Tips & pointers for motocross.

moomike

moomike

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Am shooting a motocross event this weekend & just wondered if anyone had any tips on getting the best results with regards to focusing (whether to prefocus or not), general tips, recommended shutter speeds, etc.
Am using the 1D with 70-200 2.8L IS btw but will be taking the 300 anyway just in case along with my monopod, etc.
I do shoot quite a lot of sports & am confident with the job but was wondering about things I may not have considered - any help or ideas would be very much appreciated :thumbs:
 
Dump the monopod it will slow you down, 1/250 or quicker (you'll actually still get movement in the tyres at anything up to 1/1000 or so), use shutter priority or manual. The 1D will be quick enough without having to prefocus, especially if you can track with them using AIServo. If they're coming up from a blind rise prefocus on the crest and then react to where they actually appear.

The 70-200 is a great lens for it, lets you fill the frame and still stay reasonably far away. However if you've got something wider it can be "interesting" if you get up close. Slow synch flash can also work pretty well although I'm usually too lazy to use it, I'd rather be shooting with the sun at my back to minimise shadows on faces etc.

24-70 from right under the jump

ML1W0576.jpg


one fo my favourites from this year (suns to my left, see the shadow on his face :( )
ML1W8784.jpg



Good boots, waterproofs (I've also got a dry set of clothes in the car if it's wet and I've got a long drive), plenty of water/food, lots of memory cards, business cards or something to let people know where you're showing them.

Finally, be safe, if you're fairly close to the track and someone comes off, the bike can go a good 10/20 feet. If you're crossing the track always wait until you're sure you've got time, if in doubt wait till the moto finishes.

You're going to absolutely love it, just wait till you hear, and feel, the open/adults/A's at the start :D
 
oh, and use jpeg, not RAW :lol:
 
There's more ;)

Speak to the organisers and ask them about access. You may have to sign on. Don't know if you've got a hi-vis vest but if you do take it.

Use a notebook, the motos are run by class and I usually just write in the class and the starting image no. If you're putting the pics up on a website it will help people find them later on. Also helps you when someone asks for number 25 in the Schoolboy 125. If I forget the notebook I just write the class in the mud and take a shot of that.

Look for some candids, once you get to know them they'll happily pose for you, there's some great banter.

Expect them to rip off your images for their bebo and myspace, even if they're watermarked. I don't bother to fight it and don't even bother to watermark now. They prefer it and the mums still buy prints. Only thing I do object to is anyone hotlinking. That's pretty much stopped now though when I threatened to replace anything I found on personal sites with something less tasteful :D

Exposure can be tricky, if it's sunny these guys reflect a lot of light, you might have to dial in an extra 1/3 or 2/3 stops.

Never eat the catering van hot dogs :lol:

Think that's about it :)
 
:lol: Nice one mate, I think I'm getting provided with a high-vis vest & the person I'm shooting for is doing all of the organising/posting on sites, etc :thumbs:
Definitely something I'm going to look into attending more often if it turns out to be even half as much fun as I'm expecting it to be.
Must remember to pack stick then :lol: :thumbs:

Nice pics there Dod btw!
 
Think Dod said it all here, if you're feeling brace though some real wide angle stuff by catching them on the inside of a slow corner can be fun, i've got some where the bikes fill the frame and were taken at 18mm :) the wind going past your head is fun and i could even hear the guys chatting to me as they went past.

Another bit of advice is move about a bit to get some variety, you'll find it handy to maybe watch the first section (usually each class with race 3 times, doing 65,85sw,85bw,125 schooboys, adults etc, then back to 65,85sw....etc) as it will give you an idea of where the spectacular shots will be the 125 schooboys are usually good for some flashy pics as they all want to show off, so you get guys doing kicks or waving to you.

AS dod said the 1D will focus quickly enough for you, my usual though is to pre-focus on a specific area then wait for the bikes to fill the frame before snapping, but that comes with experience and going a lot, we all have our own ways of doing things.

Lastly, have fun, it's a great sport.

30347_1115694999.jpg
 
ifotou said:
some real wide angle stuff by catching them on the inside of a slow corner can be fun,
Click to expand...

You can also get them on the outside if the corner if you're feeling really brave, does guarantee you a roosting though :lol:

ML1W4310.jpg
 
dod said:
You can also get them on the outside if the corner if you're feeling really brave, does guarantee you a roosting though :lol:

ML1W4310.jpg
Click to expand...

HAHAHA yeah deffo, also my last piece of advice, my first ever MX i decided that a shot from behind the bikes at the start of the race, after about 0.0005 seconds i realised that wasn't a good idea as i got splattered with stones, mud, and i'm positive a half brick :) just so lucky the lens survived.
 
ifotou said:
i realised that wasn't a good idea as i got splattered with stones, mud, and i'm positive a half brick :) just so lucky the lens survived.
Click to expand...

How did I forget :bang: UV filters are compulsory along with the lens hood. They will get chipped too.
 
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