20:37

Talkback: Seb Rogers launches new blog

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