A day at the racetrack

[KO_300D]

I took these whilst out at a track racing day, and am just looking for some general advice and opinion. This is the first time I've shot any fast moving 'sporty' type shots like this so all comments appreciated.
Quite a wet dull day so the lighting wasn't great.

EXIF stuff:
All or most shots taken on
Canon 300D
Sigma 55-200mm 4-5.6
Tv mode 1/400 sec
Av +2
ISO unsure but think 400

Thanks,
KO

http://www.tobie.co.uk/Pictures/IMG_3403.jpg
http://www.tobie.co.uk/Pictures/IMG_3408.jpg
http://www.tobie.co.uk/Pictures/IMG_3430_2.jpg
http://www.tobie.co.uk/Pictures/IMG_3440.JPG
http://www.tobie.co.uk/Pictures/IMG_3444.JPG
http://www.tobie.co.uk/Pictures/IMG_3463.JPG

[Radtech1]

Hey, KO, good to see you around again. Is that hubby driving? I seem to remember him from a previous post.

As far as the shots go, I like the first one best, but I wish that the eyes were more in focus. As far as the rest go, I would like to see a longer exposure time while you pan with the cars. As a for example, on the second shot, I cannot tell if they are screaming by, or are they on a staggered starting line. Put another way, there is nothing to indicate if they are moving, or just sitting there.

It looks like the topic holds promise. I look forward to seeing more.

Rad

PS, how is baby? Walking and talking by now?

[KO_300D]

Hey Rad,

Good memory! Hubby is indeed in the first 3 shots - he's just about to overtake the #1 car in the second shot, although like you say... the image does lack motion.
I agree completely with your comments regarding longer exposure and panning the shots... I was a bit disappointed that the images overall came out a bit underexposed. I'll also keep in mind eye focus when I take shots like the first.
I had my tripod in the boot of the car but didn't get the opportunity to use it unfortunately. The two of us went along and took baby with us, so I had her whilst hubby was driving. We were on a crowded rooftop platform as well so I couldn't put her down in case she disappeared down the stairs.
Managing photography and a baby is quite tricky at times!!
She's walking now and we got her first proper pair of shoes last week. Very cute. She'll be one tomorrow! Baby brother due to arrive in a few weeks...

Just to explain in advance if I disappear off the forums for a bit! :wink: :wink:

[PhotosGuy]

What Rad said + the low light levels should maken it easy to play with looooong exposures to accentuate the motion, like 1/2 to 1/30 seconds. If the world gives you lemons... :wink:

[KO_300D]

Wow, you reckon that long on the shutter speed?

The first couple I got were blurred and were on probably a similar shutter speed to your suggestion but then I was holding the camera as opposed to using a tripod which made it a bit harder. The cars were also going at between 70 and 100 mph too and I was on max zoom for some of them.

I definitely need to practise panning a bit and your comments have been very helpful guys. Much appreciated

[PhotosGuy]

Wow, you reckon that long on the shutter speed?

Well, it's an experiment + it will help you with "I definitely need to practise panning a bit" too.
Here's a few I've posted before. These were on film, but digital is cheap, so why not experiment when conditions aren't ideal? Be aware that your "keeper ratio" will probably be in the 1:100 range! :wink:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/PhotosGuy/Car%20Stuff/Racing_Art_001.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/PhotosGuy/Car%20Stuff/001_Sports_Racer_02A.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v218/PhotosGuy/Car%20Stuff/Racing_Art_002.jpg