First try motorcycles at the track C&C Please

[bnoland]

This is from a track day a friend of mine went to. Let me know what you think and how I can improve. I was using a 28-135mm IS ( IS was off )

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3358/3500840581_f7dce31cbc_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3501682088_f35304d8bf_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3552/3501662266_2cb630a030_b.jpg

[clarkmarketingservices]

Nice shots especially for your first try. I think you just need to use a longer lense and get closer into the subject. #3 is a cool shot. It gives a good perspective of the track.
I shoot at Miller Motorsport Park and similarly struggle with only a 200mm lense. I have found that shooting the straights where the run-off is closer you can still get some decent pan shots that are pretty tight. Here is an example.
http://www.stephenwclark.com/img/v4/p650971505-4.jpg

[bnoland]

I need a longer lens that is for sure. Here is one from the front straight.

Closer in would be better on this one but it came out pretty good. I will have to go thru them again later.. I may have some better ones.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3379/3500898495_c26546ec9a_b.jpg

[Jadam]

bnoland, what track are you shooting?

I have same issue with only having a 200mill, check my site linked below for samples of my moto work.

shooting raw allows you to crop in to tighten up some shots to supplement not having a deep tele.

for panning shots, have you hips facing the spot where you would like to land your panning shots, then move your torso/shoulders to pan. I've found it helps me stabilize better and land more in focus shots.

Background, background, background!!!. If it's cluttery or boring the shot will reflect that. Know your subject, personally I ride and track my bike. That give me a better feel for it and where the 'action' is. And not just the obvious action. Negotiate those 'action' spots with spots that provide a good backdrop.

for instance your second shot has a simple, but captivating backdrop and is really what makes the photo.

[bnoland]

It is at Barber Motorsports park in Alabama. I am going to start riding on track days but I have not yet. I am also pretty limited as to where I can shoot from there. I have an XTi.. how do I make it shot in RAW? I am pretty new to photography so I am really just winging it.

[clarkmarketingservices]

To shoot RAW you need to go to the menu that lets you change between S M L RAW images. I think on the Rebel if you are not on Tv Av or M mode it won't let you choose RAW.

[bnoland]

To shoot RAW you need to go to the menu that lets you change between S M L RAW images. I think on the Rebel if you are not on Tv Av or M mode it won't let you choose RAW.

Ok, I did these in Av mode I think

[KrautFed]

bnoland,

135mm is pretty short at Barbers, even cropped. T2 is pretty friendly for short focal lengths (but not too short). You'll get good bunching from the front stretch into T1 and its always tight racing through T2 and T3. Your best photos at 135mm will come on the back stretch between T10 and T11 ...panning (they'll be scooting so pans are extremely easy here). When you get 300+ mm, other shots start to open up around the track.

Have fun! Ride safe! Barbers is FAAAST to ride, but FUUUN!

-Joe

[rcg]

Well for a first attempt that aint half bad! Jadam's advice is good about backgrounds and panning. The short focal length is a challenge so you will need to look for interesting compositions or less obvious locations to shoot from to make up that deficit.

Here are a couple I shot last week to illustrate - using the 70-200:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3487363153_a3671f82dc_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3488178172_73a55b31ba_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3585/3488177878_91b53efef7_o.jpg

[bnoland]

Thanks guys, I have a canon 75-300mm but I dont like it as much as the 28-135mm. I may give it a try next time I go though and see what I can get with it.

[bnoland]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3584/3506217653_1064680ac1_b.jpg

[bnoland]

I tried a couple of diffrent crops with a few pics.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3415/3506234495_76886b6636_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3657/3506229015_9bd00e5104_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3372/3507035616_4e7241dc92_b.jpg