Let's take pictures of fast-moving motorcycles and cars! How to take motorsports photos? Tips on lens selection and how to take pictures!

The roar of an engine, the sight of a galloping machine, the serious expression on the driver's face. Capturing the fascination of motorsports in a single photograph is no easy task. However, if you know how to choose the right lens and know the tricks of the trade, you can get as close as possible to the image you want to capture. In this issue, we will introduce basic knowledge that can be utilized in race photography, as well as recommended lens selection.

Telephoto lenses are basic for motorsports

The basic rule of motorsports photography is to use a telephoto lens. A telephoto lens with a focal length of 200 mm or more is recommended for capturing large images of subjects running at full speed from a distance. By using a telephoto lens, you can take powerful photos even from a distance.
Also, some venues have restrictions on the length of lenses that can be used in the audience area, so it is necessary to check in advance.

On the other hand, it is also useful to have a zoom lens that covers not only the telephoto side but also the wide-angle to standard range. It is useful in a wide range of situations, such as scenery of the circuit and spectator seating. Be sure to have it ready, as it will broaden the scope of your photography to include non-racing atmospheres as well.

Is a tripod or monopod necessary?

Motor sports photography requires good footwork and instantaneous situational awareness. For this reason, a tripod or monopod is not essential for many hand-held shootings. However, if you are shooting for long periods of time or using heavy lenses, it is a good idea to have a monopod. A monopod will allow you to move quickly and still take stable pictures.

Tripods take up a lot of space and are not often used on circuits where space is limited. If used, care should be taken not to disturb others, especially in crowded spectator areas.

Basic exposure settings

Although not limited to motorsports, proper exposure settings are important. In the beginning, keep the basic exposure settings in mind and adjust them flexibly as you check the results of your photos.

Shooting Mode

First, let's use shutter speed priority mode. In this mode, you can set the shutter speed as desired, and the camera will automatically select the appropriate F-number and ISO sensitivity. This mode is useful when shooting fast-moving cars and motorcycles, as it is important to control the shutter speed.

However, if you need more fine control, such as when shooting a flowing stream, switch to manual mode as appropriate. Try this after you have practiced and become accustomed to shooting.

F-number

To capture the beauty of the machine in sharp detail, it is best to use a slightly stopped-down F-stop of about F8 to F11. By choosing an F-number in this range, it will be easier to focus on the contours of the machine. If you want to achieve a blurred effect, set a smaller F-number.

Shutter speed

When shooting simple still images, choose between 1/200 sec. and 1/1000 sec. depending on the situation. It is recommended to start with a slightly faster shutter speed, such as 1/500 second, and adjust as you check the pictures you take.

The faster the shutter speed, the sharper the motion captured, but select a slower shutter speed for streaming shots as described below. Select the appropriate shutter speed according to the image you want to capture.

ISO sensitivity

ISO sensitivity can basically be left to the auto setting. If it is a sunny day, ISO 100 to ISO 500 will be sufficient to take a bright enough picture.
However, if it is dark in cloudy or rainy weather, it is necessary to set a higher sensitivity, such as ISO 1600 to ISO 3200, or to adjust the sensitivity by adding exposure compensation. As a precaution, if the ISO sensitivity is set too high, noise may begin to be noticeable, so make adjustments while viewing the photo.

Basic Shooting Tips

One of the most exciting aspects of motorsports photography is capturing beautiful images of high-speed racing machines. You may have the image that motorsports is all about streaming shots, but let's first review some basic tips for taking still images.

Don't forget to do some preliminary preparation

Preparation is essential for taking good photographs. First, do a preliminary study of the entire course to get an idea of where the corners and straight lines are located. By having input on the layout of the circuit, you will be able to predict the shooting points to aim for.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
If possible, it is best if you can visit the venue in person to take a preliminary inspection. By seeing the circuit with your own eyes, you may be able to discover spots for photography that were not obvious on the course map or in advance information.
Having a good idea of the shooting points in advance will lead to smooth shooting during the actual event.

How to focus well

To capture fast-moving subjects, set the autofocus (AF) setting to Continuous AF and set the focus area to Zone or Flexible Spot. This will make it easier for the camera to follow the focus of a moving subject.

In addition, compose and wait at the point where you want to take the picture. It is easier to get the best shot if you take a series of shots just before the vehicle enters the angle of view.

Alternatively, you can use manual focus (MF) to focus on the position where the subject will pass by, and release the shutter at the moment the subject comes to that position to ensure that you capture the fast-moving subject. This is what is known as “pinpointing.

Composition

In motorsports photography, which captures a single moment in time, spur-of-the-moment decisions are required. Therefore, knowing basic composition techniques will make it easier to take well-balanced photos when the moment calls for it.

Try to be aware of simple yet effective compositions, such as three-section compositions and diagonal compositions. Also, if you cannot get close to the course, you will often have to crop the photo later, so taking a photo with large margins will give you more freedom for editing.

Blurring the Fence

At circuits, it is not uncommon to be forced to shoot through fences. However, if the fence is blurred in the picture, the subject will be less attractive.

In such cases, try shooting with the lens as close to the fence as possible. By moving the lens closer, the fence will be blurred and less noticeable, making it easier to take clear photos.

Let’s try panning shots

Once you have become accustomed to taking still pictures, try taking panning shots. By having the camera follow the dashing machine and creating a flow with the blurred background, you can take photos that are full of dynamism. Here, we will introduce the basic techniques for taking stream-of-consciousness photos. It may seem difficult at first, but practice repeatedly to improve your skills.

Shutter speed for panning shot

The key to taking a flowing shot is to select an appropriate shutter speed. By using a slower shutter speed fand following the camera to the subject, you can express a sense of speed by blurring the background while keeping the subject in focus.

Start with a shutter speed of about 1/125 sec. to 1/320 sec. As you get used to it, you may want to try adjusting to a slower shutter speed.

In addition, some cameras and lenses have a “dedicated panning shot mode. The name and settings may differ depending on the manufacturer, so check the specifications beforehand and make use of it.

Create a sense of speed with the background

The choice of background is also important when shooting a stream shot. By using a curb or grass in the background, you can express a sense of speed by contrasting it with the machine. When choosing a shooting position, take into account what elements are in the background.

Don't rush to shake the camera

Another thing to keep in mind when shooting in a panning shot is how to move the camera. If you swing the camera too quickly, not only the background but also the subject itself will be blurred, making it impossible to obtain a clear image.

First, decide on the point where you want to take a flowing shot, such as a straight line or a corner. Then, press the shutter release button halfway down to bring the camera into focus beforehand. Hold the camera firmly at your side, and just before the machine enters the angle of view, rotate your upper body from the waist to follow the machine and take a series of pictures. The key to success is to keep the upper body in a stable position while keeping smooth movements in mind.

Using ND filters

Because the shutter speed is slower in stream photography, it is easy to overexpose the image, especially during sunny days. This is where ND filters come in handy.

By using an ND filter, you can reduce the amount of light and take pictures with proper exposure. For panning shots on sunny days, a filter of about ND8 (3 stops) or ND16 (4 stops) is a good choice.

How to shoot different scenes

You will encounter a variety of scenes at the circuit. Depending on the type of race and weather conditions, the best shooting methods will vary. Here are some typical scenes to shoot.

Racing Car

Capturing the car's expression from the front at corners and capturing the car's body dipping during braking will help to capture the power of the car during acceleration.
Also, try to photograph the side of the machine in a straight line. This is also a good spot for your first panning shot.

As you get used to it, try shooting the flowing shots at the corners and the moment of overtaking. You will be able to create dynamic and powerful works that are typical of motorsports.

Motorcycle race

In motorcycle racing, the movement of the rider as well as the machine is an important factor.

When shooting from the front in a straight line, try to capture the rider and machine as one. This will convey the tension of the rider as well as the sense of speed.

At the moment of cornering, capturing the extreme ground contact between the rider, machine, and ground will create a tense and dynamic image. It will express the rider's keen concentration and superhuman technique.

How to deal with bad weather and dark conditions

In motorsports photography, which is affected by weather conditions, it is useful to know how to shoot under adverse conditions.

In bad weather, such as rain, increase the ISO sensitivity to ensure brightness; try going up to ISO 1600 or 3200.

In addition to ISO sensitivity, add exposure compensation on the positive side to ensure brightness in dark scenes. However, be careful not to skip highlights. Note that positive exposure compensation in aperture priority mode slows down the shutter speed, which can cause blurring, while in shutter priority mode, the aperture opens, which has the disadvantage of reducing the depth of field.

Another option is to shoot in RAW format and compensate during editing.

When it is raining, capture the spray from the tires as part of the subject. This will help to convey the realism of the race.

How to Select the Right Lens for Motor Sports Photography

Here are some tips for choosing the right lens for motorsports photography. While actually holding the lens in your hand, choose the lens that best suits the image you want to capture.

Focal length

Focal length is one of the most important factors in lens selection. For motorsports, as mentioned above, it is recommended to choose a telephoto lens with a focal length of 200 mm or more. This will allow you to capture a large image of the subject from a distance.

In addition, a super-telephoto lens of 400mm or more will make it easier to get close-ups of the details of the cars, the expressions of the drivers, and the atmosphere of the pits. For those who want to pay close attention to details, a super-telephoto lens is recommended.

In addition, a zoom lens that covers the standard range at the wide-angle end is convenient for shooting landscapes without having to change lenses.

F-number

A lens with the smallest possible maximum aperture f-number will make it easier to take brighter pictures in dark places. f/2.8 or f/4 lenses are reassuring in bad weather and in low light conditions such as at dusk.

Autofocus (AF) performance

AF performance is extremely important for capturing fast-moving subjects. Make sure that the camera can focus smoothly and that it can track fast-moving subjects well.

Adjustable Image Stabilization Mechanism

When shooting motorsports, which requires a lot of hand-held shooting, it is also important to check for the presence of an image stabilization mechanism.

Especially when shooting hand-held with a telephoto lens, image stabilization is essential because camera shake can easily occur. Since motorsports photography often involves shooting in a streaming mode, we recommend a camera with a dedicated streaming mode or a type that allows you to adjust the amount of image stabilization.

Lightness and compactness

In order not to miss the decisive moment, we recommend a lens that is lightweight and easy to handle. It will not cause fatigue when traveling or shooting for long periods of time, and it will not be bulky when changing shooting points.

It also makes it easy to move the camera smoothly when shooting in a stream, making it easier to take pictures.

Operability

A lens with excellent operability makes shooting more stress-free. First, check the operation of the focus ring. If it is smooth and has just the right amount of resistance, it will be easier to make fine adjustments in manual focusing.

For zoom lenses, the operating feel of the zoom ring and whether it has a zoom lock are also important. Especially in the telephoto range, a zoom lock mechanism is useful because the weight of the lens may extend the zoom when moving.

Moisture-Resistant Construction

Because motorsports are held outdoors, they are easily affected by weather conditions. To take pictures without worrying about a little bit of rain, it is safe to choose a lens with a splash-proof mechanism.

Note, however, that it is not completely waterproof. In full-blown rain, you will need a separate rain cover or other protective gear.

Capture the power and excitement of racing in your photographs!

Motor sports photography is one of the most difficult fields to photograph, but you can improve with repeated practice. Keep in mind the key to choosing the right lens and basic knowledge of photography, and release the shutter repeatedly. You will enjoy shooting more and more as you learn how to take flowing shots.