woodsmitty Loc: Bruderheim, Alberta Canada

On the 17th, 18th and 19th of August there will be chuckwagon and chariot races at the Bruderheim AG Days. I plan to be there at least one of the days while the races are happening. I will probably still be shooting with my old Fuji S700 as unexpected expenses ate up my new camera fund.
I could use any advice I can get regarding shooting mode, iso, shutter speeds, etc. I will be about 70 to 100 feet from the action unless I can work a deal with the officials to get closer.
Should I be trying for stop action or is panning for motion blur more likely to produce eye catching photos?
If all else fails I will just use the "sports" setting, but I think there are better options.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

I have not shot any like this. But I see a few of the folks here doing barrel races and other things to do with horses. Hopefuly they will chime in. Would thing the lighting to let you get a faster shutter speed would be the main thing.
Erv

Leicaflex Loc: Cymru

Depending on the day, (sunlight) ISO from 100 to 400.
I find a mono pod useful for panning shots and keeps camera shake down.
It is your choice if you want to blur the photograph to emphasize the action (slow shutter speed) or freeze the action (fast shutter speed)
Whatever you decide, hope you enjoy the day.

saichiez Loc: Beautiful Central Oregon

I agree with the Monopod idea. However, if this is an indoor arena event, tripods/monopods may not be allowed. You could ask about this, but I tend toward the theory that if you ask, you get a "no". so many venues are like this when you ask someone who doesn't really have an answer on the "tip of the tongue".

I would take the monopod on a belt loop and let them tell you you can't use it when you extend it out to set up.

ace-mt Loc: Montana

If I was going to shoot that event (which I would love to do someday), I would bump my ISO to whatever it takes to allow me to shoot at around 1/1000. That way you can capture facial expressions of the people and horses, and freeze the dirt being thrown in the air. I would also try panning a few. Have a great time!

woodsmitty Loc: Bruderheim, Alberta Canada

Thanks to all of you for your suggestions. The event will be outdoors so a monopod is a great idea. I spotted one at walmart designed for hunters.
I can unscrew the u shaped top piece and install something more camera friendly. It is 72" so it will work for me, I'm 6' 4" tall. I have re-read my manual 3 more times and I'm thinking most of my shots will be in shutter priority mode. I'm not saying that I won't use aprature priority for some motion shots.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Chuckwagon races are very dusty events. Try to get as near to the starting line as possible. Try stop action at the start; but don't worry if the wheel spokes blur. Try 1/250 to start If you can get any clear shots during the race, try panning at 1/30 or 1/60. Focus on the driver's eyes or on the reins; that should be the mid-point of your DOF. Note: the drivers may be positioned of the right side of the seat (to ride the brake); if so use the reins as your focus point. Try to use at least f/8 for one wagon and F/11 or 16 for the field. Do not post yourself at or shortly after a turn unless you are inside a field; wagons turning fast throw a LOT of dirt. An inner field is unlikely; most turns are post markers. Let the image trail in the last 2/3 of the frame to give the appearance of open field in front. Don't get to near the field. Empty chuchwagons have a high center of gravity and can tip over. If so, all you'll see is a giant cloed of dust. Finally, carry a hand blower and brush to keep your camera clean. Stampedes are dirty places.

woodsmitty Loc: Bruderheim, Alberta Canada

Bill41; thanks for the info. I can get within 30 feet of the start line and the sun will be 90 degrees to my left. This should get me some good shots if I can remember not to leave the WB on tungston or cloudy instead of sunny. Memory pills?

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I carry a heavy monopod with me, and, every now and then, I whack myself on the head with it. It works wonderfully to jog my memory; now if I could only do something about the ringing in my ears......

Oh, one other item. "Brother Home" in Canada? That is a strange name for a Canadian city!

deej

Cloudy would give your shots a warmer feel similar to an 81a filter used too but if you shoot in Raw you can always adjust it. 500 would be fast enough or panning and less if they are coming right at you if you want complete motion stop others, like what was stated " 1/50 os a little faster to get some blur of the wheels, horses legs etc...Play with the speeds a little to get some effects of speed and shoot in continuous mode to help capture multiple images which can be compared later for best pick of the shots (framing, action, dirt clods etc...). Good Luck and post some shots for us, it would be great to see some.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

I understand that Los Angeles has its own version of Chuckwagon Races. They call up 50-100 pizza parlors and ask for a pizza to be delivered. Last delivery driver there wins!

woodsmitty Loc: Bruderheim, Alberta Canada

Bruderheim was founded by Marovian brothers, hence the name. Just purchased a monopod, will try the head thing.

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Watch out for ringing in ears. Don't use quick release; causes blood loss.

woodsmitty Loc: Bruderheim, Alberta Canada

Attached is a phopto of the historical site sign that sits beside the highway near Bruderheim. I can enlarge it to read the text and see the photos on the sign so I'm hoping that uploading it to the net won't lower the sharpness enough to make it unreadable for you. I was using my new Remington monopod. $24 at walmart 60" tall in four sections.

Bruderheim historical society sign