My MotoGP 2012 Trip

[RocketPunch]

@offroadzj

The turn pictures were taken at turn 6. There is a break in the fence and if you get there a little early on practice and qualifying days you can usually get a spot on the fence. Getting a spot there for the race is nearly impossible and you will have a hell of a time trying to get decent shots because the professional photographers will stand right in front of you and not give a damn.

The straight away and podium shots were taken from the tower terrace seats (section 37). The seats were nearly empty so even though our actual seats were row X, we were able to pretty much go wherever we wanted in the section. The podium is literally about 25’ from the edge of the stands (section 37 is the end) and the riders walk within about 10’ of the stands so you can really get up close for the podium.

My setup is very basic… its just a Canon digital rebel xti and the cheap $200 75mm-200mm (or whatever it is) zoom lens. I shoot in complete manual and most of the pictures were taken with ISO 100 or 200, F 5.6 - 6.4ish, and a shutter speed of 1/1000 - 1/2000 iirc. At first I had the focus set on single shot and later on I changed to the Al-focus I think it was (the one that continually auto focuses). And unlike quite a few of the people taking pictures, I usually follow the rider through the turn and snap the picture at a certain point (usually the grass because it gives a better backdrop than the pavement). I don’t just hold the shutter button and take 500 pictures at a rip… lol. At most I’ll take 2 or 3. The only time I would take continuous shots was for the start/finish line shots. My reaction wasn’t quick enough to get the right shot with just one shot so I had to take a bunch and hope I got the bricks in the shot… which isn’t easy at 200+ mph. lol.

You just became our resident Indy MotoGP expert and consultant. :rofl