The skills and art of motorcycle racing.
Aug 15, 2013 20:41:01 #
The skills are what the riders posses. When it comes to depicting them in an art form the onus is on the one with a camera.
As a few have already heard some of us went to the track on the weekend to watch motorcycle racing. We were in awe as to the speed and skill required to race those rockets around a 2 1/2 mile track.
In this set I tried to depict speed, lean angles and intensity, focusing on individual bikes. Though my panning attempts looked decent on the LCD when at the track, they were anything but when I saw them on my home screen. So no panning shots in these four. I've had no practice doing this type of shooting so don't expect any Sports Illustrations candidates. I do have a favourite, however so I would like you to voice a choice to see if we're on the same page.
Thanks for riding along.
As a few have already heard some of us went to the track on the weekend to watch motorcycle racing. We were in awe as to the speed and skill required to race those rockets around a 2 1/2 mile track.
In this set I tried to depict speed, lean angles and intensity, focusing on individual bikes. Though my panning attempts looked decent on the LCD when at the track, they were anything but when I saw them on my home screen. So no panning shots in these four. I've had no practice doing this type of shooting so don't expect any Sports Illustrations candidates. I do have a favourite, however so I would like you to voice a choice to see if we're on the same page.
Thanks for riding along.
#1
#2
#3
#4
Aug 15, 2013 20:48:45 #
Jane_Austin
Loc: Melbourne, Australia
I love #3 - a wonderful capture showing his knee almost scraping the track.
Aug 15, 2013 20:56:10 #
Aug 15, 2013 21:07:10 #
Three wins for me as well. Knee puck firmly on the track. Rider has the classic "kiss the mirrors" pose with the body position off the bike and low. This is an excellent shot. When I go to the track I do try to pan. I shoot at about 1/125s when they go past me so that (when it works) the bike is sharp and the spokes are blurred which gives a great impression of speed. Of course at that shutter speed you will have four bad shots for each good one. I'll take that ratio. The film, after all, is already paid for and reusable. I also like shooting groups of riders entering or exiting a corner so that you can see the intensity of the racing. Focusing on one rider will often leave the others out of focus which can be a great effect. I love photographing motorcycles on a race track; but I also ride my bike on the track (no racing just track days) and that is a major thrill also. Great shots. Keep shooting and you will quickly develop a style of your own that you are comfortable with. Nice work.
Aug 15, 2013 21:13:49 #
Jane_Austin wrote:
I love #3 - a wonderful capture showing his knee almost scraping the track.
Thanks a lot Jane. I'm not going to reveal what my choice is until later but I will give you an honest answer.
Aug 15, 2013 21:14:09 #
Aug 15, 2013 21:17:07 #
Aug 15, 2013 21:17:35 #
ebrunner wrote:
Three wins for me as well. Knee puck firmly on the... (show quote)
Thank you. Yes, I know you ride and I used to. That's why the excitement of the weekend.
I used your settings but I didn't give it a fair chance. Next time. I like the groups as well.
Thank you.
Aug 15, 2013 21:30:51 #
Down Home
Loc: Anywhere, Now, SE TEXAS
Joe F.N. wrote:
The skills are what the riders posses. When it com... (show quote)
Nice shots. A rider too for 45+ years, but not a racer, this is too extreme for me. Having to choose just one, I would vote #2. Perhaps a bit more vivid color. Good angle and shows competition. IMO
Aug 15, 2013 21:41:08 #
Hi, Joe! I don't know if I can even come this close since I have never tried this sort of photography. You did good!
Aug 15, 2013 21:42:36 #
Being a track rider also it is a toss up between #2 and #3 but leaning toward #3 like the composition better.
Aug 15, 2013 22:10:34 #
Just want to tell you why 3 appeals to me. #2 tells me there is a motorcycle race going on. In #3 this rider is "looking me in the face" and telling me HE is in this race heart, body and soul. He is determined to do it right. If I were looking for a race picture to hang on the wall, 3 is it.
(I've been riding 31 years. No racing)
(I've been riding 31 years. No racing)
Aug 15, 2013 22:13:23 #
Aug 15, 2013 22:15:31 #
Down Home wrote:
Nice shots. A rider too for 45+ years, but not a racer, this is too extreme for me. Having to choose just one, I would vote #2. Perhaps a bit more vivid color. Good angle and shows competition. IMO
Thank you. Amazing the number of people that have ridden or still ride. Thanks for the vote.
Votes will be recorded and revealed at the end of the post.
Aug 15, 2013 22:16:19 #
tainkc wrote:
Hi, Joe! I don't know if I can even come this close since I have never tried this sort of photography. You did good!
Thanks a lot Tom. You'd do the same job. I've seen your stuff.
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