New Hampshire Motor Speedway

[polarbare]

Got my first chance to shoot motorsports while at NHMS yesterday. Disappointed in some aspects such as not being able to get any real panning done. It was just too bright and even at ISO 100 I was shooting at 1/4000, at f22 I could get down to 1/60- 1/100 but the images were unappealing. Need to buy that ND filter sooner than later as this was otherwise a very enjoyable experience.

Aside from wanting to get some motion blur in the side shots, would love a critique on these:

1) In the pits
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/3918064668_768d49d500_o.jpg

2) Jody preparing to race
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2614/3918064744_dc422487fe_o.jpg

3) Qualifiers
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2437/3918064282_8326fffbb3_o.jpg

4) Home Stretch
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2459/3917278017_576cac6160_o.jpg

5) Rubbin' is Racin'
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2515/3918064066_bdffa67f9e_o.jpg

6) Pan
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/3917277009_c6c02c482f_o.jpg

[BBrat]

They look good Brad. Did you know someone to get on the field or were you working it? I may be going to the NASCAR race this weekend but, will be shooting from the stands, couldnt get anyone to hook me up with pit passes.

[polarbare]

Was shooting some shots for the Father/Daughter team from pic 2 along with a friend.

[Semmonka]

There is a motorsports section for motorsport photos :D
I would suggest not to go above 1/250 when shooting motorsport.
Wheels are totally frozen and it looks like cars are parked on the track.
Use slower SS and pan with motion. The car will remain sharp while rims are blurred. Pan shot is nice but front end should be in focus, not rear imo.
ND filter will be your friend when its bright and sunny

[polarbare]

thanks. Yeah, the ND filter will be a big help.

[WickedSlow]

Nice pics. I'm headed up to NHMS for the first time this weekend (scored 4 free tickets to the NASCAR Silvania 300 on Sunday). Do you know if there's any restrictions on camera gear you're allowed to bring in (to the stands)?

[polarbare]

No idea. I did a quick search of the NHMS site and didn't see any rules on photographic equipment but I'm sure it's there somewhere.

the closest I found so far was this:

http://www.nhms.com/fansfirst/

[WickedSlow]

Yea, i've been digging around for info to... thanks.

[ajbalazic]

Looks good. Tough light - maybe boost the contrast a bit to help with the washout on #3 & 6