The Singapore F1 Grand Prix will be flagging off this weekend so expect plenty of smoking rubber action and roars of engines as the cars speed past you. But what's different for this race is that it will held at night, so light is crucial for both drivers on the track and shutterbugs along the bleachers. While the organizers are simulating daylight with high-power lamps along the tarmac, taking pictures of this event is more difficult than shooting under the sun. Arm yourself with these tips to get better shots.
Most digicams have the option to manually set the ISO sensitivity, and as with low-light shots, set the ISO to 800 or above. Even though the streets are lined with lamps that can simulate daylight, increasing the sensitivity will "force" the shooter to use a higher shutter speed which can effectively freeze motion for fast-moving subjects.
It is best to have a shooter with at least 10x optical zoom. This will let you get closer to the subject without having to physically move nearer. But keep in mind that blurriness from shaky hands intensifies as you zoom in, so it's wise to get a snapper with optical or sensor-shift image stabilization. Although you can bring a tripod along for the race, it's not allowed to use it on the grandstand. An IS-equipped shooter is even more important for better shots. If you are using a dSLR, lenses with the focal length exceeding 300mm will not be allowed, according to the organizers.
If your camera has a hotshoe, fix a flash on it. The built-in flash on most point-and-shoots has limited reach, whereas external strobes usually have a larger coverage area so you have a higher chance of capturing the action. An F1 representative said flash photography is allowed but it is discouraged as it may distract other viewers.
To achieve the streaking effect in the background, pan the camera as you take the shot. Determine where the subject is going to enter the frame, then follow as it moves and snap the shot. Follow through with the panning motion even after you press the shutter to get that professional effect.
As Sun-Tzu once said, "Know the enemy and know thyself." In our context, it is best to have an understanding of where you are sitting (or standing) and where the subject will arrive from. This will help to prepare you for the action when the cars speed past you. If you are near the pitstop, prepare yourself before the vehicles cruise in because they'll be gone before you know it.
