| Joined: | Mon Apr 2nd, 2012 |
| Location: | South Lakeland, UK |
| Posts: | 4066 |
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Hi everyone! I'm a complete novice to the photography world, I often attend horse racing and had the thought of obviously taken snaps while I'm there, I managed to pick up a Nikon d3100 which came with 18-55mm lens and I also bought a Sigma AP0 70-300mm F4-5.6 DG, I would love to know if I need anything else? And also any hints/tips or advice to help me along the way
Thanks Michael.
Hi Michael, welcome to the forum.
I think the most important thing to remember is to be very aware of the light, it's direction and strength. While exposures made against the light can be very successful, the chances are you will loose the detail you seek, better working with the light. I have photographed at a lot of motor racing circuits around the UK, I always plan my locations and best vantage points before the racing starts, even in the days before the event, via Google Earth, checking the angles of the Sun and ease of access, also the background, try to stand where the background isn't too fussy or distracting. Another very valuable tool is the Photographers Ephemeris Direct link which allows you to predict the lighting, the Sun (and Moon) angles for a given day and time from a chosen location.
Learn how to use the histogram to check your exposure, before the action and whenever you get a chance. I always make trial exposures before the racing starts, during practice, or even just the empty track, making sure the settings are good. If you are travelling any distance to a circuit you need to avoid wasted opportunities, else the frustration will be off-putting.
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Robert.