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I would love to have a setup like that! And I will gladly take tips! I think I mentioned in another thread that I photograph the Jzilla Trackdays and give them my pictures for free, and in return I get a half trackday! I only shoot a few times a year, but I'm always willing to learn new things!
Hmmmm, well to start, are you using a monopod at all? Not saying it's needed but can come in handy some times when panning.
As panning goes I would say if possible get in tighter on your subjects and aim for 1 really good follow shot at a low shutter speed like 1/60-1/30, AI servo mode for focusing, a mid range aperture like f/8 - f/16 and you'll get some really nice blurring in the background and a nice sharp subject. The goal of a photo of a car on a track is to show speed correct? So by creating speed with blur, you help enhance that feeling.
Examples on low shutter speed panning:
Wide angle lens
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Telephoto lens
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Telephoto through trees or shrubs is a cool idea too as you'll drag them through the frame like this:
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So also the angles you can play with will help make a shot more interesting - flat shots are fine but when you add in a tilt or something (like that first porsche shot) it adds another element to the photo.
Also play with corners and apex's of turns. You can use more of a "stop time" approach when shooting stuff like this as it will showcase a precise moment in what the car is doing (going around a corner). Leading the eyes through the frame using the road is also very effective at showing movement - these are a few shots from a good friend Halston Pittman a few weeks ago at COTA, you should follow him and Motor Sport Media on fbook if you like this kind of stuff.
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As far as straight on shots - I alway think a 3/4 view shot looks better unless you're shooting it to show a distinct perspective.
3/4 view
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Head on with perspective
Down hill
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Other Action in the background
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A cluster of cars works too
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And cresting a hill is a popular shot head on
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If you're into this enough for photography sake and not just earning a free 1/2 day at the track (which is a trade off I'd take 7 days a week!) and don't mind spending a little $ on renting, get some big glass, it's well worth it and will pay off big time. The 100-400 is very capable and if you prefer that cool, but get a 1.4x TC to attach to it and get some more reach. If you aren't right up on the track you'll likely need about 600mm range or so to get some REALLY good close up shots of the car. FILL UP THAT FRAME with the car as often as possible! The more detail there the better and you could even potentially start selling those images to the drivers.
I sold this print to the driver last year (and made a damn pretty penny too!)
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Ok thats probably enough, I'm always around to help so ask away if you have/ever have any questions on anything. :thumbup
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Unfortunately the track I was shooting only has a couple places to shoot from. I got down to 1/80 on a few shots, but had more success at 1/100. I'll try to go lower at the next event. The next event is at Road Atlanta and will have WAY more places to take pictures from!
it's all about technique my friend ;) I updated that last post so have a look.
Damn beautiful photos!! Always wondered how people get photos like your first one. Love it!
haha thanks dude, hope it helps a little with the technique, the rest is just knowing how to make your stuff pop in post processing (Lightroom/Photoshop).
This one is getting there... I like the composition a lot.
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Thanks!!! I'm also terrible with post processing! I really need to work on that!
Thanks for all the tips!! I'll have to try these all out when I'm shooting at Road Atlanta in June. That has a lot more photo locations!
Yeah for sure buddy. Also if this is something worth investing for you, see if you can get in to shoot some of the other races there like SCCA or IMSA class stuff. Road America sells a super photo pass that allows track side and pit access during races. With access like that you can really pick and compose your shots very selectively and try new things!Quote:
Originally Posted by theothersawyer
Also don't be afraid to rent a high FPS camera body and long glass, the more you can fill the frame with the cars the better, you can always put on a smaller lens you might have if you're too close!