Go-Kart Racing (My first try)

[dphoto]

Hey all,

This was my first try at using the panning technique to get a shot of a friend during a go-kart race. I used the 300D with the Canon 80-200 f/4.5 lens at 200mm, f/13, 1/125. The camera was on a tripod and then I panned with the car as I took the shot. Overall, how did I do? Any suggestions for improvement, camera settings or otherwise? Dang, it was not as easy as I thought it would be. :D Anyhow, I'll probably be out there trying it again later. Thanks for any input!

-Deva

http://capitalcityphoto.com/tmp/GoKart_IMG_6379.jpg

[Sendide]

since you have enough light arround, I would rather increase the shutter speed to 1/250 or more, it would give better bouquet cause the aperture will be wider and the picture would appear sharpe. But still, I like this shot, good job

[KartGirlsMom]

I think for your first attempt, you did an awesome job. Two of my kids race karts so, I've done some karting photography. As I have not been able to afford the 10D that I am coveting, and use an Elan 7 with a 70-200 f2.8 lens. Unless it is really cloudy I use 200 ISO film (is that the same as it is in digital?) Sometimes panning can make for some cool shots, but I usually try to find a place where I can shoot straight on.
I usually try (lighting permitted) to shoot at at least 1/500, if not 1/750. I never use a tripod. I think you can get the "vanity shots" like this

http://www.beattheboys.com/elkhart2004/cassie.jpg

with a tripod, but if you are trying to get this
http://www.beattheboys.com/SKC/chrisCam.jpg


or this
http://www.beattheboys.com/june28/aliciaOops.jpg
you need to have more mobility than a tripod allows. If you are interested in the action type shots, you have to be ready to shoot in a totally different area of the track very quickly and I just don't think a tripod allows for that. I tried a monopod for a while and even found that too confining.

Dang, it was not as easy as I thought it would be Yea, you don't think of them as being that fast until you try to take a picture of them, do you? :D

[dphoto]

Hey guys,

Thanks a lot for your input! Sendide, you are absolutely correct about the available light; for my "normal" shots, I used 1/500 second. For this particular shot, I wanted to get that background blur effect, and 1/500 seemed to freeze everything too much.

KartGirlsMom, those are some terrific shots! I especially like the second shot... that is priceless! Did you get a print to the driver of that kart? :D I totally know what you mean about the tripod. In fact, what I did was this: I set the tripod up ahead of time, and then took my camera out of the tripod. I shot the race for about 6 laps, and then put the camera back into the tripod for the last 6 laps. Yeah, even a monopod would be tough in this situation.

Thanks for the encouragement! I do like shooting those karts, but I like driving them even better. Those are a blast! :D

-Deva