Photographing Drag Racing Tips

[mclone]

I am going to the NHRA Spring Nationals next week. Any help on camera settings for fast cars is appreciated. I am shooting with a Nikon D40, AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1:4-5.6G. I am still learning the camera and photography. Thanks! Patty

[freybear3]

I usually use "Sports mode" for this with auto focus.


I have did a 4 photo shoots at the local drag strip. 1/4 mile

If you can, get as close as you can to the cars, ground level and if possible, behind the cars at the start line.

Good luck, and be sure to post a few of the photos

[Jim Bryant]

Google drag race photos. Should show you examples of photos taken. If you want to stop the action use a higher shutter speed 500th a second and above. If you want to have some blur in the photos shoot 100th second and below.

[OsmosisStudios]

super short shutter speeds.

One thing to do too is use both eyes. If you're right eye dominant, place your right eye over the viewfinder and look through there and keep your left open to follow the car. Helps with framing.

[mclone]

I am less concerned with the framing and more with the camera settings

[BryanC]

Originally Posted by mclone

I am less concerned with the framing and more with the camera settings

I think he was just trying to be helpful.

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

Google drag race photos. Should show you examples of photos taken. If you want to stop the action use a higher shutter speed 500th a second and above. If you want to have some blur in the photos shoot 100th second and below.

Like I said before............read above.

[mclone]

Thanks all, I have googled the photos, they are spectacular. I got some good shots a few years ago with my Kodak, I will use the two eye approach, I tend to automatically close my right eye....

[mclone]

Off to the races! I hope the T-storms don't rain us out, on the other hand that too could be a good photo op!

[mclone]

I created an album with a few pictures