The Mont 24 - 2012

On Saturday at 12pm another running of The Mont kicked off at the Kow.  Fortune shined down upon all who attended as the sun was out and the course was dry and fast.  Numbers were reported to be 4000 strong and as usual it felt like it with the continuous train of riders not stopping from the first rider on lap 1 to the sweepers on Sunday afternoon.  I was shooting the event for Aurora Images with a group of 7 other photogs and images will number 70,000 strong with us all shooting away. Check out the Aurora Images website for the official images to purchase.

The Mont 24 - 2012

This event has such a variety of track terrain, there is countless perspectives and locations to capture.  The dark pine forest, the big sweeping corners, the fast fire-roads and the majestic white gum trees all make for great shots.  Even the competitors make it alot easier as plenty dress up for their moment of glory and fun to the fast racers cranking out the hot lap trying to beat a personal best or a mate.

The Mont 24 - 2012

This year I tried shooting some night shots trying to capture the racing in a more complete coverage.  Just because it gets dark doesn’t mean that we need to turn off the cameras as racers put on there battery charged lights and head out.  Placement of flashes so not to blind riders upon approach but also to provide enough fill flash is always a fine balance.  Then finding that interesting background object to light up and provide some interest requires pre-dark reccy’ to locate as doing so once dark is impossible.

The Mont 24 - 2012

Some unnexpected issues with trigger devices in new gear proved testing, but once corrected provided alot more shooting options than just your standard one-camera one-flash scenario.

The Mont 24 - 2012

To the Paul and Allen and all the rest of the organizers, volunteers and anyone else involved great work, great event and look forward to shooting again next year.

Gil.