How to get a motion shot?

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Mardave Mad

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James
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Basically, I want to try and get a shot of a 1/12th scale radio control car in motion. I've got flash gun (Finally!) so what do I need to do to capture this shot?
 
Just smooth tracking as it goes by. A tripod may held or image stabiliser but to e honest, it's as simple as practice makes perfect. I personally wouldn't use flash (I assume you're looking to do a second curtain sync) as you can do good motion hits without, just good panning technique
 
Only trouble is, the room it'll be done is isn't very well lit. There's daylight bulbs in, but can sometimes end up dark in shots. I'm guessing a slow speed will be easier? Can do it fast or slow really. So it's just a matter of what's going to be easier.
 
You've set yourself a tough challenge!

Firstly, is the room bright enough for autofocus to work in servo mode? If not maybe add in some extra lighting where you want to take your shot - something like an outdoor 500w floodlight should help.

The floodlight would also help a lot with exposure...

If you use a slow shutter speed you will have to be side on, and panning. Initially you will get terrible results, but the they will get better with time. But adding extra light in will improve the results quicker.

Flash. Sadly while it will get you a sharper shot, flash will have a detrimental effect if you use it for a primary light source. The flas duration is really short, shorter than 1/1000th sec for sure. So if you flash the car, all motion will be almost entirely frozen, the car will look parked... unless you let plenty of ambient light in and reduce flash power. Then it will still take tome experimenting to get it right.

If I were approaching the problem I would...
1. Use a floodlight to light up an area of the track better
2. Shoot at 1/250th second (flash sync speed) and the widest aperture I can
3. Adjust the ISO until I am approximately 1 stop under ambient light
4. Use the flash as fill and to provide some extra contrast

This would still likely end up with high ISO, and would only be a starting point as there is a real chance the above would look awful!
 
Could I use the flash to get the car in a crisp shot and then Photoshop motion? or would I be better off trying for the motion in the first place?

Thanks for the help so far! Will try it out tomorrow
 
Mardave Mad said:
Could I use the flash to get the car in a crisp shot and then Photoshop motion? or would I be better off trying for the motion in the first place?

Thanks for the help so far! Will try it out tomorrow
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Yes, you can certainly do that if you're that way inclined.

I'd maybe be tempted to try some sort of rear curtain flash shot. Basically you take a longish exposure, maybe 1/4 sec or something, and fire a flash pulse at the end. You'll get motion blur and then a sharp rc car in front of it. Plenty of examples on google images if you do a search for rear curtain flash. The effect would be great if the car has lights. May not be what you're after of course.
 
gad-westy said:
Yes, you can certainly do that if you're that way inclined.

I'd maybe be tempted to try some sort of rear curtain flash shot. Basically you take a longish exposure, maybe 1/4 sec or something, and fire a flash pulse at the end. You'll get motion blur and then a sharp rc car in front of it. Plenty of examples on google images if you do a search for rear curtain flash. The effect would be great if the car has lights. May not be what you're after of course.
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This sounds like it! I guess it would be a tripod shot? Flash on top of camera rather than triggered? Also, would I need the external lighting?
 
Mardave Mad said:
This sounds like it! I guess it would be a tripod shot? Flash on top of camera rather than triggered? Also, would I need the external lighting?
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Depends on exactly the look you're looking for but you'll probably be alright with a typical indoor light source. Get the ambient exposure right first then worry about the flash afterwards. I'd suggest off camera flash to avoid the worst of the reflections and shadows but again, experiment and see what works. A tripod or bean bag or something will work well, you'll likely want the camera down low. Once you have the lighting figured out your next challenge will be focussing on where you want the car to appear in shot and then getting your timing right. Trial and error will see you through though and I bet you'll enjoy the process.
 
You have set yourself quite a challenge. I used to race RC cars (probably at the same club you race at) and they are very quick, even in the corners so panning with the car will be very challenging!

Although the shot would probably look better without the flash I suspect it's the only way you will get the shot.

Probably stand more chance if you try to take the photos of the cars during practice and get them to drive much slower! You would still get a good motion shot and stand far more chance of panning with such a small car.
 
I don't race in the North ;) I'm down South visiting my Mum and Dad, so going to my old club! Wycombe.

Will have an attempt tomorrow night and see what I can do!
 
Mardave Mad said:
I don't race in the North ;) I'm down South visiting my Mum and Dad, so going to my old club! Wycombe.

Will have an attempt tomorrow night and see what I can do!
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Didn't realise this was a club thing. I was imagining you or an assistant having control of the RC car. My technique might prove extremely difficult with unpredictable movement. Well worth a shot but take plenty of shots as your keeper rate will likely be very low.
 
gad-westy said:
Didn't realise this was a club thing. I was imagining you or an assistant having control of the RC car. My technique might prove extremely difficult with unpredictable movement. Well worth a shot but take plenty of shots as your keeper rate will likely be very low.
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Well, my assistant (Dad) has good control of the car and if he doesn't work, I'll fire him and get the chairman to do it for me :P
 
Mardave Mad said:
I don't race in the North ;) I'm down South visiting my Mum and Dad, so going to my old club! Wycombe.

Will have an attempt tomorrow night and see what I can do!
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Ah I see. I assume the club on Teesside is still going, it was the biggest membership club in the country at the time I was racing there back in the 90's but most people raced 1/10 scale. There was a few 1/12 scale members but not many, I certainly wouldn't like to try and photograph one that was at full speed as they were crazy fast for something so small!
 
Tesside is still going. I used to/still do race Mardave 1/12th hotrod/saloons so not quite as fast! Wouldn't like to attempt real 1/12th :|
 
If your aim is to produce a top quality photo, then you want the best of all the above, add some quality halogen light, slow the car right down (for a smooth controlled shutter speed) and finish it off with a rer curtain sync flash, either from the same angle as the halogen or as a contrast to it.
 
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