Autofocus Photowalk

These cars provide great subjects for autofocus and panning practice, even if you aren't into cars. The techniques can be used with any moving subject, such as animals, athletes, etc. We’re going to attend the first day of The Bend Classic 2021, featuring an eclectic mix of historic and significant vehicles.

Take this opportunity to practice using your camera in various autofocus modes, autofocus areas and shutter speeds to ensure you get sharp photos in the very difficult situation of capturing fast moving cars. You can also practice the technique of panning with the cars to get that blurred background look to convey speed.

You will also need to book a ticket online for $10 for entrance to the Park at their ticketing website, due to their Covid restrictions (and I'm told there are limited numbers):
https://thebend.rezdy.com/445445/the-bend-classic-spectator-tickets

The Bend Motorsport Park was voted the world’s best Motorsport Facility of the Year as part of the PMW Expo Awards 2019 in Germany.

We’ll be starting with morning coffee at 10am in the Apex Lounge (immediately past the reception area in the Welcome Centre), where we can discuss techniques. If you arrive early, there are plenty of exotic cars to photograph on display in the foyer of the Welcome Centre (Rydges Pit Lane Hotel). Then we’ll move to the viewing platform on the 1st floor (far right on the outside of the Rydges Hotel building) to photograph the cars on pit straight. Later we plan to move through the underpass to a special vantage point near a couple of bends for more excitement.

After we’ve finished you're welcome to stay for more autofocus practice until they finish around 4pm, or spend some time at Old Tailem Town Pioneer Village just on the other side of Tailem Bend (although these are independent of our photowalk, and just suggestions).

Due to the face-to-face nature of this trip, you will be required to adhere to government regulations for the pandemic that are current at the time of this event.

• Autofocus mode
• Autofocus area
• Exposure mode
• ISO Auto Min Shutter Speed
• Panning
• Steadyshot panning mode
• Continuous shooting
• APS-C/Super 35mm mode

• Sony Alpha camera
• Telephoto lens (e.g. 70-300mm) for action shots.
• Wide-angle lens for close-ups of static car displays.
• Monopod or tripod, especially if you have a heavier lens.
• Sunscreen & hat
• Warm clothing including a wind jacket may be needed