I have had the pleasure of photographing this race over the last three years.  It is my favorite race of the year.

The race is put on by the Alta Alpina Cycling Club (link) and is held in Woodfords, California.  It is one of the most beautiful and scenic road courses I have ever seen. (Please click image to view in large format)

To view my complete photo gallery for this event, please visit: http://www.thomascompton.com/galleries/Road_Cycling/20100724/

Diamond Valley Road Race Woodfords, California 07-24-2010 Nikon D3 | 70-200 f/2.8 | 1/640 sec f/11 ISO 200 | SB900 Hot Shoe FP Mode

The image above was captured on the climb.  As you can see the Tahoe Rim is behind the riders.  You also have clear views of Carson Pass, Kirkwood Ski Area, and The Carson Valley.  The course takes you through some amazing ranch land, follows the Carson River and has this amazing climb in the middle.

The Climb, Diamond Valley Road Race | Nikon D3 | 70-200 f/2.8 | 1/640 sec f/11 ISO 250 | SB900 Hot Shoed FP

In the past I have shot this race from a stationary position on the climb-not this year.  I started out shooting in the valley.  The race started at 8:30 AM.  The groups were staggered every 10 minutes.  I decided to shoot using fill flash to start the day.  By using fill flash I would limit the harsh shadows on the riders faces with the sun directly overhead.  As the day progressed I used three strobes fired by a radio trigger.

Diamond Valley Road Race | Nikon D3 | 70-200 f/2.8 | 1/200 sec f/16 | ISO 250 | 3 Strobes fired by Elenchrom Sky Port

I am very happy with the clean light I got using the three strobes.  I stressed the strobes by using an aperture setting of f/16 but opted for this high setting to have more riders in focus.

Diamond Valley Road Race | Nikon D3 | 70-200 f/2.8 | 1/200 sec f/16 ISO 200

All in all a great race.  Thank you riders!

Diamond Valley Road Race | Nikon D3 | 70-200 f/2.8 | 1/2000 sec f/5.6 ISO 200 | SB 900 Hot Shoe High Speed Sync

Rider on the Climb, Diamond Valley Road Race | Nikon D3 | 70-200 f/2.8 | 1/200 sec f/16 ISO 200 | SB900, (2) SB 800 Radio Triggered

I took the opportunity to go up to Squaw Valley and ride the Tram to Highcamp (link) on Monday.  I was hoping to find the wildflowers in full bloom and they were.

If you like hiking in the high country I would really recommend this.  You can make the hike up from the bottom and ride the car down, or do as I did and ride the car up.

There are many hiking trails that are out and back hikes.  You can hike up to Siberian Ridge which overlooks the Sierra.  I chose to hike down to Shirley Lake and back.

As always, click to enlarge my images.

Shirley Lake Squaw Valley Summer 2010

As I hiked out I did a little Bouldering.  I came accross these wildflowers . . .

Wildflowers

As I was heading back to Highcamp, I wandered into the Wildflowers and captured this image . . .

Wild Flowers at High Camp, Squaw Valley, California 07-19-2010

If you had not had a chance to experience this hike, I highly recommend it.  You can even go swimming after hiking and the tram runs till 8pm.

Thanks for following along,

Tommy

Wild Flowers | Nikon D3 | 28-70 f/2.8 | 1/90 f/19 ISO 200

As always please click to enlarge

Plumas National Forest | Nikon D3 | 70-200 f/2.8 | 1/45 f/19 ISO 200

Frazier Falls Plumas National Forest | Nikon D3 | 70-200 f/2.8 | 1/6 f/22 ISO 200

Frazier Falls from Lookout Point | Nikon D3 | 70-200 f/2.8 | 1/30 f/8 ISO 200

Sierra Butte | Nikkon D3 | 70-200 f/2.8 | 1/20 f/19 ISO 200 | Polarizer Filter Attached

Sierra Creek Plumas National Forest | Nikon D3 | 28-70 f/2.8 | .7 f/22 ISO 200 | Polarizer Attached

It was a wonderful day.  Thanks for following along.

Tommy

I had the opportunity to meet Jennifer August, The Artistic Director of In Motion Dance Studio (Link) at my store the other day.

I mentioned that I would be interested in photographing her Dancers that night but I had been turned away the week before for wanting to use flash.  She told me that she did not see a problem and invited me again to come.

If you follow my Blog you know that I am a Sports Shooter.  But, I want to stay well rounded in my photography and Dance is really challenging to shoot.  I shot over 300 frames the other night and I only liked 50 or so of my images.

I tried to use the same methodology I use in shooting sports — follow the athlete.  Don’t try to capture everything, focus on one person at a time.  Very Challenging.

You may set up for a vertical shot and all of a sudden they are flying and you wish you were horizontal.  Trying to keep the critical focus point on their eyes while they are moving so fast is really a challenge.

I have nothing but respect for these Dancers.  They were amazing athletes and the night was filled with drama, color, and sound.

Here are a few of my favorite images:  Please click to enlarge.

In Motion Dance Studio, Dancing on The River Nikon D3 | Nikon 70-200 |1/750 sec f/2.8 ISO 1100

In Motion Dance Studio - Dancing on The River Winfield Park | Nikon D3 | 70-200 | 1/500 f/2.8 ISO 1100

In Motion Dance Studio - Dancing on The River Winfield Park | Nikon D3 | 70-200 | 1/350 f/2.8 ISO 1100

In Motion Dance Studio - Dancing on The River | Nikon D3 | 70-200 | 1/250 f/4.8 ISO 1100

Thanks for following along,

Tommy

There are all kinds of people.  Some people love the ocean & sandy beaches.  Some love the city, others the prarie.  Me, I am a Mountain Boy.  I am so blessed to live in such an amazing place.  The Tahoe Rim and Mt Rose are 20-25 minutes from my home.

It has been hot here in Reno and getting hotter every day.  We are supposed to hit 100 degrees by Friday.  Even though I can look out and see the Rim from my house, I felt the walls closing in on me today.  I Had to get out, even if for a short time.

I had originally planned on attending a music production tonight-a part of our month long celebration of the art in Reno “Artown.”  But, I wanted fresh air, pine forests and a cool breeze so I grabbed my camera and headed up to Mt. Rose around 8 pm.

I thought I would use the serpentine roads to create some fun headlight and tail light streaks.  I set up for this first shot just below the East Bowl turn off.

As always, click to enlarge the image

Tailights on The Mount Rose Highway Camera Nikon D3 | 28-70 f/2.8 | ISO 200 1/20th sec f/20

As the Mosquitos and I were waiting for the light to fall I noticed that there was a Crescent Moon tonight.  After capturing the above image I tore up the road looking for a good angle to shoot Mount Rose (not the ski area) with the Moon and Stars.  It turned out that the parking lot of Sky Tavern afforded the best angle.  The moon was dropping like a rock but I got there in time.

Mount Rose Silhouette with A Crescent Moon Nikon D3 | 28-70 f/2.8 | 1/30th f/18 @ ISO 1000

It felt so good in the Mountains.  It was 60 degrees at 9,000 feet compared to the 80 degrees in town.  I had to throw on my Monkey Fleece.

Thanks for following along.

Tommy

Yesterday I had the opportunity to head up to Zephyr Cove (Lake Tahoe) for the Volleyzoo Tahoe Championships.  The tournament had a large field comprised of “A” and “AA” Women and Men.  It is a beautiful setting and the weather was hot and clear.

Please click on any image to view full size.

All images were captured with a Nikon D3, Nikon SB900 Flash set to TTL for fill 0/0 Compensation.  You can view additional images at my gallery (Link).

Volleyzoo Tahoe Championships, Nikon D3 | 1/1500sec | f/6.7 | ISO 200 | Nikon SB 900 TTL | 0/0 Compensation

Volleyzoo Tahoe Championships, Nikon D3 | 1/750sec | f/6.7 | ISO 200 | Nikon SB 900 TTL | 0/0 Compensation

Volleyzoo Tahoe Championships, Nikon D3 | 1/1000sec | f/6.7 | ISO 200 | Nikon SB 900 TTL | 0/0 Compensation

Volleyzoo Tahoe Championships, Nikon D3 | 1/1000sec | f/6.7 | ISO 200 | Nikon SB 900 TTL | 0/0 Compensation

Volleyzoo Tahoe Championships, Nikon D3 | 1/1600sec | f/5.6 | ISO 200 | Nikon SB 900 TTL | 0/0 Compensation

Volleyzoo Tahoe Championships, Nikon D3 | 1/1250sec | f/5.6 | ISO 200 | Nikon SB 900 TTL | 0/0 Compensation

Volleyzoo Tahoe Championships, Nikon D3 | 1/2000sec | f/5.6 | ISO 200 | Nikon SB 900 TTL | 0/0 Compensation

Volleyzoo Tahoe Championships, Nikon D3 | 1/640sec | f/5.6 | ISO 200 | Nikon SB 900 TTL | 0/0 Compensation

Volleyzoo Tahoe Championships, Nikon D3 | 1/1000sec | f/5.6 | ISO 200 | Nikon SB 900 TTL | 0/0 Compensation

Volleyzoo Tahoe Championships, Nikon D3 | 1/2000sec | f/5.6 | ISO 200 | Nikon SB 900 TTL | 0/0 Compensation

Volleyzoo Tahoe Championships, Nikon D3 | 1/1000sec | f/5.6 | ISO 200 | Nikon SB 900 TTL | 0/0 Compensation

As always, thanks for following along.  Your comments are welcome!

Tommy

Artown’s Outdoor Concert Series theme for Friday night was a Celtic Summer’s Eve. (Link) To see more of my Artown Images, please click on this (Link).

I love Celtic Music and listen to A Celtic Sojourn using my I-Tunes at home.  It is under International Music if you want to check it out.

As I walked up to the park, I was greeted by three lovely young ladies who were taking donations for the show.  The park was filled with families and children.

A Celtic Summer's Eve, Artown 2010 Winfield Park 07-03-2010

The opener for the Night was the Sturdy Beggars Band.  The Band leader, Paul Manktelow who is not only a musician but an amazing mural artist as well.  He has painted 17 wall murals for Cabela’s around the country, including the mural here in Reno.  Please check out Paul’s work here: (Link).

Paul Manktelow and The Sturdy Beggars Band Performing at Winfield Park's A Celtic Summer's Eve

The Sturdy Beggars Band Peforming at Winfield Park's A Celtic Summer's Eve

I looked over stage right just in time to see this guy and his dog roll up in an electric wheelchair.  He spun the chair into position and started to move and clap with the music.  His dog was dressed in leathers and had sunglasses on.  You know me, I could not resist asking for his portrait.

Don Smisslart and His Dog enjoying A Celtic Summer's Eve, Winfield Park Reno

After The Sturdy Beggars Band, The Reno Irish Dance Company treated all of us to traditional Irish Dance and Costumes.  The Dance Company is under the Direction of Amanda Coulson.  We were treated to dancers from many age groups.  It was awesome.

The Reno Irish Dance Company Peforming for A Celtic Summer's Eve, Artown 2010 Winfield Park

The Irish Dance Company Peforming at A Celtic Summer's Eve, Artown 2010 Winfield Park

The Reno Irish Dance Company Peforming for A Celtic Summer's Eve, Artown 2010 Winfield Park

The Sturdy Beggars will be performing again this coming Friday as an opening act of for a Celtic Rock Band.  Grab your blanket, some food and family and come check it out.

Thanks for following along,

Tommy

July signals the start of Artown in Reno, Nevada.  A month long celebration of the arts.

July first’s opening night was over the top!  So much fun, energy, enthusiasm.  As always, If you wish to view the photo in a large scale, click on the image.

The purpose of this entry in my journal is share a few of the images I captured that night.  If you would like to explore other Artown 2010 events please visit their website at (link).

I made my way to the Amphitheater  at Winfield park on the Truckee River.  People were really nice and let me sit in the front so I could shoot.  I moved to different locations to get different angles, but I was in the front row.

It is so great to see all kinds of people enjoying the arts and blending together as a community.  That is what Artown brings to Reno.  Thanks you guys.

I have never shot a music venue before so this would be a first.  Kind of a challenging scenario for metering in the camera.  You have the ambient light (available light) plus all the overhead theater lights.  I wound up shooting a full stop underexposed and probably could have stopped it down even more.

First up was the March Fourth Marching Band from my hometown, Portland, Oregon (link).  They were awesome.  Great entertainers.  They marched from the Freighthouse District (Ace’s Ballpark) to Winfield Park.  There were two guys and one lady on stilts along with dancers and musicians.

I will be posting these and many more images on my web site under the event tab (link).

March Fourth, Shooting Data: Nikon D3 | 28-70 f/2.8 | 1/250 f/8.0 ISO 800

Man on Stilts - Camera Data: Nikon D3 | 28-70mm f/2.8 | 1/250 f/8.0 ISO 800

March Fourth performer - Camera Data: Nikon D3 | 28-70mm f/2.8 | 1/200 f/8.0 ISO 800

After a short break we were treated to Cuban music, Miami Style by Tempo Liebre (link).  The band has played together for many years.  According to them, they were all trained in classical music but desired to play Cuban Salsa Jazz.  They were great.  During the first half they did not allow dancing on stage, but by the second half people were dancing and for the last song, the stage was packed.  What can I say, the music was moving, romantic, sexy and fun.

Tiempo Libre Artown 2010 | Nikon D3 |105mm f/2.8 | 1/200 f/5.6 ISO 1600

Teimpo Libre Artown 2010 | Nikon D3 | 105mm f/2.8 | 1/80 f/5.6 ISO 1600

It was fun.  I will be heading down to the river tonight for Celtic Music.

Thanks for following along,

Tommy

Please Click to Enlarge Image: Reno Wheelmen Aircenter Criterium 06-29-2010 Reno Nevada

Hi Everybody,

I read a guest post yesterday on Scott Kelby’s Blog (click on link).  The blog was written by Action Sports Photographer Tom Bol (click on link).

Tom was speaking about how hard it is to make the decision to participate on a different level; as a photographer instead of a competitor/athlete.

I made that choice about two ski seasons ago.  I made the choice of picking up the camera instead of banging gates.  Same holds true for me with cycling!

I know what if feels like to sit on the saddle, grab a low position and follow the rider’s wheel in front of you.  You watch the nuances: the pedal movement, how they shift on the bike, etc.  I know what if feels like; different parts of your body go numb at different time (hands, feet, butt).  There is the sound of the tires as they roll.  The sound of the chain.  The tires really do Zing.  The wind in your face, the color, speed and Gs that you pull through the corner.  I know. Nothing quite like putting your pedal foot down, shifting your center of gravity back and rolling through the turn.

So why the camera?  I love photography.  It is my goal to engage you, the reader.  Can you get involved in the image?  Can you feel what I see?  If you can, I succeeded.

So, yes it is hard to change your focus but it is so rewarding when I hear “hey, great picture.”  You guys keep rolling, I’ll keep shooting!

Thanks for following along,

Tommy