Guide to Motorsports Photography

Making the direction of movement clear in the shot is important.

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Sports photography that involves capturing the action of a moving vehicle, such as a car, motorcycle or motorboat, requires a technique that helps you frame the image and focus. Taking motorsports photographs also requires an understanding of the sports' rules, participants and conflicts, which helps you anticipate and capture significant action.

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Motorsports that frequently involve side-to-side movement, such as auto racing, gives the photographer on the sideline a predictable starting place for planning shots. Utilizing an appropriate lens length and shutter speed that will capture the image's details is key. Taking practice shots helps the photographer adjust the camera to the correct settings. Pan the area with the camera at the approximate speed and direction the motor vehicle will be moving and adjust the focus in the frame. When a photo-worthy moment presents itself, your camera will be ready to capture it.

Position the Shot

Knowledge of a motorsport's rules, climaxes and conflicts guides the decision regarding a location that will most effectively capture these compelling moments, such as a hard-to-maneuver obstacle or finish line. Motorsports' participants may be vulnerable to crashes in a course's tight corners. A slower segment of a course is advantageous because it allows you to achieve sharp, close-up images.

Frame the Image

The process a photographer utilizes in deciding to click the shutter and digitally cement an image in a frame may occur intuitively, or the aesthetic rules of photography may come into play. The rule of thirds involves dividing the frame into thirds visually, both horizontally and vertically, and positioning the photograph's subject in the area where lines intersect. This type of shot is more visually appealing to the human eye.

Convey Motion

A shot that represents more space to the right of a moving vehicle conveys forward trajectory to the viewer, which serves to increase the photograph's dramatic appeal and accuracy. A vehicle centered in a frame appears still unless other clues within the shot reveal its movement.

Tips

Use a waterproof tarp for shielding valuable equipment when documenting water-based sports. When attempting to move close to the action, remain aware of surroundings at all times to avoid exposure to dangerous situations.

Related SearchesReferencesNew York Institute of Photography: A Mark Scheuern: Motorsports PhotographyPhoto Credit John Foxx/Stockbyte/Getty ImagesRead Next:

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