Motorsports Photography: Capturing Speed and Action
Hello everyone,
Happy Monday! Today, let's dive into my personal favorite: the world of motorsports photography. Capturing the speed, power, and excitement of motorsports can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be very challenging. Whether you're shooting a local race or a major motorsports event, here are some tips to help you capture stunning images of the action.
1. Choose the Right Gear
Having the right equipment is essential for motorsports photography. Fast-moving subjects require fast and reliable gear to capture the action effectively.
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a high frame rate and fast autofocus system will be the best in this photography niche. The higher the frame rate, the better your chances are of getting the shot you want just right, especially when panning.
A telephoto lens (70-200mm or longer) is ideal for getting close-up shots of the action from a distance. In many cases, I have found myself attaching a 2x extender to the 70-200 for even further reach.
Consider using a monopod for stability and ease of movement.
2. Scout the Location ahead of time
Familiarize yourself with the track or event location before the race begins. Look for the best vantage points, such as corners, straightaways, and elevated positions. Also, look for things that can add to your photos such as trees you can shoot through, status that some tracks may have, or other fixtures or scenery around the track.
Arrive early to explore the venue if possible, and find spots that offer interesting compositions and backgrounds.
Pay attention to the direction of the light and how it interacts with the track.
In this photo, I found a spot where I could frame the car nicely by shooting through the trees and having them in the photo’s foreground.
In this photo, I found a unique angle with a wide view to show cars speeding down towards the last turn and the well-known tower at Road Atlanta.
3. Use Fast Shutter Speeds for stills
When it comes to freezing the action and capturing sharp images of fast-moving vehicles, use a fast shutter speed.
Start with a shutter speed of at least 1/125th of a second.
Increase it as needed to ensure your subjects are sharp.
4. Experiment with Panning
Panning is a technique where you move your camera along with the moving subject, keeping it in focus while blurring the background to convey speed.
When it comes to focusing your camera for pans, there are a couple of different ways to go about it. The first is to set your focus manually on the spot where you want to try and have the car in focus. The other, of course, is to track the car with autofocus. The first can be particularly useful, whether panning or shooting stills, in situations where you're shooting through something like a fence.
Around 1/60th is a good shutter speed to experiment with with a decent amount of blurring of the surroundings. From there, you can make it slower or quicker, and continue experimenting to find a look you like for your photos.
5. Capture the Details
In addition to wide shots of the race, focus on capturing details that tell the story of the event.
Look for close-up shots of the vehicles, drivers, pit crews, and fans. Details like tire smoke, dirt flying, and facial expressions add depth and context to your photos.
6. Use Burst Mode
Motorsports action happens quickly, and capturing the perfect moment can be challenging. Use burst mode to increase your chances of getting the shot you want.
Set your camera to its highest continuous shooting mode. This will allow you to take multiple frames per second and select the best shot later.
This is especially useful in panning. Shooting in burst mode as you track the car increases your chances of the car being properly in focus.
7. Pay Attention to Composition
Even in fast-paced environments, composition is crucial. Use techniques like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing to create dynamic and visually appealing images.
Tip: Incorporate elements like track lines, barriers, and the surrounding landscape to add context and interest to your shots. Position your subjects off-center to create a more balanced composition.
8. Capture the Atmosphere
Motorsports events are not just about the races; they also have a unique atmosphere. Capture the energy and excitement of the crowd, the preparations in the pits, and the celebrations after the race.
Tip: Take wide shots of the entire scene, as well as candid shots of people enjoying the event. These images add storytelling elements to your collection.
Practice Makes Perfect
Motorsports photography requires practice and patience. The more you shoot, the better you'll become at anticipating the action and capturing the perfect moment.
Share Your Motorsports Photography
I hope these tips inspire you to head out to the track and capture the thrill of motorsports. Do you have any favorite techniques or experiences with motorsports photography? Share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to see your work and hear your stories!
Until next time, happy shooting!
Ryan
