Sled Dog Racing

[Airedale1]

I went to the Laconia NH Sled Dog Racing Championships today. It was cold and windy, but fun. Both pics taken with Pro1.

[Groundworxs]

Hi Airedale1 I know what you mean about the cold I was out two weeks ago and it was -35. 8 minutes of shooting 20 minutes in the car with the heat on before I could feel my hands again.

What kind of camera is the pro 1? Can you change lenses on it? The pictures over all are fine here are just a couple of pointers to ponder.

Custom white balance - if your camera has this feature get to know how it works. The snow has a slighly blueish hue to it. This would be solved with the balance.

Exposure compensation - I almost alway over exspose by one stop with snow that way it won't fool your in camera meter.

Angle - I have attached 2 samples I shot a few weeks ago. In both pictures I am laying in the snow as the dogs run by. This angle will make the dogs prominent not the background.

If you shoot the dogs at the very beginning of the race about 50-100 feet down the track from the start you will get the best expressions on the dogs faces as this is the time when they put out the strongest burst of energy. The ending is usually the slow point as far as peak action goes. If you need a picture of the winner (for the newspapers) shoot all racers at the start. The start usually does not last too long. Then go home or enjoy the other festivities going on. You can always contact the organizers at the end of the day to see who has won. You will then have a great staring picture of the winner. You will also be a little warmer.

The first picture (low angle) is of the Little Nippers Race shoot with a long lens. The second one was taken in the snow with a wide lens. The dog is supposed to be blurry. Some like it some don't. I like to shoot from low or any other angle thatn standing if I can help it.

I hope this is of some use to you.

Keep clickin'
Cheers