Advice on getting the shot but not getting skittled please.

I've never shot motor sports of any kind, have only ever been to a couple of races 30 or so years ago. I am planning on going to a girls only track day in a couple of weeks to try to get some shots of a friend. I'm sure there's some parts of the track that are more likely than others to have accidents or run offs, but I dont know if I'd recognise where they are. I dont want to get myself skittled. I know I'll want to get her cornering but I am guessing that's where the accidents could happen. Any advice to a "muggle" on how to stay safe but still hopefully get some good shots?

Which state, and which circuit?

Talk to the people at the circuit, they'll quickly tell you where you can and can't go.

talk to the other photogs there and pay attention to the cars/bikes at all times. NEVER turn your back to the action

philwillmedia wrote in post #12561014
Which state, and which circuit?

Victoria, Broadford.

Thanks for the advice so far fellas.

Whippeticious wrote in post #12561512
Victoria, Broadford.

Thanks for the advice so far fellas.

OK, so we're talking motorbikes then.

Can't give you any tips about that track specifically - haven't shot there.
As has been mentioned, talk to the track officials - you'll probably have to sign on anyway - and they'll be able to tell you where you can stand.
They should give you a briefing/induction.
If they don't, seek out the Clerk of Course/Event Director and ask any questions you have.

Where possible, keep a first line of defence (something solid ie: armco or wall etc) between you and the action.

Be alert to whats going on around you - spatial awareness.
You might be concentrating on what's in the viewfinder but listen to what's going on around you.

One thing to keep in mind is to NEVER cross a hot track - even if there is nothing circulating, the track is still hot. If you want to cross, always check with a flag marshall who has comms back to the control tower and make sure you get the OK before you do.

If you have any doubts about anything, just ask.

Thanks alot Phil. No doubt, if I get any good shots I'll be posting them here.

No probs.
Just one other thing...
If you're standing somewhere and you get a feeling like "Geez, I don't feel right standing here", listen to your gut feel and move.
If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.
There's something to be said about a sixth sense.

righto! I'm feeling quite excited about it now. I hope I get some goodies.

Shoot with both eyes open. Sounds weird but gives you much better peripheral vision.

Do not chimp while there are still bikes or cars coming towards you.

Do not rest your gear on the armco or tyre barrier. Even if you're a reasonable distance from the point of impact, the deflection on impact can be enough to throw your gear quite some distance. Seen it happen a few times and its not pretty.

thanks so much, this is all really helpful to me. Oh yeah, the only zoom lens I have is the 70-200 2.8. It's not as long as I'd like but will I still be able to get good shots with it or should I not even bother.

Whippeticious wrote in post #12565899
...the only zoom lens I have is the 70-200 2.8. It's not as long as I'd like but will I still be able to get good shots with it or should I not even bother.

That should be ok. It's a staple part of most motorsport photographers kits.
It just depends on where you are able to stand and how tight/loose you want to shoot.

Go to Google Earth (or NearMaps) and have a look at the circuit. That will give you an idea of the layout and will probably give you an idea where you can stand and how close you can get.
Also, do a google search for images taken at the circuit. That will usually provide you with some good ideas and to what to expect.
This is what I do when I'm going to a circuit I haven't been to before.

Well the track day was Friday just gone and all your advice was great!! I had a fantastic time. I saw the organisers straight away and told them I am a complete newbie at all this. Because of this they restricted where I was allowed to go which I feel is fair enough. Even so, I feel I got some pretty good shots all things considered. I absolutely loved it and want to go again. Here is the thread in motorsports with a few of the pics I took.
https://photography-on-the.net …/showthread.php​?t=1062039

There's a sticky in this forum on motorsports photography safety.

It is well worth a read.

John.