Need panning advice - for Mid Ohio

[Rains]

I'm heading to Mid-Ohio for the ALS race this weekend. I would like to trypanningfor the first time. Any advice?

[Jamie Holladay]

Sorry but this belongs in Talk About rather than the Motorsports share forum.

Take a Look (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=359247)
Another (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=353913)
Another (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=175194)

You also might do a search for Mid Ohio and see what others have shot. There are a bunch of Mid Ohio threads.

Hope this helps.

[PhotosGuy]

Read this, & the links you find in it:
Advice needed for Rally shooting (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=292705)

1st attempt at horse panning (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=512151)

[DC Fan]

I'm heading to Mid-Ohio for the ALS race this weekend. I would like to try panning for the first time. Any advice?
http://www.fansview.com/racing/07132008a0700.jpg
Tim Shaffer at the Eldora Speedway. 1/125, f/20, ISO 400, 75mm.

Start shutter priority 1/160 with the camera set on continuous. Get several consecutive frames as the car passes, trying to place the center focus target on the middle of the car. Typically, if you take several pictures of each car, one will be usable. Best locations are where the cars appear to be passing at a steady pace and not extremely quick across the area. Canon lenses with mode 2 image stabilization are useful.

Smoothness counts. Pick up the target before you have a completely clear view.

A busy background can work in your favor by enhancing the motion blur effect.

[Strnge]

Shoot TV.

Start at 1/320 and work your way down as your shots get better and better. Try to get down to 1/125 or slower.

Shoot in 3 or 4 shots per pass.

Start by picking up your car/motorcycle/or what ever else a ways out and follow it as it passes you. Take the first shot while the car is about a 50 Degree angle to you. Your last shot should be when the car is at a 100 Degree angle. (Just to the left of the above shot) Make sure you follow the vehicle even after you have stoped pressing the shutter button. This ensures the last shot will be good too.

This way you have 3 or 4 different angles of panning motion. Once you find out which angle you like better, then start shooting closer to that angle.

Oh ya, make smooth panning movements with the camera. I almost always leave my feet about shoulders width apart, in a bladed stance and rotate at the waist.