Motorsport Photography - Some Tips For A Better Shot
You know the feeling. You buy countless numbers of motorcycle magazines and drooled over the amazing race photos of these crazy fast machines battling it out for that last inch on the race track. You psyche yourself up so that the next time you go to a race you'll be ready and able to capture pictures just like in the magazines. Now how is this really accomplished?
1) Get Yourself a DSLR
Equipment can play a minor role for the different types of photography that is out there but for getting a great motorsports shot you need some good equipment! In the hands of a skilled photographer, a point and shoot camera can capture some stunning landscape images while a wet behind the ears photographer with a sophisticated DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) could take a crap shot! However, when something is roaring by at around 200mph all the talent couldn't get you anywhere..you need a DSLR and more specifically the speed and control that one would give you.
The key features that come into play is a high frames per second shooting mode, high-speed auto focus, and near-absence of shutter lag. The quicker the above the better although even an entry-level DSLR these days will accomplish the job. A higher end, faster DSLR will just make your life easier. As for lenses, obviously the longer zoom range you have the more options are available to you but that doesn't mean having a short lens will mean it's hopeless. Work with what you have, and don't spend time dreaming about what you don't have.
2) Knowing the Track
Exploring the layout of a track is critical especially if you haven't been there before as the perfect spot for you can be different from other photographers. Scope out as many areas as you can to shoot from. If this is your first time at a racetrack, don't be caught off guard by the sheer size of the grounds. It may take you 20 minutes or more to walk from one side of the track to the other so be prepared.
Now that it's time to shoot the race, you need to know exactly your next position you're going to go to after you've taken all you can from your particular spot. Being unprepared will set you back because most likely you'll get stuck in the same place or possibly miss numerous laps (even likely the rest of the race) by walking around aimlessly trying to locate another suitable spot to shoot from. Use the schedule of practice sessions for the racers as your own practice sessions for potential shots.
3) Know The Sport
Understanding the sport is not mandatory to taking great shots but it sure can help you seem to magically get better shots or at least decrease the learning curve a bit. Lets take a look at motorcycle racing for example. Were you looking to get a picture of a racer dragging their knees? Your best bet would be taking a shot in a high speed, relatively tight corner.
Getting a pic of a rider tucked in low behind the windscreen is best taken down the straights. Not near the braking zones where they are mostly sitting up straight right before they enter a corner. Want a wheelie shot? There is no way you can anticipate a rider to do that during a race as most wouldn't do that so it's best to get a shot like that during the end of race when you'd expect a race winner to perform many antics.
The above three tips hopefully can give you a head start of sorts, but they can't replace the time you need to spend practicing and the trial and error everyone goes through. Your first time out may prove to be a rude awakening but once you get used to the speed of your subjects and the capabilities of the equipment you own, it will come together soon enough. In the end you just should enjoy yourself! - 21392
1) Get Yourself a DSLR
Equipment can play a minor role for the different types of photography that is out there but for getting a great motorsports shot you need some good equipment! In the hands of a skilled photographer, a point and shoot camera can capture some stunning landscape images while a wet behind the ears photographer with a sophisticated DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) could take a crap shot! However, when something is roaring by at around 200mph all the talent couldn't get you anywhere..you need a DSLR and more specifically the speed and control that one would give you.
The key features that come into play is a high frames per second shooting mode, high-speed auto focus, and near-absence of shutter lag. The quicker the above the better although even an entry-level DSLR these days will accomplish the job. A higher end, faster DSLR will just make your life easier. As for lenses, obviously the longer zoom range you have the more options are available to you but that doesn't mean having a short lens will mean it's hopeless. Work with what you have, and don't spend time dreaming about what you don't have.
2) Knowing the Track
Exploring the layout of a track is critical especially if you haven't been there before as the perfect spot for you can be different from other photographers. Scope out as many areas as you can to shoot from. If this is your first time at a racetrack, don't be caught off guard by the sheer size of the grounds. It may take you 20 minutes or more to walk from one side of the track to the other so be prepared.
Now that it's time to shoot the race, you need to know exactly your next position you're going to go to after you've taken all you can from your particular spot. Being unprepared will set you back because most likely you'll get stuck in the same place or possibly miss numerous laps (even likely the rest of the race) by walking around aimlessly trying to locate another suitable spot to shoot from. Use the schedule of practice sessions for the racers as your own practice sessions for potential shots.
3) Know The Sport
Understanding the sport is not mandatory to taking great shots but it sure can help you seem to magically get better shots or at least decrease the learning curve a bit. Lets take a look at motorcycle racing for example. Were you looking to get a picture of a racer dragging their knees? Your best bet would be taking a shot in a high speed, relatively tight corner.
Getting a pic of a rider tucked in low behind the windscreen is best taken down the straights. Not near the braking zones where they are mostly sitting up straight right before they enter a corner. Want a wheelie shot? There is no way you can anticipate a rider to do that during a race as most wouldn't do that so it's best to get a shot like that during the end of race when you'd expect a race winner to perform many antics.
The above three tips hopefully can give you a head start of sorts, but they can't replace the time you need to spend practicing and the trial and error everyone goes through. Your first time out may prove to be a rude awakening but once you get used to the speed of your subjects and the capabilities of the equipment you own, it will come together soon enough. In the end you just should enjoy yourself! - 21392
About the Author:
As one can see, there are 3 main things needed (other than talent) to take great motorsport photography. I hope my short guide can help you in the right direction and feel free to admire or even disapprove my motorsport photos at my website.
posted by X - Men @ 2:14 AM
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