Documenting a memorial ride

KillRamsey

Hall of Famer
Location
Hood River, OR
Name
Kyle
I got asked by the local Cyclists Union to photog a ride they organized Sunday to commemorate World Day of Remembrance, which is a day to remember those killed in traffic violence. We met up at Copley Square in Boston, then rode about a mile to the State House, where an officiant held a ceremony, and family members of victims spoke.

Here's some of what I got... feedback very much wanted. And I know it's a somber event, and yet people look so happy sometimes, but it's HARD to ride a bike and not smile.

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KBRX3174
by gordopuggy, on Flickr

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KBRX3312
by gordopuggy, on Flickr

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by gordopuggy, on Flickr

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KBRX3400
by gordopuggy, on Flickr

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KBRX3433
by gordopuggy, on Flickr

Even as I took this one, I thought "this is basically just for Ray"
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KBRX3491
by gordopuggy, on Flickr

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by gordopuggy, on Flickr

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by gordopuggy, on Flickr

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KBRX3684
by gordopuggy, on Flickr

Turns out if you point the Rokinon 12mm lens right at the setting sun, you can get this fantastic ring of flare...
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KBRX3716
by gordopuggy, on Flickr

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KBRX3741
by gordopuggy, on Flickr
 
The ride was light, but the ceremony was indeed heavy.
I think that's EXACTLY what the series conveys. If that's what you wanted, you nailed it. If you wanted to go for heavy, just use less of the ride (and the least happy of the ride shots) and more of the ceremony. But, in my experience, these things are usually a combination of grieving and celebrating an activity that all involved love. I hope to live a very long time, but I've told my wife that if I should ever die on a bike ride, from getting hit, a heart attack, whatever, please just know it happened when I was doing what I loved doing. Hope it doesn't happen, but the possibility doesn't make me love cycling any less...

-Ray
 
Technical stuff in check, perspective, movement, interesting angles. Emotional impact coveys sadness, disappointment, and other elements of grief. I think the set tells a story. Nice..
 
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