It’s always a pleasure collaborating with video production company What Media, and this time the project involved producing a complete series of images of the latest British Cycling team kit by Kalas. The shoot took place at the Manchester Velodrome, capturing the team both on and off their track bikes in a variety of settings, from studio photography to dynamic on-track action shots. As a professional photographer, I focused on highlighting the design, functionality, and style of the new kit while telling the story of the team and their environment.
Photographing the British Cycling Team in Action
The shoot provided numerous opportunities to photograph the British Cycling team in their element. I captured cyclists wearing the new Kalas kit inside the velodrome, on their track bikes, and in areas where all the bicycles are stored and maintained. These behind-the-scenes shots showcase the athletes interacting with their equipment and provide insight into the preparation and technical side of professional cycling.
Close-up photography played a key role, allowing me to document the details of the new kit, including team branding, fabric, and fit. I photographed cyclists putting on their kit, securing shoes, and preparing for training sessions, creating intimate, human-focused images that complement the action-oriented shots.
Studio Photography and Detail Shots
In addition to the velodrome environment, I conducted studio photography sessions to produce clean, professional images of the cyclists wearing the new kit. This approach allowed me to focus on the kit’s details, including logos, textures, and colorways, while ensuring consistent lighting and composition. Studio photography is essential for commercial use, marketing campaigns, and media promotion, making it a key part of the overall shoot strategy.
Outdoor and On-Bike Photography
The Manchester Velodrome surroundings offered excellent locations for photographing the cyclists outside, on their bicycles, and in motion. These images highlight the versatility of the Kalas kit, showing how it performs in different conditions and settings. By capturing the cyclists on track bikes in the outdoor areas around the velodrome, I was able to produce dynamic, visually compelling images that showcase both the athletes and their equipment.
Behind the Scenes at the Velodrome
Documenting the team in the Velodrome’s changing rooms added another layer to the project. I photographed cyclists as they prepared for training, putting on kit, adjusting shoes, and getting ready for action. These behind-the-scenes images provide context and authenticity, showing the human side of professional cycling and the preparation required to perform at the highest level.
The Importance of Collaboration and Photography
Working with What Media allowed me to capture both the creative and technical aspects of the shoot. Coordinating studio, on-track, and behind-the-scenes photography ensured that every image told part of the story of the British Cycling team and the new Kalas kit. This comprehensive approach is essential for creating marketing content, editorial imagery, and promotional material that highlights the team’s professionalism, equipment, and athleticism.
Conclusion: A Complete Visual Record of the British Cycling Kit
This shoot produced a full range of imagery, from studio portraits to action shots, behind-the-scenes preparation, and outdoor cycling photography. By focusing on the athletes, their equipment, and the details of the new Kalas kit, the series provides a compelling visual narrative suitable for media campaigns, commercial use, and portfolio work. Collaborating with What Media and the British Cycling team made this project both professionally rewarding and creatively inspiring, resulting in images that showcase the cutting-edge design and functionality of the new kit while celebrating the skill and dedication of the athletes.
