F1 test day @ silverstone

[Ade]

Hi all,

I'm off with a couple of mates to the F1 testing day @ silverstone tomorrow. I've never taken any pics of F1 cars 'on the move' and appreciate any advice that the more experienced ones could give...
I'm assuming a high shutter speed but will i need a high ISO as well?
Could also do with some tips on the best locations to sit to get the best pics...

Camera is a EOS 20D with a 70 - 300 IS USM lense....

Thanks in advance

Ade

[Big WIll]

End of the main straight.... I dont really know silverstone well even tho i live 8 miles away! Do you just go up and drive in??? Depends on weather conditions is it gunna be dull or sunny??

[BradS]

I tried capturing F1 action during my last trip to Melbourne. Tough venue there due to the tight 'weave' of the fencing. Keeping the DOF shallow can help with the fence obstruction, but even better is locating a mound where the fence doesn't come into play.

I found that the best shots were obtained by finding a spot to view the cars entering or exiting a tight corner - otherwise it's just another side view of a blurry object. :)

Shooting at 1/340ths will keep the wheels blurred, conveying a look of speed to the image; otherwise the cars looked parked on the track!

Switch the 70-300 IS into Mode 2 and try panning shots. I didn't have much success, but see others doing quite well with that technique.

Have fun! Practice Day should give you many opportunities for locating good shooting spots. Much better than race day...

[Ade]

Big Will - Fingers crossed it should be fairly bright tomorrow.... (i don't fancy sitting there all day in the rain LOL) and yep, as far as i know you just turn up. Entry is free on testing days and fingers crossed i should be able to get closer to the action...

Thanks Brads - Great tip with the shutter speed :D and the motion thing...

I'm actually borrowing the lense from my boss at work... stupid Q but what's the difference between Mode1 and Mode2?

Can't wait til tomorrow... i'll be posting some shots up if they come out OK :D

[BradS]

I'm actually borrowing the lense from my boss at work... stupid Q but what's the difference between Mode1 and Mode2?

Mode 1 attempts to eliminate both vertical and horizontal motion. Mode 2 is specifically designed to allow panning and only attempts to eliminate up-and-down motion.

Good luck with the shots!

[peacock]

Theres a few related posts in this thread , theres a fair few people going to be there.

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=125712

[BradS]

Ade,

The attached image shows several things:
- The challenge of a tight-weave fence
- Shutter speed allows for wheel blur, imparting a sense of motion
- Panning in Mode 2 of the 70-300 lense gives an even heightened sense of motion

I'm not beginning to say this is a successful image, just that it roughly demonstrates technique. :oops:

I used manual focus on a particular point on the track, then panned on the car until it just entered the focus zone. Using burst mode helps in perfecting the timing of your captures. Pretty tough to hit the 'zone' given the speed of the F1 cars.

Brad

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c4/gsragtop//melbournef1.jpg

[GSH]

Luffield Terrace. You can see over the top of the fencing.

Other areas may / may not be open.

[Ade]

Brill, Thanks guy's....

a couple of great tips there that i wouldn't have thought of... fingers crossed i get a couple of good shots.... :D :D

Might see some of you there..I'll be the one in the BMW Sauber F1 jacket carying a 20D.... :D