Photographing a Moving Motorcycle

[Dustin]

I'm new here, so please forgive me should this be in the wrong section.

As practice, I am going to be photographing my mother riding a motorcycle. My goal is to have she and the motorcycle in focus, while the background is not. I'd also like the wheels to, in some way, depict motion by not having the spokes frozen. I'm using an EOS T3 with the stock 18-55mm lens. What settings would you recommend as far as the photographic triangle goes? I assume the lowest f-stop which for me is five or 5.6, and a mid-range shutter speed. What about ISO and things like that? I'm working with manual mode, so I can't adjust the exposure comp.

Any help is appreciated! Thanks much!

[KenJulio]

You'll want a slower shutter speed, possibly shooting at f8 or f11 to achieve the depth you'll get along with getting the slower shutter speed. ISO, as low as you can go with proper exposure. If you have an idea where you're shooting, take some test shots before she starts riding finding your exposure, then you would pan as she rides by.

Rough guess in settings in daylight
f8
1/100th to 1/200th
iso 100

[Dustin]

Originally Posted by KenJulio

You'll want a slower shutter speed, possibly shooting at f8 or f11 to achieve the depth you'll get along with getting the slower shutter speed. ISO, as low as you can go with proper exposure. If you have an idea where you're shooting, take some test shots before she starts riding finding your exposure, then you would pan as she rides by.

Rough guess in settings in daylight
f8
1/100th to 1/200th
iso 100

Thanks much for the help! I forgot to mention that this will be in very early evening/late afternoon, so it will be day.

I'll give this a shot! Thanks again!

[KenJulio]

Shoot manual and adjust your shutter speed and aperture for the right exposure. You may shoot at a higher shutter speed if you are having troubles keeping her sharp and the cause is motion blur.

I'll add, there are more exp shooters here, so they'll correct me or add to this.

[Dustin]

Originally Posted by KenJulio

Shoot manual and adjust your shutter speed and aperture for the right exposure. You may shoot at a higher shutter speed if you are having troubles keeping her sharp and the cause is motion blur.

I'll add, there are more exp shooters here, so they'll correct me or add to this.

Your help is much appreciated! I'm not sure if my mother will object or not to me posting the result, but if not, I will!

[duronboy]

I'd use shutter priority(Tv on the mode dial) at about 1/60th - 1/125th, depending on your focal length. Longer focal lengths require shorter shutter speeds.

Turn off your IS or Image Stabilizer. If you have an L lens, set the stabilizer to 'Mode 2' or just off all the way. Mode 2 helps keep vertical shakes at bay, while leaving horizontal motion free, as long as you're shooting in the landscape orientation.

When you follow the object, pivot with your hips, not your arms. Keep your arms and feet planted.

Use burst mode.

Use AI Servo focusing mode. This means that while your thumb is on the shutter half way, the camera will be continuously hunting for perfect focus, instead of just achieving it initially and stopping(then beeping), as it normally does. This way, you can keep accurate focus, while waiting for the perfect time to shoot.

Practice for about an hour on cars going by, and you'll be a pro.

Don't limit yourself to just panning shots. Get a few where the action is frozen, too.
1/50th


1/100th


1/640th

[Dustin]

Wow! Couldn't ask for more information and helpful advice than that! Thanks so much!

[Ahh!]

1/30" F11 @35mph pacing in the next lane.

[Dustin]

Oh, and by burst mode, do you mean continuous? (Sorry, new to the lingo)

[Dustin]

Originally Posted by Ahh!

1/30" F11 @35mph pacing in the next lane.

That is precisely what I am going for!

[Ahh!]

Use a VR, IS, or VC lens. And maybe a touch more shutter speed to sharpen the bike more. Say 1/50 or 1/60th. Or add a touch of flash.

[Ahh!]

Originally Posted by Dustin

That is precisely what I am going for!

Wut? Mom doesn't jump dirt? Is she into crotch rockets or hogs?

[Dustin]

Originally Posted by Ahh!

Wut? Mom doesn't jump dirt? Is she into crotch rockets or hogs?

My step-father who is a former professional motorcyclist bought her this Suzuki semi-hog/semi-dirtbike thing.

[Ahh!]

It's either the best of both worlds (probably not) or the lowest common denominator. But, hey, my time on 2 motorized wheels can be measured in hours. But I did operate a few different rigs including pop a wheelie on a 650 (oops).

The shot required a driver (MyFavoriteSecondShooter) and me in the passenger seat.

[duronboy]

Originally Posted by Dustin

Oh, and by burst mode, do you mean continuous? (Sorry, new to the lingo)

Correct. Bring an empty memory card because you will take a LOT of pictures.