New England Grand Prix - Lime Rock

[John Thawley]

Somewhat of an off-weekend for me... for some reason I was really struggling. Anyway, I manage to squeak out a few... but I'm thinking I could use a break.

Comments welcome:

#1. http://gallery.johnthawley.com/albums/albup92/aao.jpg

#2. http://gallery.johnthawley.com/albums/albup92/aan.jpg

#3. http://gallery.johnthawley.com/albums/albup92/aaa.jpg

#4. http://gallery.johnthawley.com/albums/albup92/aac.jpg

#5. http://gallery.johnthawley.com/albums/albup92/aaf.jpg

#6. http://gallery.johnthawley.com/albums/albup92/aak.jpg

#7. http://gallery.johnthawley.com/albums/albup92/aaq.jpg

#8. http://gallery.johnthawley.com/albums/albup92/aar.jpg

[John Thawley]

Here's one for some "open" discussion:

http://gallery.johnthawley.com/albums/albup92/aaj.jpg

[PhotoJourno]

Yeah, give us a break with the crappy photos..... (!!??????????)

They look good to me. #5 and #8 being my favorites. The pilot's expression through the eyes was pretty good. And the car with a wheel in the air, while correctly composed and in focus, I really like it. About the Open discussion photo, I simply like it. Would not change a thing.
Good photographers know the rules of photography and how to follow them.
Great photographers know the same rules, but they also know how to break them.
Some may think the dynamic effects are reversed, but I really like it.

[NordieBoy]

I like it.
And them.
You can still see the detail of the car and it's something you'd never see with your own eyes.
(Unless you really had problems)

[NAisBEST]

Sweet shots man...I was there also on saturday trying my hardest. :)

[John Thawley]

Yeah, give us a break with the crappy photos..... (!!??????????)

They look good to me. #5 and #8 being my favorites. The pilot's expression through the eyes was pretty good. And the car with a wheel in the air, while correctly composed and in focus, I really like it. About the Open discussion photo, I simply like it. Would not change a thing.
Good photographers know the rules of photography and how to follow them.
Great photographers know the same rules, but they also know how to break them.
Some may think the dynamic effects are reversed, but I really like it.

I don't believe I said hey were "crappy" photos... I said I had an off week-end. I attended two races ... one at Daytona thursday, then Lime Rock, Connecticut on Friday and Saturday. Considering I shoot 2000-4000 images a weekend, I know when I'm off my game... and I was. :)

Thanks,

JT

[beckybun]

Great shots! I can't even pic a fave I like them all so well :)

[Jamie Holladay]

Very nice as usual JT.

Here's one for some "open" discussion:



Care to share how you captured this one?

[PhotoJourno]

I am sure you caught the sarcasm with the word "crappy" on those pics. I am light years away from even dreaming to take such images. This is why I thought "Off day?" Man, you have got to post some images when you're feeling good!!!... They'll probably be even more amazing. Just clarifying because the pics deserve it. They Kick A--. (IMO anyways)

[John Thawley]

Care to share how you captured this one?

Maybe............... it's Photoshop? :lol: :p :evil: :cool: :lol:

[John Thawley]

Maybe............... it's Photoshop? :lol: :p :evil: :cool: :lol:

Let's not EVEN open that can of worms. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

The exif data is intact. It was shot at about 150mm.. f/22 @ 1/30sec. I picked up my focal point by using auto focus aimed in between the spectators about were I was going to fire the shutter. Once focused I set the focus back to manual. More than anything, I think the ghost is an anomly of the spacing of the spectators.

JT

[TCorzett]

I know when I'm off my game... and I was.
We all have those days... the key to being a professional is getting the job done (as your images show) when you're not at your best.

But I think I know what it is... everything here is at an angle!?! What happened to the John "put the car at the bottom of a level frame" Thawley that I've been trying to mimic?

Anyhow, I like the shot of the vette (#2). The yellow car vs. the green background really works for me... and I think it screams "not California" (ie: it couldn't be taken at any corner at any track). #3 is also very nice... lots of motion in hat one.

Here's one for some "open" discussion:

http://gallery.johnthawley.com/albums/albup92/aaj.jpg

I like it... minus the panoramic crop (but that's just the 3:2 part of me talking). I only wish the car was a little more saturated... not so "ghost" like, but I really like the concept and execution. The red shirt kinda gets to me a little... just a bit too overpowering, so maybe desaturate it a little... or hue it to another more neutral color?

Next time... maybe a bit faster shutter speed to catch more of the car, but it's a tough one... the motion in the armco, background, and the fans is what makes the shot. Creative that's for sure!

-Todd...

[JustinL]

only you would know if you're struggling John...you're work is that good. love the pans through the rest of the media/spectators

[John Thawley]

I like it... minus the panoramic crop (but that's just the 3:2 part of me talking). I only wish the car was a little more saturated... not so "ghost" like, but I really like the concept and execution. The red shirt kinda gets to me a little... just a bit too overpowering, so maybe desaturate it a little... or hue it to another more neutral color?

Next time... maybe a bit faster shutter speed to catch more of the car, but it's a tough one... the motion in the armco, background, and the fans is what makes the shot. Creative that's for sure!

-Todd...

Todd: Funny you should mention the crop. I "rarely" change the ratio of an image... even when I rotate/crop slightly, I always bring the image back to size at 3504x2335 pixels ad store it at full res.

This image demaned the panoramic crop... there was just WAY too much top of dark foilage... your eye never "found" the car with it full frame.

FYI, shooting slower would have segmented the car between the people. This has to be done slow. I think there are actually only four people standing there.

JT

[Tifosi2k2]

It must really suck to have an "off" day and still be better than all of us:p

Seriously, though. I liked all of them, especially 1,4,5. Love the Vette panning with the grass in the foreground.:)

And as far as the one that is "open" for discussion: I like it. Even with the crop. I think you are right that by not cropping it you're eye wouldn't have found the car as quickly. Good stuff.

[John Thawley]

It must really suck to have an "off" day and still be better than all of us:p

Seriously, though. I liked all of them, especially 1,4,5. Love the Vette panning with the grass in the foreground.:)

And as far as the one that is "open" for discussion: I like it. Even with the crop. I think you are right that by not cropping it you're eye wouldn't have found the car as quickly. Good stuff.

Thanks.. though, you know, you can never worry about being "better." You need to be "different." Technical skills can be learned... and you can execute them perfectly. What I feel is the toughest and never ending learning curve, is your eye and learning to think outside the box... and be "pleasingly" different. Plus it keeps it interesting.

JT

[greg20d]

Love #5 . i like them all but 5 is awsome

[Tifosi2k2]

Thanks.. though, you know, you can never worry about being "better." You need to be "different." Technical skills can be learned... and you can execute them perfectly. What I feel is the toughest and never ending learning curve, is your eye and learning to think outside the box... and be "pleasingly" different. Plus it keeps it interesting.

JT

Thanks. Thats very good advice.:)

[Jamie Holladay]

Let's not EVEN open that can of worms. :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

The exif data is intact. It was shot at about 150mm.. f/22 @ 1/30sec. I picked up my focal point by using auto focus aimed in between the spectators about were I was going to fire the shutter. Once focused I set the focus back to manual. More than anything, I think the ghost is an anomly of the spacing of the spectators.

JT

Yeah I saw the exif data so I knew it was not photo shoped. Thanks for sharing the technique. It is and exceptional photograph.