Greyhound Racing Photography

[Double_Agent]

Has anyone ever taken any pictures of Greyhound racing where they have not been given access to the track but only as a spectator?

Please could you describe your experience of such and what equipment you was using at the time, Settings or links to pics you have taken?

A couple of us are interested in taking some shots of such an evening and wondered if anyone had experiences etc.

I have also emailed the local track (Hall Green) to see whether we would be allowed or not as a spectator to take pictures.

[Kentman]

My son is a trainer and I will ask him when he gets in tonight, I do know that flash is not allowed when the dogs are racing. Regards Jim

[ppp]

Having been to Wimbledon I can't see you would get close enough and a good angle to get pics but other tracks may be different.

[Weggy]

Why not ask if you can have trackside access? Not dogs, but both Charlton and Harlequins have been very accomodating to me when I've asked to cover games...

[James Greed]

Nottingham dog track has track side access. went there ;ast feb for my birthday it was ace!

[Double_Agent]

I have sent an email to the General Manager of the track asking whether they will alow this or not or even if they will allow any photography to take place.

So far no reply. I may give them a call in the next day or two to see whether they are better when on the phone to responding.

[Weggy]

Yeah give them a bell. The worst they can do is say no...

I've not done it myself, but for good shots I'd imagine you have to get very low to the ground, making trackside access crucial?

[Diego Garcia]

Should be ok. Flash is a definate no no.

For dynamic images position yourself on one of the bends, preferably one but last bend as the dogs will come of a long straight at a fair old lick and start to turn in. As with all movement, choose your subject and make sure you shoot in AI servo and follow it in the lens - dont spray and prey, choose your shots and fill the frame.

You can get some expressive images this way and some nice after effects, such as sand kicking up.

Hope this helps,

Pete.

[Double_Agent]

Thanks guys. Appreciate all the comments. At Hall Green the track is raised somewhat so you are probably at waist level already.

Really looking forward to trying this out if we get approval.

[Double_Agent]

Good News.

I have been approved by the General Manager to have trackside access. Now just to do the position justice with the actual pictures.

No pressure as they are for my own personal use/enjoyment and learning experience.

[Weggy]

Good luck mate, and have fun!

I really enjoy doing it when they're just for personal use... like you say, no pressure