Need some tips for motorsport

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JessRockz

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Jess
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I am not sure if this is the right place to post this if it isnt please move it to where it should be....

In the 2nd weekend of February I will be having my first attempt at motorsport photography. Its down at Phillip Island one of, if not Australia's best race track. I dont expect you to be aware of the track....

Anyway before I set off on my mission I was wondering of some of you could give me some pointers like what type of settings I should aim for and that sort of stuff. I have never done motorsport yet so I figure I could use all the help I can get.
 
I would aim for Tv mode, set you shutterspeed slow enough to allow you to pan. Depending on your lens, you might want support to help reduce any vertical movement.

If you are going to be on a bend, try to sit on front of the apex where the cars will be at their slowest point or if you are on a straight, its pretty easy but photos will all look the same.
 
start with this setup,

Shutter priority, set it to 1/250th and take some panning shots, then slow the shutter down to around 1/80th if you can.

You will soon find what speed you can go down to.

Good luck.
 
If you are located near a road or highway with fast moving vehicles, you can experiment with different shutter speeds, f/stops, angles of view, etc. without the worry about loss of a photographic opportunity if you don't like your results.

If you are working with a later Canon lens which has dual IS modes, try the Mode 2 which stabilizes the up and down jiggle of your camera but lets you pan.

Using a tripod or a monopod will stabilize your camera/lens. I really love using a Manfrotto 393 Heavy Duty Gimbal Type Lens Support (AKA: 3421 Support) on either a tripod or a monopod. This unit is fairly expensive but, a lot less expensive than other gimbal supports.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._Bogen_Imaging_3421_3421_Heavy_Tele_Lens.html

I use the 393/3421 in a different configuration than that recommended by Bogen/Manfrotto. this link shows how I use this unit:

http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/non-nikon_articles/manfrotto_393/393_1.html

Additionally, most digital cameras of today can capture images using at least ISO 400 without image degradation. I would use a high ISO, shoot in burst mode and use the center focus point.

I looked for some auto racing images on my computer but could not find any. I do have some hydroplane racing images. I stationed myself at a point where the hydroplane was coming out of a curve. I like the 3/4 view (which is pertinent for auto racing) and especially liked the fishtail spray (which is not pertinent for auto racing).

I shot these images using a Canon 400mm f/5.6L lens with a 393/3421 gimbal mount on a sturdy Giottos MT-8180 tripod. I panned with the hydroplanes going across the frame and did not pan with the 3/4 images of hydroplanes coming towards the camera.

The next day after I was shooting, a hydroplane crashed up on to the beach from where I had been shooting. It was an off limits area but, I stupidly stationed myself there (until chased away by security). Racing can be a dangerous sport and there is no image worth a photographer's life.

http://rpcrowe.smugmug.com/gallery/4054984_tAZrN#236168016_6WvFm
 
What kit are you going to be using? That will give us a good start;)

Shutter priority, start high, wind it down as you get more confident. You might prefer the "frozen" look a high shutter speed gives, it's also good for when the cars are heading directly to/away from you. Slow the shutter speed down and pan for the impression of speed.

1/60 sec


1/500 sec (note how there's no impression of movement? Could be parked for all you know...)
 
Good guide (not written by me) i have bookmarked. Got a good response too in an other forum Clicky Not too sure on the rules regarding linking to other forums but as its for helping, i figured it would be ok.
 
Hi Jess,

You're very lucky, Phillip Island is a cracking circuit. I'm very envious.

I'm guessing you won't have a media access pass and that you'll be behind the fences.

That said, with a little thought you should still be able to get good shots there. The backdrop against the ocean is superb and one most photographers dream of.

Hopefully you'll have sun, sun, sun rather than the heaving rain that blighted the WSB round there a couple of years back.

You haven't said what lens options you have open to you when you go to the track. Hopefully you'll have a decent zoom (300mm-ish would be nice).

To be honest though, if you think about your views through the viewfinder, Phillip Island will give you some great wide-angle shots where you won't need a powerful zoom. Not all good motorsport shots are with the subject filling the frame, so don't be put off if you only have a 150-200mm lens to hand.

I'm guessing you have a little understanding of your camera's settings (i.e. the difference between the Shutter, Aperture and Manual priorities).

For the time being stay clear of manual, that's for when you get more experience under your belt.

As has been said, shutter priority is a good starting point. Just think about what you want to achieve in a shot (i.e. motion blur or pin-sharp detail etc) and set your shutter speed accordingly. 1/60th up to 1/200ths will give you good motion blur for side-to-side across your viewfinder action. 1/500s and up will help you freeze more head-on, 3/4-on shots or rearward facing shots.

If you've not done alot of sports stuff before, then the advice to stand near a highway and practice your panning technique on passing vehicles is good advice. Panning is a technique and the more you practice it and become aware of what you're trying to achieve, then the better your shots will be.

Try practising keeping a focus point in your viewfinder on the same part of your subject as you track it. That's the key thing you're trying to achieve when panning. The more the focus point moves around over the subject as you track, the worse your shots will be. Being very smooth and having an awareness of where your subjects are likely to go is key when panning.

Another sound piece of advice is to walk the whole circuit Jess. Don't feel inclined to stay in the same spot all day as your shots will certainly reflect that (i.e. they'll all be the same 'shot' albeit perhaps of a different vehicle). Phillip Island has some great elevation changes, so use them to your benefit and walk around the circuit planning what you can get with the equipment you have.

I'm sure you'll have a good time, but drop me a note if there's anyhting you're not sure of.

Regards, Guy
 
I go down to Phillip Island alit for the sprints. I will have a media pass to go anywhere around the circuit so thats a bonus. There is a few really good spots I am going to try like down the bottom of Lukey Heights thats a great spot (not sure if you know where I am talking about) And the big sweeping corner onto the main straight.

Knowing my luck it will rain it does most of the time. I will get plenty of oppertunity at Phillip Island I will get to go to Winton Raceway and also Sandown Raceway Not sure if you know them....

I guess I can only get better as the year goes on.....

The lens I am using is Canon EF 75-300mm F4-5.6 Zoom.

Anyway thanks for the help I have a bit of time to practice because its not till mid feb but I wanted to start getting some tips now so that I can practice.
 
Race cars look good in the rain!

If you can see the wheels, use shutter priority mode. 1/320 or below will provide wheel blur, and you can really play around with the speeds.

If you can't see the wheels, you can use aperture priority if you wanted.

If the background is stunning, include it in the shots.
 
Thanks for all the advice guys. When I go down to the Island I will post up some pics.
 
You can get an even better shot where there are no cars, only bikes :D
 
How could we not be aware of Philip Island! Pah!

Only bettered in my opinion by "the mountain"

One day Ill shoot there.

One day................
 
CopeImages said:
I wouldn't bother Jess......

You'll only upset us all at the gorgeous weather and fantastic scenery :D:lol::'(:D
Click to expand...

Awww Im sorry lol. It is so beautiful with the back drop of the sea. I am going to try and aim for photos with the perfect back drop.....
 
ThePitwall said:
How could we not be aware of Philip Island! Pah!

Only bettered in my opinion by "the mountain"

One day Ill shoot there.

One day................
Click to expand...

Bathurst.....I love it!!!! I am yet to go up to the mountain been desperate to go for a long time......Will deffinantly try go this year though. The mountain is one of the best tracks but its not like Phillip Island where its a purpose made track but never mind. If I go up there this year I will definantly be taking alot of photos.
 
desantnik said:
You can get an even better shot where there are no cars, only bikes :D
Click to expand...


Hmmmm I personally perfer cars but thats just me although I have seen some amazing photos of the bikes down at the Island.....Maybe when I get a chance to go down and photograph the bikes I might get a different opinion.
 
Can't beat a bit of WSB at the Island 8)

What is "the mountain" btw? Not familiar with that...

Have always wanted to shoot Laguna Seca.... one day!
 
Paulie-W said:
Good guide (not written by me) i have bookmarked. Got a good response too in an other forum Clicky Not too sure on the rules regarding linking to other forums but as its for helping, i figured it would be ok.
Click to expand...


Hehe, I wrote that, seems a little outdated now I've had another season behind me. Pleased it's been useful though, had quite a few positive comments about it from various people.
 
JessRockz said:
I am not sure if this is the right place to post this if it isnt please move it to where it should be....

In the 2nd weekend of February I will be having my first attempt at motorsport photography. Its down at Phillip Island one of, if not Australia's best race track. I dont expect you to be aware of the track....

Anyway before I set off on my mission I was wondering of some of you could give me some pointers like what type of settings I should aim for and that sort of stuff. I have never done motorsport yet so I figure I could use all the help I can get.
Click to expand...

I'm seriously jealous, though you should be there for the superbikes:D

I can't wait for the results

Sean
 
desantnik said:
Can't beat a bit of WSB at the Island 8)

What is "the mountain" btw? Not familiar with that...

Have always wanted to shoot Laguna Seca.... one day!
Click to expand...

The Mountain is where the Race only the best car race in Australia.....Bathurst!
 
Levidog said:
I'm seriously jealous, though you should be there for the superbikes:D

I can't wait for the results

Sean
Click to expand...


I would love to go down for the super bikes but....My Boyfriend his dad and his uncle and cousin go down there for a strictly boys only weekend!!! No girls allowed is what I have been told. So that kind of counts me out but thats ok. I can always try for the Moto GP.
 
Not this year Guy :D
 
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