We’re back to work here at Losail International Circuit in Qatar. Before the evening’s track sessions begin, we assemble at the Start Line for the Rider Class photos. Because most fans only see the finished product, here are some photos and comments of what goes on behind the scenes.

As you can see from the above image, it’s quite difficult to find all the riders looking in the same direction at the same time. Even if this magic moment does happen, at least one will have his eyes closed or an otherwise undesirable expression.

But before we get to the actual photo, lots of other things happen. The MotoGP riders come out after we’ve done the Moto3 and then Moto2 class photos, and given the larger numbers of riders and lower average experience with this process, handling these two groups is even more like herding cats. Mots of the premier class guys know the drill and get into position fairly quickly.

This juxtaposition of riders sometimes allows observations not otherwise very common, such as just how tall Loris Baz is. Hector Barbera is standing on a chair. Stefan Bradl and Marco Melandri aren’t.

The first item on the agenda when the riders are in their positions is to produce the TV footage that will be used this season at motogp.com. First the camera on a jimmy jib moves back and forth, with the riders instructed to follow its progress back and forth. They do this with varying levels or dedication to the task.

The then Dorna photographer moves ahead of our line of shooters to take the official picture. He has to have good concentration to get his shot while the various good-natured insults and cat calls issue from the peanut gallery behind him.

Eventually we have a clear view of the riders, but amid all the unsynchronized blinking and fidgeting, there is always at least one pair of riders having a conversation that is more interesting to them than how they look in the group photo.

After the riders, the 2015 bikes are lined up. In the past we’ve had some time to photograph the bikes up close, but this year they were whisked away immediately. Very disappointing!

When it’s all over, the riders mingle for a short time for sponsor photos, or just to goof around.

This process seems to move more quickly each year, which sounds like a good thing. But in fact, it means fewer opportunities for interesting photographs. I’d much rather spend more time among the old-style confusion if it meant having more chances to get unique views of the riders and bikes. Oh well.

Now, as I still haven’t learned my lesson, here is photo I hope will come true for the 2015 season.

Photographs: ©2015 by Scott Jones / PHOTO.GP – All Rights Reserved

Camera Info: Nikon D4 with Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8