Good old fashioned American drag racing

[tharmsen]

Here are some shots from last weekend. Shot with a 1DMk3 and 580EXII flash using a 24-70L lens.

http://www.intempusphotography.com/photos/648904226_Pdeh7-L.jpg (http://www.intempusphotography.com/Events/Motor-Sports/9539117_UKahr/1/#648904226_Pdeh7-A-LB)

http://www.intempusphotography.com/photos/650150046_jp927-L.jpg (http://www.intempusphotography.com/Events/Motor-Sports/9539117_UKahr//650150046)

[Jelorian]

Both shots look awesome! For whatever reason, they look like diecast miniatures in a dragstrip diorama. Very cool and surreal looking!

[tharmsen]

Thanks, I'm glad you like them. :)

I am using a tilt-shift effect that I apply in post production to give it that look. It's not for everyone, but I really like it.

[NorCal 2500HD]

I like those.....

[stangrider]

wow! [must wipe drool off keyboard]

[kit lens]

I like the second one. To me, the first picture has too much contrasting blur in the backdrop.

[Stav_98]

Awsome work!

[MIKE DRAG]

NICE WORK

[snyderman]

Cool. Got any more? Liked both. First shot almost looks like a model car and not real!

dave

[lClutchl]

Those are awesome!

[tharmsen]

This is the only other one I have edited.

http://www.intempusphotography.com/photos/652107722_Ama9H-L.jpg (http://www.intempusphotography.com/Events/Motor-Sports/9539117_UKahr/1/#652107722_Ama9H-A-LB)

[dig-it-al]

Love that twisted rubber!

[Digital Aurora Photography]

I Love all your shots!
You state that you used a 580EX, do the officials allow you to use a flash?

[tharmsen]

Yes, I'm actually working as the track photographer so I am the only one allowed to stand pretty much right on top of them (I'm on the track) and flash them. I don't fire until they've already left the line and are underway. If I flashed them before the tree flagged them I would imagine the drivers would be pissed. :)

[ajbalazic]

Love the processing. Wish to share some of your secrets ;)

[tharmsen]

Love the processing. Wish to share some of your secrets ;)
Humm... well, it's difficult to explain but it involves a lot of masking, many layers, blur (modified bokeh for the tilt-shift effect of sorts), selective tonal contrast adjustments. It takes about an hour per shot to get that look.

I have to flatten the layers a couple of times during the process or I would show you a shot of the PSD layers.

[tetralogy]

Agree with alan -- would love to know what you are doing.

ER

[S.Horton]

I love that last one -- Always liked that car, so I suppose that's why.

[MT Stringer]

That Dodge Hemi brings back memories of the old days of the 60's.
Nic work.
Mike

[mininut]

Very nice shots.

I found a simple tutorial, hope you don't mind...

http://blog.georgegumpert.com/2007/03/27/photoshop-tilt-shift/

M.

[tharmsen]

Thanks mininut, I'm not really all that good at writing tutorials. That link does explain my method to a degree. You must apply this technique carefully as it's easy to over do. You must also isolate the subject (in this case the car) and only apply the effect to the background.

I also selectively apply sharpening and contrast to the subject while not doing anything to the background. Between the two techniques it really makes the car pop out of the picture.

[Flatliner]

I love the pics and the effect... and I even love the watermark lol. I've been trying to see examples of them and love yours. I see youare a Bears fan, so am I. Is that US41, been there a few times, sure does look like it.

[tharmsen]

Yup, it's the strip off US41. Do you live near by?

[Flatliner]

No, not at all... I belong to a local board ChicagoSVT.com and one guy use to set up a semi/annual event there, but then all that drama happened when the owner passed away and they never did another.

There's a big street event this Friday, but it's all who you know... even my buddy who is racing can't get me in :( Anyway great shots!

[tharmsen]

No, not at all... I belong to a local board ChicagoSVT.com and one guy use to set up a semi/annual event there, but then all that drama happened when the owner passed away and they never did another.

There's a big street event this Friday, but it's all who you know... even my buddy who is racing can't get me in :( Anyway great shots!
There's a bit event at the track on US41 this weekend?

I can get in if that's where it's at. :)

[Flatliner]

It's Friday night King of the street, no track prep, big money on the line.

[660Photos]

Did you get any pictures of the King of the street event???? I had some buddies go up there for it all the way from Texas, he won the event last year, and broke this year!

[tharmsen]

I didn't make it out. I had other stuff going on. :(

[660Photos]

I didn't make it out. I had other stuff going on. :(


Dang it would have been a site to see, I have a camera buddy he came over from Nebraska, every car pulled the wheels, it was insane! I wish i could have made the trip!

[PhotosGuy]

Nice!

[idahogiant]

you are right they would be.....great pics!

[Forgiven4ever]

Nice work!