rain commute out-takes
rain
When you’re going to end up jumping into a pool anyway, does it really matter?
One of the big gaping holes in my blog, I think, is … well, the rest of it. The not-so-pretty stuff, the traffic, the rides around town that don’t take place on the pleasantness of the greenway, but rather, tailing exhaust pipes and edging away from distracted minivan moms texting on cell phones.
view of traffic from the handlebars, in the rain {-P
I rarely take pictures while on the commuting rides, largely because it’s tricky business, not-so-safe, and I typically don’t carry my DSLR along. It’s not the kind of shooting where I can take time to stop, compose the shot. When I manage to capture anything, it’s typically blind shots from the hip with my point-and-shoot. And on days like today, rain on the lens and blindly shooting … well, not a pretty picture.
blind shot from the hip
like I said ... my arm (and a truck)
I had a couple errands to run, and since it was a better day to be swimming than cycling, I wanted to head to the pool. The weather was pretty high on the crappy scale – upper 30’s, rainy, gloomy – and probably a blessing in disguise. I ended up having the pool largely to myself.
going from wet to wetter at the Y
pool to myself
Had a great swim, got out and dried off …. just to go back out in the rain. {-P
So, although I may try to tip the scales and balance the biking photos with some real-life-on-a-bike shots, don’t hold your breath. I think I am obviously more suited to old barns and quiet rural roads. 😉
blindly shooting wet legs heading home
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shebicycles 
I really love the blind shots you’ve shared here, quite honestly. Of course, your normal gorgeous shots are wonderful to see as well, but there’s something real about the less composed pictures that show how things quite often are when we’re on the roads. I hope, when you can do so safely, you will continue to take these and share them. They are quite interesting (at least to me)!
Thank you, really … you are most generous. 🙂 I so agree with your description – of “how things are when we’re on the roads”. I do need more of that. 🙂
I think you did a great job covering the “ugly” side of commuting. Your shooting-from-the-hip photos are great, much better than many of the ones I have taken. I tend to not get as creative with the camera angles and such. Great post!
Thank you 🙂 Agree with you – blind shooting, from the hip or otherwise, is always a crap shoot. Sometimes you get lucky, most of the time I end up with a giant shot of my knee or elbow, or blank blurry pavement. But I thank you, and always appreciate you stopping by to check things out. 🙂 Safe travels.
There’s just something about black and whites that I just love. Thanks for taking us along with you on your journey today….and as always.
Darryl
I love b&w too, D … still trying to master conversion levels, etc. Thanks always. 🙂
What, no panda?
Those are some pretty good shots for a point and shoot.
I really stink at the pandas, I’m telling you. Maybe one of these days… 😉
I truly love your phototgraphy. I love that you chose black & white for a grey, rainy day traffic-filled, city ride. And, I’m massively impressed with the fact that you managed to take such great photos while cycling…not an easy feat.
Ride Happy!
Thanks so much, M … it was a pretty grey and dull day out there, flat light – which (at least in my opinion) renders best in b&w. Very much appreciate your kind words. 🙂
Hi, shebicycles! Have I told you recently how much I enjoy being on the virtual journey with you through your posts and photos? I do!!
Hey Mary – It is so funny/ironic, as I was just thinking today how much I totally love your Flickr feed (and ShutterCal of course), and absolutely envy your riding around DC. You have mastered the panda, my friend!! Not to mention your bikes are killer gorgeous. We rode around the DC a few years ago, and it was so much fun. We’re toying with the idea of another trip there in May/June. If so, I may be seeking you out for a cup of coffee or a spin on the Potomac bike path. I would love to have a shot at photographing you guys someday. :)) Thanks for stopping by – see you on Flickr!
I’ve been thinking the same thing, photography wise. While I’m out riding my work commute, or “errands” (otherwise known as a silly excuse to get on my bike), I don’t stop often enough to take photos, and I’m too afraid of dropping my point and shoot or iPhone to snap shots while I’m riding, especially in traffic or on some of the more twisty multi-use paths.
These b&w shots are beautiful though, luck or not!