POD's are just getting better and better. This is insane. The tricks these guys are doing and the photos that are being taken...look at the PODs from 2 years ago, they don't even come close to comparing. I guess this is what you call progression. Unreal.
I think "reallybigmantis" was asking, what's with all that extra stuff attached to his bike (near the cranks, rear triangle). I have no clue what it is!
It's a full suspension bike, and there's a watermark stamped across the bike above the cranks and seat. I really considered not making it POD because of this, but in the end I really liked the look of the shot.
Ohhhhh ok Ian, thanks for clearing that up. I thought it was a hardtail with some funky attachments (for video or something). I never would have guessed its a watermark.
The shadows come from the merge of frames used in this HDR image. As a HDR is multi exposure shot, you cant catch moving action as a single image so a single shot of the rider is merged into the HDR image.
That's what it looks like it is to me.
I hate to disappoint you but I really don't think there is any HDR in this image. He exposed to get the background how he wanted it, then simply used flash to light up the rider, jump and foreground. The only effect really is what looks like too much sharpening, which gives the shadows in the dirt that super contrasty look.
no HDR, I witnessed the shot being taken and there were multiple shots using the flash in different areas to get the lighting right. Then shopped(blended) the photos together...
I called it, good job Pat and James. More POD's to come this duo make for unbelievable photos. So glad I made these jumps and was able to help in the photo shoot.