Racing Cars: with D800

Slowly trying to improve my pics of racing cars. Definitely something that takes lots of practice. Looking for some helpful critiques on how to improve. (Internet trolls should pass on this thread)

Photos were taken at the Mosport race track for the LeMans Grand Prix with a D800. I feel I am improving at my panning technique, but I am struggling as to how to capture the action on the race track. Is it being lucky, opportunistic or should I be watching something in particular.

Some panning pics from the race and the IMSA big glass. More pics at http://www.FirstStepImages.com/Motion

Sharp cars with wheels nicely blurred and good panning technique; looks like you've got it nailed. Mostly looked at thumbnails on your site. The best were taken from low down and framed tight if that helps.

Suggestions for different/interesting shots are to get real tight in on the driver, real tight in on parts of the car, shots of the wheel with dirt/rubber flying off on the corners, wide angle shots of a great background with a car in there somewhere, shots of officials/photographers/fans possibly with a car in there somewhere, very low speed panning shots (how low can you go?), shots when it's very wet, shots from different angles/perspectives - I take a lot of shots on my belly - gives my photos a very unique look compared to others.

I take a lot of pictures of RC powerboats and am developing my techniques but not wanting to take the same-old kind of photo. It helps that I'm progressing only slowly so things are getting incrementally better each time. I talk to people that take photos at the events and share my techniques in the hope that as they get better I'll have to up my game. I'm also learning a fair bit from them and incorporate their ideas/techniques into my own work.

Finally, I'm toying with starting a blog where I'll post the best of my work with the intention that it will force me to come up with something different; so far I've focused on pure shots of the boats but this should help force some creativity. It may also promote contact with people in the same or similar fields.

Hi Watson,

There's nothing wrong with your panning technique at that sort of speed. Great work. All I would say is;, try to find a more exciting track location, maybe a hairpin bend or slight crest, you might need a longer lens for this though.
Martin,

1. Get the money shots first (i.e. fast shutter speed, frame filled) and some of the front of the car.

2. Partial shots of cars work better with open single seaters where you can see the driver and helmet.

3. Pan slower. At 1/125 you're beginning to get motion blur but that increases massively below 1/100th. I use 1/60th or slower depending upon the vehicle class. Your keeper rate will drop like a hot rock but the results are worth it.
4. Move around. Change location every few minutes depending upon the light.
5. See the front of cars.
6. Watch the background, if it's a distraction move.

7. For western audiences keep the car to the left so it can move into the image and up always looks faster.
8. If possible get lots of cars in the frame.
9. Be aware of opportunities to let composition dominate.
10. Practice, practice, practice.

Hope this helps.





















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albion