Dirt Track Racing

[chittnchat]

I wanted to be different and take panning shots at the local dirt track. I am always looking for ways to improve. I have NOT shot from the center of the oval and probably won't, any suggestions on how to improve from this type of shot and how to get the perfect pan would be welcome. Please do not suggest a tri-pod or mono-pod as they are not helpful at all on a 1/4 mile track...lol This was taken while leaning back against the fence from the top of the bleachers.

Pentax ist DS
Pentax DA 50-200mm lens
I use sports mode with multi shot but change the settings of the aperature.
f-stop f/5.6
Exposre time 1/30 sec
ISO 200mm
Spot metering
No flash
focal length was 300

[kuvahmagh]

I'm sorry I didn't see this earlier.

The only thing I would change would be your mode, shutter Priority is probably your best bet. For 1/30 your shot is quite steady so in Shutter Mode I would bump it up to 1/60-1/80 and see if you can get the cars themselves a little sharper.

Other than that I think it is a pretty good shot, especially considering where it is taken from.

[chittnchat]

I think uploading to this site isnt the greatest..lol I will try shutter priority this weekend! And Thank you for suggesting something. The other sites I tried only suggest stuff like use a monopod (on a dirt track????) LOL So thank you very much!!!!

[kuvahmagh]

No problem, I have been advised about the monopod as well, the problem with something like that is the tracks are not that big so you don't need a 600mm lens, I know people who do Road Courses and such where 500-600 mm lenses are the norm and there it can be useful due to the weight of the lens.

The key to racing photography is all motion and panning is one of the best ways to achieve that, if you want some motivation in that direction check out my website/flickr.

[chittnchat]

I think I have the Flikr figured out...lol this one was taken from the pit bleachers.

[vikingforlife44]

Like your last one there. I've tried doing spint cars on dirt a couple of times but reallllly hard to find a spot where the fence isn't in the way and certainly can't get the kind of shot coming off the corner like you have. Tried that once and they brought out the yellow flag to get me away from the corner.

[thegarageblog]

It is very tough to get shots that don't include fence if you don"t have a proper media access pass. Sometimes even then it can be tough, as the modern catch fence tends to be everywhere.