Any tips on Drag Race photography?

[jimd118]

Hi guys, just wanted some tips and words of wisdom from anyone who is very familiar with Drag racing photography. Currently I have experience in many differnt realms of photography and closest thing I have done to Drag racing photo work would be aircraft. Reason for asking is I was offered a job as a head photographer for a drag strip and I know I will be able to produce some good shots but wanted some advice from people with some experience in that specific field. Thanks guys. Currently shooting on a Canon 400D with 75-300 Tamron, 28-80 Tamron, and a 10-20 Sigma.

[justincase724]

Just curious as to what types of drags you'll be primarily shooting - stock, modified, nitro?

[gdusek84]

It really depends on what you're going for as well... panning, stop action, blurred action.

Depending on what drag strip you're shooting at the 28-80 would probably work just fine because of the crop factor of the 40D. I shot with the Canon 28-135 and it was more then enough. The only reason I would want a little more is if I was standing back around the burnout box trying to shoot down the way of the track. For the best shots I'd say get about half track up in the stands and zoom in.

[Oz Boggy]

Ear Muffs and good cleaning liquid to remove the rubber from your camera.

I shot Drags from the side line once and had a ball. I hired a 300mm Prime and found it worked well. Here is an example.

http://www.boggy.com.au/drags/BOGG0826.jpg

I did find the 300mm a bit too close but enjoyed the POV anyway.

I found the 70-200 a good range for panning shots, and didn't really go any smaller than that. The only way you will learn is to try and try and you will quickly get the idea. If anything its a blast being that close to such raw power.

Cheers

Boggy

[pointerDixie214]

I really enjoyed shooting the 55-250mm last weekend at pinks... it had a good range and I was able to get motion stop and panning shots to come out very well for my first attempt!

[surfer_chicky]

Im off tomorrow to shoot some Drag racing, It will be mostly VW racing and some Top Fuel and Jet car Demos.

Here are some pics from last year (This was my 1st time so no expert)

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y259/surfer_chicky1/Bug%20Jam%202007/BugJam073a.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y259/surfer_chicky1/Bug%20Jam%202007/BugJam076a.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y259/surfer_chicky1/Bug%20Jam%202007/BugJam074a.jpg

[FlyingPhotog]

Not to be morbid or anything but:

If you shoot from anywhere closer than the grandstand (and even if you are in the grandstand..) Do NOT under any circumstances EVER turn your back to the track while cars are running...

There have been instances of decapatation from flying car parts. Several years ago a television cameraman had his head taken clean off by a blower assembly that came off a car.

It's a very exciting and dynamic environment but it can turn deadly without warning.

[PhotosGuy]

Motorsport Shooting Tips, Tutorials and Advice (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=2830870)

Why do you guys use manual? AV makes more sense. (http://www.photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=130176)

[Zilly]

Not to be morbid or anything but:

If you shoot from anywhere closer than the grandstand (and even if you are in the grandstand..) Do NOT under any circumstances EVER turn your back to the track while cars are running...

There have been instances of decapatation from flying car parts. Several years ago a television cameraman had his head taken clean off by a blower assembly that came off a car.

It's a very exciting and dynamic environment but it can turn deadly without warning.

if its gonna kill you you can have your eyes on it but your not going to dodge shrapnel off a disassembling high helix rotating at 11000rpm

drag wise

stay on your feet the lowest you want is croutch NEVER put a knee on the floor. also if you shooting from areas of the track which are preped with track byte keep your feet moving never let them rest in one place for any more that a minuet other wise you risk loosing a shoe or worse.

Never walk in front of the Burn out boxes regardless to if there is a car in the fire up road or not

dont lean or armco and never shoot from in front of emergency services posts

Dont change lens when your anywhere near the track rubber makes for killer dust bunnies.
Also the chemicals in the race fuels will strip the coating off lens and filter be warned

Camera wise there are two ways to shoot the first is the very mundane head on shot, personaly I'm not a fan. Normally I'd shoot from close with a real wide lens (20mm) for real impact, but this depends on how flexable the safty teams are with you being there and i wouldn't recommend it for a noobie.

Importantly have fun and enjoy the experience.