Some Dusty Speedway PLUS England Goalkeeper!

[gmen]

A very dusty night at the speedway - enhanced by the presence of Paul Robinson (England & Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper) who presented the 'Rider of the Night' award....

I'll start with the Robinson shot (he's the guy on the left)...

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/cc001.jpg

Then some dusty ones...

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/cc008.jpg

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/cc004.jpg

Making a quick start...

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/cc009.jpg

And some more racing...

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/cc005.jpg

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/cc002.jpg

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/cc011.jpg

[PhotosGuy]

Nice shots!

[gmen]

Nice shots!
Thanks Frank!I'm hopeful that they'll damp down the track a little more for the next meeting as the dust storm was pretty intense at times!

--- Gavin

[Croasdail]

I know there has been this discussion a million of times - and far be it for me to critique your work - ( but what the heck - let's throw caution to the wind) - on the last image - had you come up 1 stop and been able to have all 4 riders in the pack in focus - do you think that would have helped or detracted making it so there was no one center focus and attention.... I mean I am being really a nit here as the images are already perfect - just wondering if in this case it would be uber-perfect.

Then again - once you have the exposure nailed - why mess with it.

Cheers.

[gmen]

I know there has been this discussion a million of times - and far be it for me to critique your work - ( but what the heck - let's throw caution to the wind) - on the last image - had you come up 1 stop and been able to have all 4 riders in the pack in focus - do you think that would have helped or detracted making it so there was no one center focus and attention.... I mean I am being really a nit here as the images are already perfect - just wondering if in this case it would be uber-perfect.

Then again - once you have the exposure nailed - why mess with it.

Cheers.
It's a fair point! I shot the image in question (with the 135mm f/2) at 1/400s, f/2.8 at ISO1600 - so I didn't have a stop in hand without going to ISO3200. I might be shooting some more speedway this weekend... if so I'm inspired to experiment with stopping down a little as it will be a daytime meeting.

My only concern is that once the DOF extends further across width of the track (to encompass all the riders), the backgrounds are so cluttered with adverts, fences, spectators and general c**p that they'll start to intrude. However, once I introduce a little bit of panning then then may not be the case.

--- Gavin

[Cadwell]

Nice shots Gavin. It seems Paul Robinson does a very good "rabbit trapped in headlights" impression when being photographed. He should take some lessons from the speedway rider in appearing natural in front of a camera.

In terms of the DoF affect, I like it shallow. It gives the images a much more 3D quality. I suspect a larger DoF would make the images look flatter.

[Croasdail]

Absolutely don't want to mess with something that is working really well already - that is for sure. And not knowing the venue - I can 't really speak with any authority anyway. It looks like there is about 6 - 8 feet in focus. With that lens - I don't really know how much more would be in focus stopping down 1 stop - could be a couple of feet to either side - or much worse. You surely want to stay away from getting that fence in focus. Just absorbing - trying to figure out what rules are absolute... and when playing with might be in order. If you feel adventurous next time out - share what you learned. Cheers all....

[Simon Harrison]

Great shots as usual. Really like that start line shot. Perfect shutter speed to blur out the back wheel while keeping everything tack sharp.

Cheers,

Simon.

[skade]

Fantastic shots as always gmen! Those two guys in the first shot are just HOT! Thanks for that lol

[PhotosGuy]

I thought that the dust added interest to the shots?
What's that hanging off the back of the bike in #s 3-6? Looks like a handle & a mud flap?

[robekert]

Gavin,
Nicely crafted shots. I crave this golden, almost horizontal, light. It is some of my favorite light to shoot in. Too bad it does not hang around long. The portrait is very good too. I think your DOF choice was fine for these shots.
Cheers,
Rob

[DwightMcCann]

I like 'em just as they are ... grand work!

[gmen]

I thought that the dust added interest to the shots?
What's that hanging off the back of the bike in #s 3-6? Looks like a handle & a mud flap?
*lol* The dust certainly does add interest but it also adds an ever-thickening brown layer to your clothes and camera gear! More dust here...

http://www.tgsphoto.co.uk/forum_images/cc012.jpg

As for that thing hanging off the back of the bike, I think it is a small mudflap-type dooberry - it appears to be designed to stop the track shale flying too high in the air. You can see the shale-trail in the shot above. Hmmm...

[Skip Souza]

I am sooo envious of your talent to get such sharp, colorful shots. I am not particularly fond of speedway yet I find myself waiting in anticipation for your posts.