Action Sports Cartel

So, next weekend I'm shooting some promotional shots (20-30) for a new bikepark. I'm stoked about it and know at least one of the riders (out of 2-3) I'm going to shoot very well so getting along with people shouldn't be a problem.

However, this is my first serious shoot, everything up till now has been all fun and games, just shooting buddies and doing some random event coverage and editorial stuff where I haven't really been in charge of anything just walking around with my camera shooting what happens. I know a lot of you guys have a lot of experience with this kind of work, commercial, so I thought I might ask you...

What are the dos and don'ts when shooting this kind of things? What do people normally want from you as a photographer?

Anything else I should keep in mind?

The pics will go on the web, brochures and maybe ads. Anything special about that? I'm more used to shooting editorial rather than commercial...

I will have a total of 1.5 days to get everything done of which half of the first day will be riding the trails and scouting potential shots. There's no way to reschedule if anything goes wrong as the client is in a hurry to get this done.

If I sound like a complete noob it's because I am.

I have done some work with bikeparks bc and they seem to like the images that show a happy experience and good times, up close action, smiles, highfives and that whole feel... more 'cheesy' stuff. Lift shots, lunch shots all that kind of stuff. Best idea is to just shoot everything. I would worry less about setting up time consuming images and just ride the trails and shoot them as you go.

Something I noticed from last year is they seem to llke up close images of riders in helmets with fisheyes and goofy looks. I understand why. Don't forget to shoot those beginner stunts... they are important.

i should also add that while doing those jobs I rode alot. and was some of my funnest park days...

Thanks!

Too bad I don't have a fisheye (never was a fan of wide angle stuff), I'll see if I can borrow one from a friend though...

Good that you reminded me about the cheesy stuff, never was a big fan of that personally, but maybe the client will like it as you said.