Photography News issue 23

Photography News Issue 23 absolutephoto.com

Technique

Pedal to themetal From super-speedy action, to retro show & shine, car shows offer excitement and versatility when it comes to picture taking. Petrolhead Daisy Dickinson gets in the driving seat

Switching gear

I used to pack my DSLR on a days out, but carrying tons of lenses around took its toll and I couldn’t enjoy the event with the niggles of aching shoulders. Often I opted to just take one kit lens in place of cumbersome extras, which in turn meant I was missing shots. Since switching to the mirrorless, Micro Four Thirds Olympus PEN system I’ve found I can pack a zoom, macro, portrait, and wide-angle lens, along with camera body for less total weight than just my DSLR and kit lens. It’s incredible really, and the quality – thanks to the 16-megapixel MOS sensor and 5-axis in-body image stabilisation – is stunning. Combined with 9fps continuous shooting, Wi-Fi and a tiltable touchscreen, and it’s the perfect camera to carry with you all day.

Trackside candids Getting up close to the drivers before a race gives you the chance to mix people with the machinery. Go mono to heighten the documentary feel. You’ll also find a wealth of automotive details to enjoy.

As a classic car owner, summer for me means bringing my beloved Capri out of the garage, dusting the winter off and hitting the road – but it’s also great for automotive photography. With car shows aplenty, from local club meets to large-scale race events, it shouldn’t prove too tricky to find some shiny subjects. A trip to an event like Goodwood Revival (taking place on 11-13 September 2015) rewards you with stunning horsepower on show but be warned, you’ll have to share it with thousands of others. Overcoming crowds can be troublesome, be it photographers with their own agendas, or spectators in the background. Packing a wide- angle lens helps youget up close and claimyour

space, and shooting macro will allow you to steal abstract details. For more distant subjects, a decent standard zoom or telezoom will work wonders. I journey to Goodwood each year, packing light with an Olympus PENE-P5. Elbows out There’s nothing more frustrating than being readytopresstheshutter,andsomeonewalking (and staying) in front of you. This is guaranteed at busy events, so unless you want to wait for a shot that might not happen, be prepared with a wide-angle lens like the Olympus M.ZUIKO 9-18mm f/4-5.6. With an 18-36mm 35mm-equivalent this lightweight lens gets me

a mere 25cm from the front of the glass to the car. Getting in close and low with a wide-angle will give an exaggerated perspective and can make the car look more powerful. Going for an aperture around f/7.1 will keep most of the car sharp, but give enough background blur to avoid distractions. American muscle like Mustangs and Chevys look great shot wide straight on, with all focus on the air bulge. Don’t forget the details Locate the paddocks, switch to macro and spend an hour just concentrating on details: a Bugatti’s grille, Camero’s exhaust, or a shiny carburettor. These are often elements missed, but provide an excellent opportunity to create an image that’s different. I packed the M.ZUIKO60mm f/2.8macro, which gave great scope. Look beyond the exterior too, if it’s a soft- top search for interesting patterns and lines in the leather upholstery, chrome gear knobs, or quirky badges, but remember to be considerate; don’t touch the cars–and if theowner isaround, be courteous and ask permission first. Document your day A great thing about Goodwood Revival is the variety of options. The grandstand gives you a chance to bag action shots – you’ll need a zoom for this – but you can get pretty close to the track, too, and use a lens like the 12-40mm f/2.8. Goodwood uses straw bales so you’re even blessed with a fairly neutral, uncluttered backdrop for panning shots. Not a speed-demon? Wander to the holding compound before a race where cars line up for around 20 minutes, and you’ll find the

racing drivers gathered, chatting – it’s gold dust for candids. Switch to monochrome for concentrated attention to the expressions, capturing the pre-race excitement and nerves. Access all areas Revivalisn’tjustaboutbeautifulcars;spectators are encouraged to dress in retro attire, andwith a ‘best dressed’ award up for grabs, people go all out! Visit the Richmond Lawn at 3:45pm for the crowning of ‘best dressed’ each day. It’s a friendly affair, so don’t be afraid to approach people for a shot – most will be flattered. Carry business cards with a link to your work, or offer a print a to thank them. One of my favourite ways to end the day at Goodwood is heading to the car park (bear with me) just before close. Many visitors come in their own classics, making it a secret hotspot for photography – and the best news, no elbowing others out of the way. As the sun dips, focus on reflections and rich contrast in bodywork, look for juxtapositions with other cars nearby and shoot to your hearts delight!