BTCC Donington Park - Tips Needed

[emmabphoto]

Hello all

Going to be photographing the Donington Park round of the BTCC this weekend and I'm just wanting some tips.

This will be the first time I'll be photographing as media. Back in November I photographed a test day but this was in public only areas, so behind the catch fence. This time round I'll have more access but I'm feeling a bit unsure. When I photographed the test day, I was just at the main grandstand, inner side of the esses and the inside of Redgate.

Can anybody who has had similar experience give me some tips on where to go and how to deal with photographing a motorsport event on your own? I'll be using a rented 100-400mm lens if this helps.

Many thanks.

 

[pete.rush]

Check out this....http://www.ten-tenths.com/forum/showthread.php?t=132978

http://www.donington-park.co.uk/events/2014/04/19/dunlop-msa-british-touring-car-championship/

Best bet is to walk the circuit in the morning, find the best places that you want to shoot from, then concentrate on the racing in the afternoon. I assume you've not got an assignment, i.e. take shots of specific drivers or racing teams. Just enjoy the day and prepare for a bit of walking unless they provide transport for you.

 

[emmabphoto]

Many thanks Pete.

Yes, I'm going to use Saturday as a "test" and will probably walk around the circuit which I'm not shy about, even with carrying kit. With that, I should be sure about where to go on Sunday.

No, I'm shooting for a website so it's just generic shots needed really but I want to do the best I can!

 

[pete.rush]

Looking at the weather forecasts, make the most of Saturday, Sunday looks a bit wet.... Think about you camera setting, framing of the image and use the available light to your advantage, so position of the sun, and just enjoy your weekend. Mix up some shots with pit and crew action and drivers.

 

[emmabphoto]

If it does rain I'm prepared but from what you've said, I think I'll stay near the pit straight on Sunday. See how it goes.

Many thanks again Pete. Much appreciated.

 

[andrewc]

There are several shots I like from Donington. I would do one race from inside of circuit near first corner, and move during the race towards the last corner complex. At the Media Day, cars were getting significantly airborne as they hit the kerbs. Move back towards the start line to capture the chequered flag shot. This also means you can cover the grid and also the podium easily.

Secondly, the cars look great as they hare down the Craner Curves on the opening lap, and you can get some nice shots around old Hairpin and Starkeys.

A bit of a trek is the Coppice shot, car rise over a crest into Coppice, leaving a nice clean background behind them.

But there are nice angles all over the place, outside of first corner, a low down shot after hollywood and so on.

Key is to have a plan, move about and watch the position of the sun.

Don't forget, if its your first time as media, to keep a crash barrier between you and the track at all times and to keep your eyes and ears open at all times.