Infomation, tips request.

[Rednut05]

I'm looking to get into photography and would like to get good at motorsport photography.

Now I'm guessing a few professionals or just people who are a ruddy good photographers brouse these here pages.

Now I was wondering if people would like to share some comments, maybe some guides, tips if you will on how to get a good photograph and all that jazz.

I'm sure people would like to hear some expect tips all in one thread, maybe a sticky at the top of page.

So if anyone has too much time on their hands and would like to pass on some of their knowledge then that would be great.

Cheers to anyone who would take some interest.

David.

[Gemm]

Most important thing to me is to capture the action/motion. I see many images that are too static and they look like cars are parked on the track. To achieve this, you'll need a slow shutter speed (and DO NOT USE THE SPORT MODE ON YOUR CAMERA!). Set the camera to Shutter Priority, then select the shutter speed yourself. I would probably start from around 1/250s for a good motion-blurred background. AF should be set to AI Serve (or tracking/continuous AF) then follow the car (pan) and press the shutter while tracking. And don't forget to keep on tracking after pressing the shutter too. If the AF on your camera/lens isn't fast enough to track the car, then set the camera to manual focus, pre-focus it to the spot where you want to capture the car, then follow the car and press the shutter just before the car reaches that spot (depends on the shutter lag on your camera). You need lots of practice for this, then you can gradually use slower shutter speed to get more dynamic effect.



For head-on shots, slow shutter speed isn't often necessary (unless the tyres (sidewalls) are clearly visible). I'd use a large aperture to blur the background.

Edited by Gemm on Thursday 28th September 10:55

[Rednut05]

Cheers

Keep them coming!

[TheStoat]

I have to say that those photos are a great illustration of the two points, nice one!