[ybo1]

HI all,


Shot those yesterday during grid qualification runs.

[JimmyDranox]

I think you need more speed, and a little more depth of field. After this, you can change the exposure, which I think is a little over, and everything you need.

The second shot is clearly the best. Anyway, I know how difficult is this, so keep on this good work.

[wtlwdwgn]

Got some good ones there! Love F1.

[RGlasel]

I assume you are panning when you take the picture, otherwise there is no way parts of the Mercedes in picture #2 would be clear at 1/160 second. Easiest thing to do is increase your ISO, and then your shutter speed. I get slagged here for recommending 1/250 second for foot powered sports, but that's indoors at ISO 6400 and up. Increase your ISO setting to 640 and your shutter speed to 1/1000 second and you should be good to go.

[ybo1]

Thanks for the comment. However, the whole point of having shutter speed at 1/160 is to blur background , have the wheels spinning during the panning. At 1/1000, the car would look parked. I shot a few 'security' shots at 1/2000 and though more detailed and ultra sharp, they do not carry the impression of speed at all. see this one :

[Eulogy]

Slightly higher than 1/160 might have yielded the best of both worlds. Sharp driver and body, "Motion blurred" wheels and backdrop.

Either way, looks pretty nice.

[JimmyDranox]

In this shot, the exposure is good, IMO, but the field of view is a little to deep. You can clearly see the grass far behind the car . If you will make it a little slimmer will help to find the blur you want, but not blur the car. And about the speed, maybe somewhere around 1/400 will be better.

Anyway, I don't know a clear recipe. Everything is variable, beginning with the color of the car and the angle of light over the car, to speed, day light, lens and others.

[RGlasel]

they do not carry the impression of speed

That is still better than the impression of a photographer unable to focus. You probably didn't have the opportunity to select where you set up your camera and you probably didn't have time to practice your panning at the same spot a hundred times either. So you make the best of what you have available. At 1/1000 second you would have had lots of motion blur on the tires. At least you had an unobstructed view of the track, no metal mesh or barriers in the frame. If you do get the opportunity to select your location at another race, try to get further away from the track (so smaller movements with your camera produce more motion blur) and try to take pictures perpendicular to the track to enhance the effect. A wider aperture for a shallower depth of field will also help. Or digitally blur your backgrounds. Otherwise, you might as well buy a lottery ticket, because your odds are better.

[ybo1]

. If you do get the opportunity to select your location at another race, try to get further away from the track (so smaller movements with your camera produce more motion blur) and try to take pictures perpendicular to the track to enhance the effect. A wider aperture for a shallower depth of field will also help.


that is good advice. I actually thought about changing position, but hey the stand was full....Will have to wait for next year's grand prix...
Thanks for your comments!

[Deedee]

Nice pictures and the above comments are well worth listening to.

Its great that people share there experience for free on this forum; On the other hand people pay for photography schools.

Cheers!

[Oldbayrunner]

Good information here;
Car Photography Tutorials - Make panning shots like a pro