Rally Team Documentary Series

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timbo-g

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Tim
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Hi All!
After a MASSIVE time period away from my camera, I am getting reacquainted with it. To that end, I have - after a few jars with a friend of mine- agreed to do a documentary series of photographs on the life, loves and laughs of his Rally Team (and the cars) over approximately 6 months.

I am hoping to use this to develop my skills as a photographer, and he is happy for the chance to get more content for his website etc... and wants me to be as creative as I like.

However - what if any considerations do I need to take into account while integrating myself into the team? I am keen to get a fly-on-the-wall perspective, so where would be the best place to start? What do I need to do to get a good documentary series of photos on the go, and what sorts of shots should I start off with?

Apologies if this is posted in the wrong area, but any advice whatsoever is really appreciated!

Cheers
Tim.
 
From a similar experience shooting an opera production (I also shoot a bit of motor sport):

#1 Know your subject (both the team members and the cars).
#2 Allocate a lot of time
#3 Become a team member .... this means being there for almost all "workshops" and "events"
#4 Do not get in the way or become a nuisance (no flash?)
#5 Deliver images in a timely manner (not just at the end of 6 months) , even if just on line a day or so latter.
#6 Keep in mind you are now not just shooting for yourself, you are now working for a "client".

As for actual shooting.
Generaly long shots (location), medium shots, close ups (details).
Keep in mind rally teams consist of people and the cars
Be prepared to capture the cars in action (possibly at night).
Be prepared to shoot in very low light.
Try to capture "moments".

I can post some example pics of what I am talking about if you like.
Hope this helps.
 
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My first reaction is 'jammy sod', the above advice is great too.

Like all people photography, creating those relationships quickly is the most important thing.

Once in the workshop, still life's of parts are best done when they're not needed, so you want to overlap with the team rather than just being there while they are. That'll make some creative lighting more convenient too.

Lots of low light discrete stuff, but you also want to get some proper portraits too, best done as deliberately as possible. ie don't just expect them to be posing during workshop sessions or events, but arrange allocated time with them.

You should get them to arrange media passes for events, and research your positions well, it's not racing and you'll probably only get a few chances of action shots per event. Luckily you'll get to practice on other competitors.
 
Plan.

Documentary photography is about telling a story, so have some 'chapters' in mind: People, workshop, track, spectators, family, perhaps what happens away from the rallying. Have a category for each shot, and keep asking yourself just why you are pointing the camera at this particular scene, and where the shot will fit.

And don't forget to repeat 'I Am A Jammy Sod' at regular intervals. Buy warm socks.
 
Hi Everyone -
Firstly a big thanks for all the advice! I'm beginning to feel like a child at Christmas!
Phil (the driver/owner) is getting back to me with their race calendar and we have already run some ideas through and it's all looking good to go for a start date of mid-march!

I'm working on a photo plan so I can put all your tips into good use - I also have found a unique element of the car to feature - the luminous green roll cage. It is very prominent, so I guess it'd be rude to ignore it!

Thanks again, and I'll try to work out how to get a few pics posted along the way! So feel free to offer critique/advice as I'm sure I'll need some fine tuning. Like the car will, once Phil has started competing in it :)

Tim (Jammy Sod)
 
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