A launch

[abdotson]

Thanks so much for all the help on capturing a burnout. Another question I had was getting a launch. This is a photo a took of a launch unfortunately the front of the car was cut off. If anyone shoots races as well, how far away do you need to be to get the movement and the full car. Also could I get movement of the tire? Is the DOF ok on the car?



Exif:
Camera: Nikon D50
Exposure: 0.001 sec (1/1000)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 70 mm
Focal Length: 71.3 mm
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off

with a 70-300 lens

[smc1377]

In launches, I kinda like faster shutter speeds to capture the flex of the tire (if any) cause that tells me more about the power than anything else (ok, maybe the front end being up in the air also tells me how much power it's laying down). But in this picture, where you would see the flex is blocked by the concrete barricade.

[mstark70]

You have to get as close to the wall as possible so you can see the entire car. You do have to back up a bit farther down the wall. You have to take into account the staging beems and how they continue to get closer to you (or away from you if you are the other direction) until they are completely staged. And as soon as you hear the rpm's come up click away and you are bound to get the action. You can always crop your shot later so don't get to close and over crop in the camera. You can not add the cutoff details back but you can always take away.
When I am facing the other way and they are going away from me I try to make sure I have the car and the Christmas tree in the shot so you can see the green light and the squat of the car and/or the torque of the front end. The dragsters don't really do wheel stands but they do torque one wheel off the ground.
Again I will post a few examples. I am a visual person and it helps to me more to see things. Again, I hope I have helped some. If I am just bugging you please let me know.

nitro1320@sbcglobal.net, on Flickr">
nitro1320@sbcglobal.net, on Flickr">
nitro1320@sbcglobal.net, on Flickr">

[abdotson]

MStark70, you have been very helpful I'm looking forward to the race. I'm looking for others in my area to get some practice. This one is not a professional race so there are a little more lax on the starts so the position of the car changes some. I can't wait to get there and try all this advice

[mstark70]

I look forward to seeing what you come back and post. Just take your time and take some practice shots on some cars you don't really care about before your man comes to the line. That helps to. You will feel more ready for the action. I am glad I could help!