Any hints for a newbie amateur?

[Alfonso749r]

Evening all, I am just getting into motorbike photography and would welcome any handy hints...I know that it isn't as simple as just pressing the button and expecting top quality results. I am also not expecting to get into this professionally, I just really enjoy the bikes and get a great feeling when I take a good photograph. The thing is...they're not that great at the moment, so would appreciate any pointers.

Firstly: Do you have any favourite spots to photograph from at UK circuits? Please let me know where I should go and try.

Thanks in advance
Rich

PS: I've added a few photos to my gallery, but at 200kb - they're very small.

 

[trevorbray]

Hi Richard and welcome. I used to take lots of Road Racing pictures in the old days (70's)
I'm sure that the same principles still hold good. Get on the inside of a slow corner, this makes it easier to pan, panning is following the subject with the camera, press the shutter while still following the action. With practises you'll be able to lower the shutter speed so that you can get the Bike sharp and introduce motion blur to the background.
Please don't think I'm teaching you to suck eggs. It was the hardest lesson for me. As for circuits, years since I've been. Go to club meetings, I found less restriction on where I could position myself. Don't forget Paddock shots, there's always lots going on....mmmm, I fancy getting back into it now. Thanks for that !

 

[JDholic]

You could always read CT's excellent panning technique tutorial. HERE

I found when I started it was my panning that needed a lot of work. (still needs a lot of work) Also, bikes are a lot smaller and move quite a bit faster than cars. You could maybe do what I do, go to local circuits that hold track days and practise head on pans, slow corner pans, slow side on pans, basically anything you might have to deal with at an event.

 

[Alfonso749r]

Thanks guys - really appreciate your help...it's a steep learning curve that I'm keen to climb. I'll check out the tutorial (thanks Jonny) and I go to quite a few club events so will try to find the inside of the slow corners at those and get panning (sounds like that's the key!).

Thanks again for your time guys - will upload any future results for more pointers.

Trevor - go on, get back into it, the atmosphere is still fantastic