Kenji & Akira - Photo: Cordell Murray
RHC10 Photos - by: Kenji Edmonds
I asked Brooklyn native, Kenji Edmonds 6 Questions about his experience photographing the 10th Edition of the Red Hook Criterium series.
IG: @nyckenji and his website, RoleyPoley.com Also his race team: @roleypoleyracing
What kind of photographer do you consider yourself? I am a video producer and editor by trade. I used to shoot film back in the day (yeah, i’m #oldaf as the kids say these days). I kind of gave up on photography when i started my video production company because i was too busy producing, traveling & supporting my family. But ever since my kids started cycling & racing, I found my interest in cycling photography again. It’s difficult to categorize what type of photographer i consider myself to be. My goal with my photos is to bring the audience into the race itself so that they feel like they’re right there in the break, or in the peloton, or with the person who is DFL, feeling their pain. It’s a real struggle to capture that moment, especially when your subject is flying by you at 30 mph. I shoot as many races & rides as i can so i can figure out the best techniques, equipment, angles, timing needed to capture those moments.
What kind of equipment did you shoot with at RHC10? This year i shot with two Canon 5D MK IV’s. One 5D had a 70-200m 2.8 on it all day and my other 5D swapped out an 85mm 1.2, 50mm 1.2 and a 50mm 1.4. The 1.4 is a lot lighter than the 1.2 lenses so i used that during the day and then switched to the L-series primes at night since they’re a bit faster. I also came prepared with a Canon 80D with an IKAN EC-1 Gimbal to shoot some video but i never got to break it out the bag….
What were you specifically looking to photograph? At most events i try to cover my friends and hometown heroes first and foremost. I’m so impressed and in awe at anyone who has the guts to race RHC so i feel the least i can do is help document their efforts.
How many photos did you shoot in total? 4,652… But a lot of them are hit or miss panning shots at super slow shutter speeds and manual focus so the actual number of usable shots are quite less.
How many times have you shot at a Red Hook event? This is my third year shooting RHC. I have only shot the Brooklyn event so far, but I’m considering going to Barcelona this year if i can pull it together.
What was your favorite moment of the race day to shoot and why? Without question my favorite moment was when four of the Roley Poley Racing Team Women lined up for their heat. This was our first year sponsoring a team and as much we had talked about and anticipated RHC, it was a bit emotional seeing them all at the line ready to go. They have come a long way in a very short amount of time and i respect their courage and bravery. It really takes a lot to step up to that starting line. I also enjoyed seeing & shooting Cooper Ray while he led out a lap during the qualifying heat. It was pretty friggin’ awesome. That dude never ceases to surprise me - So much talent and heart.