best way to use a monopod: I spent most of the morning saturday trying to get pictures of my husband on the racetrack. Though I got a few "ok" pictures, I need suggestions on...

Penny MG Loc: Fresno, Texas

I spent most of the morning saturday trying to get pictures of my husband on the racetrack. Though I got a few "ok" pictures, I need suggestions on techniques dealing with a monopod. The problem here is how to hold it steady with the winds gusting up to 30 MPH. Here is one picture that I took. There is only one curve that spectators can get a decent shot from and this one is it. C & C welcome!!!

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

If that is your husband tell him if he does not get those toes on the pegs and his butt off the seat you are going to be getting some nice action shots. It is going to be hard holding steady in that kind of wind no matter what you do and with that being the only place to get a picture I think you did the best you could. Curves aren't the only spot to get interesting shots at the track try getting a shot as he goes by while panning that way he will be in focus but background will have motion blur.

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

Try getting shots as they are coming in to the turn also while they are setting up to take the turn.

Here are some crappy bridge camera shots from Barber Motorsports from 2008

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n131/hangman39/Barber%2008/064.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n131/hangman39/Barber%2008/299.jpg

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Crappy? Sure would like to see the good ones. ;)

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

Try mounting a ball head on your mono pod. After you mount your gear up...leave it loose and let the mono pod carry the weight while you can hold your camera and focus and still be able to move.

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

Db7423 wrote:

Crappy? Sure would like to see the good ones. ;)

My old bridge was not as sharp as I would like the focus was not fast enough to keep up with the action.

Penny MG Loc: Fresno, Texas

hangman45 wrote:

Try getting shots as they are coming in to the turn also while they are setting up to take the turn.

Here are some crappy bridge camera shots from Barber Motorsports from 2008

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n131/hangman39/Barber%2008/064.jpg

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n131/hangman39/Barber%2008/299.jpg

Those are not crappy picts. I LOVE Barber (especially the museum). Barber has the destinct advantage of having many areas of the track that one can get pictures from. MSR Houston, does not. I did get up on the bridge and get some shots on the straight-a-way, but honestly they were boaring. I have excellent shots from Barber of the professional riders but those were taken with a different lens and no monopod. Thanks for your comments!

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Your monopod only supports the weight of the camera and lens. You have to provide the other two legs for stability. Try spreading your legs a little and tucking your arms in tight. But 30mph winds especially if gusting certainly will make it difficult at best.

Db7423 Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

hangman45 wrote:

Db7423 wrote:

Crappy? Sure would like to see the good ones. ;)

My old bridge was not as sharp as I would like the focus was not fast enough to keep up with the action.

I'll say it again, sure would like to see the good ones! These are great in my eyes.

Penny MG Loc: Fresno, Texas

Bret wrote:

Try mounting a ball head on your mono pod. After you mount your gear up...leave it loose and let the mono pod carry the weight while you can hold your camera and focus and still be able to move.

Thanks Bret! I will try the ball head for sure. I had already been thinking about that but of course had to try shooting with what I have first to even know there has got to be a better way. I appreciate your input.

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

That is the way Talladega Gran Prix track is not spectator friendly unless you have a real big lens or able to get in the infield almost impossible to get exciting shots.

Penny MG Loc: Fresno, Texas

Db7423 wrote:

Your monopod only supports the weight of the camera and lens. You have to provide the other two legs for stability. Try spreading your legs a little and tucking your arms in tight. But 30mph winds especially if gusting certainly will make it difficult at best.

THanks Db7423. I did try your suggestion and when the wind was blowing regulary, it wasn't so bad. But when the gust hit, well....different story. Thanks for the comment, it is greatly appreciated.

Penny MG Loc: Fresno, Texas

hangman45 wrote:

That is the way Talladega Gran Prix track is not spectator friendly unless you have a real big lens or able to get in the infield almost impossible to get exciting shots.

I for the life of me cannot figure out why some of the tracks don't do just a little something to allow the spectators a little freedom to see other parts of the track. Sure I like being at the finish line on the last lap of the race, but there are more exciting areas elsewhere. If you ever get the opportunity, go to the Laguna Seca races in Monterey, Ca. That also is a great track, and photographer friendly!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Db7423 wrote:

Crappy? Sure would like to see the good ones. ;)

I'd love to get shots like these, but have you seen what they get for bike mags? amazing!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Penny MG wrote:

I for the life of me cannot figure out why some of the tracks don't do just a little something to allow the spectators a little freedom to see other parts of the track.

1. Insurance
2. Safety

Years ago I went to a sports cars race at the Bridgehapton track on Long Island. We could walk practically all around the track, with great views everywhere. Of course, if a car went off in a corner, you'd better not be standing there.