2011 SCCA Houston National Tour Houston Raceway Park

[cajunautoxer]

So I just learned that a buddy of mine is running this weekend. I was a little hurt he didn't ask me if I wanted to codrive. Just bc I havn't raced in 4 years

So I'm gonna grab the 7D and head out there. Anyone else plan on going? He's running the second heat. Any tips on how I should set up the camera would be nice. This will be my first time trying to shoot moving cars

From what I read I want to keep the shutter speed under 1/250 and f/11 or f/8. I'll try that tomorrow and see how I do. Also I'm assuming I should set the AF to AI Servo AF? Should I do Single Point AF or maybe Zone?

If anyone goes I'll be the big Chinese guy with the "I'd rather be waterboarding" t shirt. Feel free to stop me and show me how you pros do it

[MT Stringer]

From what I read I want to keep the shutter speed under 1/250 and f/11 or f/8. I'll try that tomorrow and see how I do. Also I'm assuming I should set the AF to AI Servo AF? Should I do Single Point AF or maybe Zone?

Those settings might work for panning shots but your shutter speed should be slower more like 1/125 sec to blur the background.
For fast action, your shutter speed should be a lot higher - more in the range of 1/2500 sec or higher.

Is this a night race or day? I forgot to ask earlier.

Since you have a 7D, you could opt for Auto ISO. Just set you camera on manual, set your shutter speed say 1/2500 sec, f/stop at f/4.5 and ISO on Auto. The camera will adjust the ISO so your pics come out properly exposed. Works for me when I set up a remote camera or when I am shooting in rapidly changing light conditions like late evening before the lights come on at the ball field.

Good luck.

The racing pics in these galleries were shot with the 7D/ 70-200 f/2.8
Michael Henderson Photography : Motorsports : NHRA Spring Nationals 2010

[cajunautoxer]

Thanks for the tips