MotoGP US Grand Prix Photos

[TCorzett]

Well, Friday is in the books here at Laguna Seca so I guess I'll share a few from today. I'm guessing others have images to share as well, so pile them on! I'll keep adding a few here each day for those who couldn't make the trip.


http://www.unitonestudios.com/_Other/08_MotoGP/Fri_Gallery/20080718_70065.JPG
(Canon EOS-1D MkII, 500mm f/4L IS, ISO100, 1/640, f/6)

http://www.unitonestudios.com/_Other/08_MotoGP/Fri_Gallery/20080718_20079.JPG

http://www.unitonestudios.com/_Other/08_MotoGP/Fri_Gallery/20080718_40008.jpg

http://www.unitonestudios.com/_Other/08_MotoGP/Fri_Gallery/20080718_60230.JPG
(Canon EOS-1D MkII, 70-200mm f/2.8L + 1.4xTC @ 238mm, ISO100, 1/125, f/16)

http://www.unitonestudios.com/_Other/08_MotoGP/Fri_Gallery/20080718_30051.jpg

http://www.unitonestudios.com/_Other/08_MotoGP/Fri_Gallery/20080718_40303.jpg
(Canon EOS-1D MkII, 500mm f/4L IS, ISO200, 1/500, f/11)


-Todd...

[justsome1]

awsome pictures! This year I'll only be able to be there on Sunday. BTW, how do you get passes to get into the pit area, not the paddock area? Can you get me in on Sunday :)?

[xmltok]

I believe you can buy pit passes from admissions

[JC4]

Very nice. Too bad Rossi didn't have his monkey-boy-face helmet for that corner shot :)

Hows the track view, for those that don't have creds? Are there many places to get a clean, reasonably close shot?

[burchy]

Great stuff Todd, keep 'em coming. Are you there for race day?

[TCorzett]

BTW, how do you get passes to get into the pit area, not the paddock area?
Pit (not Paddock) requires a 'special' photo credential. I do not know of any way to get into that area as a spectator.

I believe you can buy pit passes from admissions
The pass you can buy is a 'Paddock Pass' which will get you a little closer to the bikes/riders, but WILL NOT get you into the pit lane.

Very nice. Too bad Rossi didn't have his monkey-boy-face helmet for that corner shot :)
I really don't like that helmet, I like this one MUCH more!

Hows the track view, for those that don't have creds? Are there many places to get a clean, reasonably close shot?
There are MANY great photo locations from behind the fences. Shot #4 for example, you could get the same thing from spectator areas... only about 5 feet farther from the track than I was. If you pick your shots for your equipment/location you can get a really great collection of photos.

Are you there for race day?
I wouldn't be anywhere else!

-Todd...

[xmltok]

Whats the weather there like this weekend? It's looking pretty cold from PG.

[TCorzett]

Whats the weather there like this weekend? It's looking pretty cold from PG.
Right now (9ish AM on Saturday) we are fogged-in (no bikes on track). Once the fog burns off a bit things have been quite enjoyable (no 114deg temps like a few years ago). If you are headed down now, or after about 7pm, a jacket/sweater would be a good idea (unless you are a cold-loving freak like me).

-Todd...

[Curly68]

Cracking pictures, very jealous of your skills, weather and being there!

[xmltok]

Thanks Todd, I am heading over to REI to pick up a fleece and then i'm heading out there.

[JVBAKER0]

Boy what I'd give to be there. Moto GP and photography are two of my passions. Beautiful work Todd. I learn a lot just studying the composition.

[TCorzett]

Two down and one more to go! Here are a few more photos for your enjoyment. I know there are other photographers here - I saw a whole mess of them out there - so come on and show those images off!


http://www.unitonestudios.com/_Other/08_MotoGP/Sat_Gallery/20080719_10308.JPG
(Canon EOS-1D MkII, 500mm f/4L IS + 1.4xTC, ISO250, 1/500, f/8 )

http://www.unitonestudios.com/_Other/08_MotoGP/Sat_Gallery/20080719_30402.JPG
(Canon EOS-1D MkII, 500mm f/4L IS, ISO100, 1/800, f/6.5)

http://www.unitonestudios.com/_Other/08_MotoGP/Sat_Gallery/20080719_30361.jpg
(Canon EOS-1D MkII, 70-200mm f/2.8L @ 135mm, ISO100, 1/640, f/7)

http://www.unitonestudios.com/_Other/08_MotoGP/Sat_Gallery/20080719_30113.JPG
(Canon EOS-1D MkII, 70-200mm f/2.8L + 1.4xTC @ 252mm, ISO100, 1/500, f/13)

http://www.unitonestudios.com/_Other/08_MotoGP/Sat_Gallery/20080719_30298.jpg
(Canon EOS-1D MkII, 15mm f/2.8 fisheye, ISO100, 1/800, f/9)

http://www.unitonestudios.com/_Other/08_MotoGP/Sat_Gallery/20080719_30173.JPG
(Canon EOS-1D MkII, 500mm f/4L IS, ISO100, 1/640, f/6.5)


-Todd...

[Borbor]

That 2nd one is awesome :)

[xmltok]

Mine are coming, i am just waiting on aperture to generate previews

[xmltok]

BTW, im the canon shooter with the red felipe massa hat, if you see me say hi!

[Not4you]

do you have the very first pic with a wider crop so the tail and front wheel are not cut off??

Fantastic pictures!

[xmltok]

These are my best from the day.

http://homepage.mac.com/kamador/motogp/2008-07-19_16-01-36_0893.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/kamador/motogp/2008-07-19_16-42-24_1183.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/kamador/motogp/2008-07-19_16-13-43_1104.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/kamador/motogp/2008-07-19_16-42-44_1188.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/kamador/motogp/2008-07-19_16-49-03_1238.jpg

[burchy]

Just love the one of the cork screw. It's the first real time I've got an impression of the drop

[JVBAKER0]

The fisheye shot of the corkscrew is a fresh perspective on a corner that must have been photographed a milion times. Providing something new is always a huge challenge. Awesome job.

[Lowieken]

Great shot's, the corckscrew must be very scary !

[TCorzett]

do you have the very first pic with a wider crop so the tail and front wheel are not cut off??
Yes, but I like the tighter version myself (no surprise there). I wanted to focus on the rider, so sacrificed the front/rear of the bike to get it. The wider shot isn't bad, just doesn't stand-out as much to me... almost kinda boring... just a 'oh, there's a bike on the track' sort of thing. But some people like to see the whole bike, so I have those shots as well (lol - the opinion that really matters is the one that comes with a paycheck).

-Todd...

[TCorzett]

These are my best from the day.
Nice job on #4... the bike is nice and sharp and the background has a sense of motion. I also like the way your colors 'pop' in that one. Nice job putting the bike at the bottom of the frame (and not just dead-center), but I'd have liked to seen some more room in front of the bike (rather than behind it)... but that's getting picky (especially considering the conditions it was shot under). Along the same lines with the last shot, it's good to see the bike not just smack dead-center in the frame. Keep it up!

-Todd...

[blackjacked]

Nice work Todd! I'm heading back to the track now, here's one of mine from yesterday.
Hope to see you there.
http://www.pbase.com/blackjack47/image/100512323/original.jpg

[xmltok]

Nice job on #4... the bike is nice and sharp and the background has a sense of motion. I also like the way your colors 'pop' in that one. Nice job putting the bike at the bottom of the frame (and not just dead-center), but I'd have liked to seen some more room in front of the bike (rather than behind it)... but that's getting picky (especially considering the conditions it was shot under). Along the same lines with the last shot, it's good to see the bike not just smack dead-center in the frame. Keep it up!

-Todd...


Thanks Todd! I was thinking the same thing about #4 after I saw it. The bike is at the front of the frame, oh well! It gives me something to work on today.

[jayhova]

Nice pics looks like you had some great access. From the original set I like the last one and the panner of Nicky Hayden (I think?!) Last one however I fell might need a little more breathing room on the edges especially the top. Also the 3rd shot with the headless pit crew is an interesting one ;-) Looks like you've got some serious range there (500mm! JEALOUS!)

[TCorzett]

Just a teaser for today. I'll have my gallery up tomorrow night sometime. It was a great race and a beautiful weekend.


http://www.unitonestudios.com/_Other/08_MotoGP/20080720_40055x.jpg


-Todd...

[Strnge]

Thanks Todd....I am still trying to get to your skill! Mine will be up tomorrow. I just walked in the door and I have to spend time with the wife and kids. They will be at school and work, so I will have time tomorrow.

[Jamie Holladay]

Great work Todd. Now I think I'll leave my Suntrust Moto Shots at Barber far away from here ;)

[smcclelland]

Wow, that shot of Rossi is fantastic! Looks like you had a pretty nice weekend weather wise and pulled off some excellent shots.

[Lowner]

I see that Caseys "upset" because, probably for the first time ever in his short MotoGP career, he had a real "race" on his hands. Until his "off", I thought Stoner had it covered and was just waiting for the right moment. Rossi was very lucky (and skilled) to stay on his bike on more than one occasion.

That must rank as the closest fight I've seen since the Giberneau versus Rossi days. It's what Rossi does best and is what he loves the most. Sorry to say I watched it on TV. I would love to be there another time and shoot the Corkscrew!

Richard

[TCorzett]

Also the 3rd shot with the headless pit crew is an interesting one ;-)
This is a crop from the original file, which did have the heads on both crew members... unfortunately it also had another photographer in the bottom/right corner. I wanted to keep the 3:2 ratio, so I may have to be creative with some post to remove the photographer. I do agree though... I'd like it more with the heads.

-Todd...

[gdusek84]

Hey TCorzett, did you happen to get any specifically of Rossi? I wouldn't mind seeing a few if you did.

[sf1]

Incredible shots - great vantage points.

[ayotnoms]

Todd-
Super photos...outstanding
I went to Laguna Seca yesterday (Sun, Jul 20) and shot a ton of photos but only got a handful worth more than a bucket of warm spit. :) It was difficult to find a decent place to shoot so in addition to envy I feel over the quality of your photo, the vantage points are also to be envied.

Here's one to add to compilation:
http://steve-montoya.smugmug.com/photos/335974673_uJKXw-L.jpg

Great race and watching Rossi and Stoner duel it out for 20+ laps was a gas.

Cheers

[Strnge]

Hear is my teaser.............Turn 2!

I will have my other ones up soon.

[xmltok]

http://homepage.mac.com/kamador/motogp/2008-07-20_16-35-50_2530.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/kamador/motogp/2008-07-20_15-46-58_1951.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/kamador/motogp/2008-07-20_16-26-58_2501.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/kamador/motogp/2008-07-20_16-12-00_2352.jpg
http://homepage.mac.com/kamador/motogp/2008-07-20_16-37-44_2553.jpg

More at my gallery at http://gallery.mac.com/kamador#100191 (still uploading)

[gkwood]

Outstanding shots Todd & it was a great race too

[S.E.V.]

Nice one Mike. 6 in a V shape, awesome.

Here is one cropped in on THE DOCTOR!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3124/2700170967_fa5077f1da_o.jpg

More here: 2008 Moto GP (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sevan_pulurian/sets/72157606359290634/).

Sevan

[AinsworthPhoto]

Great shots I like the first one the best.

[rcg]

As requested by Todd I'm going to crap up this thread a bit.... I'm not as organized as Todd so I'll give you a random selection.

http://superbikephoto.com/POTN%20640px/POTN-2306.jpg

Of course I have to lead with the same shot as TC

http://superbikephoto.com/POTN%20640px/POTN-0089.jpg

Respol Honda's. This is Free Practice - Pedrosa didn't make the race.

http://superbikephoto.com/POTN%20640px/POTN-0110.jpg

Jamie Hacking checks his "6" exiting turn 3


http://superbikephoto.com/POTN%20640px/POTN-0257.jpg

Ooops I did it again... Spies breaking a perfectly good Suzuki. I have a knack for getting Spies crash pictures. Turn 3, Free Practice.


http://superbikephoto.com/POTN%20640px/POTN-0930.jpg

The Kid from Kentucky

http://superbikephoto.com/POTN%20640px/POTN-1331.jpg

Getting the two-finger wave from Rossi. Better than the one-finger I think.

http://superbikephoto.com/POTN%20640px/POTN-3671.jpg

It's a Battle - Rossi passes Stoner for the lead.

http://superbikephoto.com/POTN%20640px/POTN-3983.jpg

Another Texan on a MotoGP bike? They grow 'em tough!

[Sumoto]

Wow, some fantastic shots from you guys! I didn't have credentials or anything but I did managed to sneak on to pit row in the morning just before the first practice and snap off a few before being escorted out of the area.:D
The rest of the day I found it tough to get good shots since I only had 200mm of reach. Oh well, here's what I came up with.

[Sumoto]

more

[Sumoto]

s'more

[Sumoto]

Last one

[Strnge]

Nice one Mike. 6 in a V shape, awesome.

Here is one cropped in on THE DOCTOR!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/2692203515_91679cca1f_o.jpg

More to come.

Sevan

Nice shot!!!

Is this from when we were at the bottom of the cork screw? Is this with that filter you tried out?

[enon]

Excellent shots within this thread. It was a phenomenal race.

[S.E.V.]

Nice shot!!!

Is this from when we were at the bottom of the cork screw? Is this with that filter you tried out?

Yeah that's at the bottom of the quark screw but i think that was on saturday qualifying. No no filter or flash i did that on sunday.

[JVBAKER0]

Agreed that the close crop of Rossi is an excellent shot. The saturation might be wa tiny bit too high for my taste but somehow it works. Rossi might be an arrogant little $%^%^, but he's the BEST on a motorcycle.

[burchy]

Agreed that the close crop of Rossi is an excellent shot. The saturation might be wa tiny bit too high for my taste but somehow it works. Rossi might be an arrogant little $%^%^, but he's the BEST on a motorcycle.

Rossi's arrogant?? Holly crap, what does that make Stoner?

[Borbor]

he's just a whiner :)

[gixxer_kidd]

Great shots everyone! Thanks for sharing.

Todd, I appreciate you sharing your exif info. It's good for a newbie like me.

[gallixx]

Superb work, Todd. Nice framing and timing.

[Sharpstat]

Great shots by all of you congratulations. I've got to go next year. Haven't been since the 2005 race.

[rcg]

Great shots everyone! Thanks for sharing.

Todd, I appreciate you sharing your exif info. It's good for a newbie like me.


All of the shots I added have EXIF data intact so getting the image properties from the Finder or Explorer will show them.