About the event
These cars provide great subjects for practising autofocus and panning, even if you aren't into cars. The techniques can be used with any moving subject, such as animals, athletes, etc. The Bend Classic features an eclectic mix of historic and significant vehicles at SA's own world-class Bend Motorsport Park.
Take this opportunity to practise 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 practise the technique of panning with the cars to get that blurred background look to convey speed.
Note: You need a General Admission ticket from The Bend Classic organisers which is $40 prepaid or $45 at the gate (concession is $5 less) from their website at:
http://www.outix.co/tickets/event/The-Bend-Classic-2024 but be sure to select "Sun 27 Oct" and select "General Admission - Sunday" at $40 (or the Sunday concession option, if applicable).
We’ll be starting with morning coffee at 9:30am 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.
WARNING: There is inherent danger in any motoring event, so be very aware of cars.
Techniques covered
- Action
- Autofocus mode
- Autofocus area
- Exposure mode
- ISO Auto Min Shutter Speed
- Panning
- Steadyshot panning mode
- Continuous shooting
- APS-C/Super 35mm mode
What to bring
- Telephoto lens (e.g. 70-200mm) for action shots
- Wide-angle lens for close-ups of static car displays and cars in the pits
- Monopod or tripod, especially if you have a heavier lens
- Sunscreen & hat (although if it is wet, the photos can be even more spectacular)