Photography - Track and race day hints and tips req.

[Big Dave]

Do a search for my previously posted tips.

I also offer professional tuition on operating the camera and computer image manipulation - beginner to expert level.

[Her_C4]

Do a search for my previously posted tips.

I also offer professional tuition on operating the camera and computer image manipulation - beginner to expert level.

Thanks BD - found some time ago and reviewed several times since... a vertiable fount of really good information from an expert.. and I have pointed several others that way too

You live in Aucks?

I have had some tuition in photo editing - minimal but enough to get me started.

[Big Dave]

Thanks BD - found some time ago and reviewed several times since... a vertiable fount of really good information from an expert.. and I have pointed several others that way too

You live in Aucks?

I have had some tuition in photo editing - minimal but enough to get me started.

The tyranny of distance.

Yeah - I was sort of making a more general announcement about it too.

Helped a few people out lately and think I'll incorporate it into mah creative services business.

[discotex]

Yes I have been talking to a number of different people and everyone seems to have some quite diverse opinions on the teleconverters. At the end of the day I guess like everything, it comes down to personal choice and if you choose to use one then you accept that you will experience some degradation in the overall quality of the result.

Luckily, I don't need to worry about that juuuuuust yet - learning a smidgeon of what the camera is capable of and upskilling the user to facilitate even ONE reasonable shot with all this fantastic gear is my priority right now

Yep.. Lenses are like tyres. A compromise between price, practicality and image quality (instead of grip).

A f/2.8 70-200 is like a top line sport tourer that can handle a wide range of situations. Prime lenses are somewhat like race tyres and unless you know you need it steer clear of them unless you want slicks in the rain.

The only prime I'd recommend is a 35mm for candid shots (which will be closish to a 50mm after the 1.6x crop factor). Even then I'd say stick with the kit lens (if you didn't just get body only) until your photography skills exceed the lens quality. Why get the slicks when your riding is GN250 level?

It's a pretty impressive setup you've got there. It'd be easy to get lost with all the features. Start with the basics. At the end of the day it's about composition, aperture and shutter speed. That's it. Nothing more to it

Forget manual mode until you understand how shutter speed and aperture affect the image. Metering a scene takes a while to get the hang of and the camera can do it better than most more of the time. You won't have time to think about the light when a gixxer comes screaming down to the hairpin.

For fast moving action in changing light I'd say go to Tv mode. Concentrate on picking shutter speeds that blur or sharpen the background (experiment between 250-2000).

For pit/candit stuff I'd suggest learning to use depth of field in Av mode.

[Her_C4]

The tyranny of distance.

Yeah - I was sort of making a more general announcement about it too.

Helped a few people out lately and think I'll incorporate it into mah creative services business.

Excellent BD - there are heaps of starters / idiots and amateurs all looking for some really good advice. No point in getting a good set up if you are not prepared to get the best advice!!!

Best of luck with your initiative

Yep.. Lenses are like tyres. A compromise between price, practicality and image quality (instead of grip).

A f/2.8 70-200 is like a top line sport tourer that can handle a wide range of situations. Prime lenses are somewhat like race tyres and unless you know you need it steer clear of them unless you want slicks in the rain.

The only prime I'd recommend is a 35mm for candid shots (which will be closish to a 50mm after the 1.6x crop factor). Even then I'd say stick with the kit lens (if you didn't just get body only) until your photography skills exceed the lens quality. Why get the slicks when your riding is GN250 level?

It's a pretty impressive setup you've got there. It'd be easy to get lost with all the features. Start with the basics. At the end of the day it's about composition, aperture and shutter speed. That's it. Nothing more to it

Forget manual mode until you understand how shutter speed and aperture affect the image. Metering a scene takes a while to get the hang of and the camera can do it better than most more of the time. You won't have time to think about the light when a gixxer comes screaming down to the hairpin.

For fast moving action in changing light I'd say go to Tv mode. Concentrate on picking shutter speeds that blur or sharpen the background (experiment between 250-2000).

For pit/candit stuff I'd suggest learning to use depth of field in Av mode.

Thanks!!! Great advice and excellent analogies - I love it

As mentioned in one of my earlier posts, I will be following your advice and not looking too far out (prime lens, manual set ups etc) until I have a reasonable grasp of the basics.

PS the other lenses that I have are:

EF17-85 IS
and
EF 50mm F2.5 macro

Have to say, this (already) is the most fun I have had off my bike for ages

[Finn]

don't take photos on bikes going in a straight line unless they are wheeling or sliding down the track on their arses...bikes straight up and down are boring pic's...

Learn your camera...and learn to judge the timing of your shots and get right in the middle of it all and close to the track

the Pro's will surely be along shortly to give u some real advice...

Poos, you cant even work a garage opener so why are you giving photography lessons?

[discotex]

Thanks!!! Great advice and excellent analogies - I love it

Couldn't think of any better way to relate to another biker than through bike terms

As mentioned in one of my earlier posts, I will be following your advice and not looking too far out (prime lens, manual set ups etc) until I have a reasonable grasp of the basics.

PS the other lenses that I have are:

EF17-85 IS
and
EF 50mm F2.5 macro

Have to say, this (already) is the most fun I have had off my bike for ages

That's about perfect for every situation bar shooting lions in Africa or doing serious portrait work (really need a f/1.8 or better lens for that).

Bikes, cameras, music are what I love so I know exactly how much fun you're going to be having Just wish I had a digital body. Maybe when the 450D comes out... If only I hadn't spent all my play $$ on a new bike

[FROSTY:Me]

something noone else has touched on and probably you know better . Stay safe.
Wear a fluro vest and work out bike trajectories.
The photographer that got hurt at the v8's this year wasn't staying safe

[Finn]

something noone else has touched on and probably you know better . Stay safe.
Wear a fluro vest and work out bike trajectories.
The photographer that got hurt at the v8's this year wasn't staying safe

Where's that setting on the camera?

[Her_C4]

That's about perfect for every situation bar shooting lions in Africa or doing serious portrait work (really need a f/1.8 or better lens for that).

DAMN IT!!! I knew there was something else that I needed... he he he

... and probably you know better . ...
Wear a fluro vest and work out bike trajectories.

Yep you are on to it Frosty - having had the fright of my life a couple of times whilst I have been out riding / racing on the track myself (seeing someone moving towards the track out of the corner of my eye whilst intent on hugging the exit lines - I nearly highsided), I understand very well how disconcerting and potentially dangerous it can be to all parties.

In preparation, I have already got my flouro vest... yuuuuuuummm NOT!!!

[enigma51]

If you struggle with the weightt buy a monopod they are great for action photos

[Her_C4]

If you struggle with the weightt buy a monopod they are great for action photos

Yes I do ... and yes I bought one when I bought the camera. Fantastic to use, although it takes me a while to get the balance right. I figure that is just lack of practice.

[enigma51]

Yes I do ... and yes I bought one when I bought the camera. Fantastic to use, although it takes me a while to get the balance right. I figure that is just lack of practice.

Once you get them sorted out they are great but they can also get in the way if you move alot from place to place

[jimbo600]

I would be keen to come along to this, if that's ok.

Sure mate, but I hope you"ll be there giving advice as your photography is pretty well up there fellah

[Kendog]

Sure mate, but I hope you"ll be there giving advice as your photography is pretty well up there fellah

Happy to give any advice I can, but always willing to learn from others.