Motorsports and how it made me a better photographer pt. 2

Every time I go to a motorsports event, I get approached by someone who sees my photos (I always bring photos taken the previous year to get signed or to give as gifts to the drivers and teams). They often want to know how I was able to take such clear photos, how I am able to capture the moment when the cars are driving by so fast. So for the benefit of those who are interested in this type of photography - here are some useful tips.

In no particular order but all equally important:

1. Patience - it can make or break your shot

2. Know your subject - know what you are shooting so you can anticipate

3. Know your equipment - knowing your camera and gear is so vital

4. Frame your shot - have a general idea of what you want the outcome to be

5. Practice, practice & more practice - make using your equipment second nature

6. Read motorsports mags - notice how pros shoot to get inspiration

7. Know your photo-editing software - learn how to 'touch-up' your good shots

8. Enjoy - if you don't enjoy your photos why are you doing this in the first place?

I think that you would agree that the above makes sense - its just a matter of putting it all together. Another hint that I should mention. Always be prepared. Over the next few posts I am going to touch on the above to explain what I mean and how does it apply to motorsports photography and how it will make you overall a better photographer in whatever else you shoot.

My passion is Motorsports – How it taught me to take better photos

I have many passions in life: photography, food, music, fishing, nature, fashion and motorsports. Today, I want to write about one of them, motorsports. It all started when I was a little boy watching the F1 Monaco Grand Prix at my uncle’s house. The speed and beauty of the magnificent machines fascinated me.
I went to my first auto race, the Molson Indy, years ago and brought a Canon EOS ELAN 35mm and a Canon ELPH APS (Advance Photo System). At the time, these cameras were considered ‘high-tech’ and produced really nice results. Below is a photo taken with an ELPH (I got Blacks to convert it into a digital file):



My past photography experiences helped a lot with the photo composition, colour and exposure. I took many photos of the drivers, cars (in the paddock and on track) and other moments from the Indy race. I found trying to capture the cars while they moved so quickly overwhelming and challenging. Overall, the shots were nice, but being a perfectionist, that was not enough. I was determined to improve and with lots of reading, trial and error and research, I did.



I can say I have learned the ins and outs of motorsports photography. I am confident in my skills and hopefully the images posted here will bear the proof to my proficiency in motorsports photography.



While I do not profess to be the best at motorsports photography, I have been learning and working at this aspect of photography for the past six years. I had the pleasure and honour of meeting Richard Prince this past summer. In the brief time I have gotten to know him, he has taken the time to share some of his knowledge and provide feedback on some of my photos. I consider him my motorsports photography mentor and I thank him for being my inspiration try even harder to pursue excellence in motorsports photography. In my opinion, he best represents the art of motorsports photography. Find out more about Richard Prince and his work here: www.rprincephoto.com.



In the next few posts I will be breaking down key elements I feel have helped me improve my photos. I hope you find the advice helpful.

Nuit Blanche 2009

Oh what a night! Nuit Blanche is like photo candy for the avid photog amateur and/or professional alike. This being my first experience, one can say I was a Nuit Blanche virgin and wasn't sure what to expect. I heard rumblings as to what it might be like but nothing compared to the actual experience of roaming around downtown Toronto with 500,000 people.
This definitely will not be my last time going to Nuit Blanche. I really enjoyed the whole experience. One of the many highlights of my evening included having great friends accompany me on this art journey. I was asked not post to pictures of my friends and against my will, I won't - even though they are fun photos.

Well maybe just one picture. Oh I am sure I will hear about it!



Things that stood out for me included a 46 foot long silver rabbit balloon that was on display in the Eaton Centre. It was part of the Macy's Day celebration parade in New York and it drew a very large crowd. I took at least 50 photos and I am not too sure how to really work them in the background. This is where I see Photoshop CS4 coming to the rescue but here's a look at what a 46 foot silver rabbit looks like.



The next exhibit that really stood out for me had to do with an igloo dress and the performance artist wearing the dress. I was able to get some dramatic poses and shots. I really enjoyed the exhibit and its significance. However, on a purely photography perspective, it was a great opportunity to capture the performer's many facial expressions and movements.





With the Megawatt light display lighting up the city core with its four letter displays, Nathan Phillips Square was a focal point of the whole celebration of Nuit Blanche. The errie soundtrack that played in the background was fitting for the atmosphere. I truly enjoyed the evening on many different levels.



The financial district was our last stop. The atmosphere reminded me of a carnival, with rides illustrating the craziness and volatility of the financial markets of the past year. Apparently, the carnival was manned by financial professionals who had lost their jobs due to the economic downsizing that hit Toronto and other financial markets. It was a very interesting juxtaposition; the crazy amusement park rides and the stoic towers in the heart of Toronto's financial district.



The night came to an end for us at 5 a.m. However, the evening was still in full swing. As I drove home, my mind was energized with thoughts of that evenings' events. The anticipation of reviewing the nights photo shoot reminded me of how I feel on Christmas morning (just before I am about to open gifts).

Until next year….bonne nuit for Nuit Blanche 2009!

It's been crazy busy...but I am not complaining!

I would first like to say that I know it's been a little while since my last post. Since then, I have been quite busy with photography work. I was recently in Lake Louis and Banff for a wedding shoot. It went extremely well. The Bride and Groom were awesome to work with. Their photos showed what a fun couple they are. Best of luck to them and their future together.



I took full advantage of the fact that I was surrounded by beautiful scenery. I took hundreds of photos of the mountains and lakes. This was truly an amazing experience. It was my first, but definitely not the last, trip to the Rockies. What can I say? I am in love with the mountains, the turquoise glacier lakes and rivers. I was overwhelmed with the splendour of nature.The photos will soon be posted on my working portfolio: http://artographystudios.ca/PhotoAlbums/main_portfolio/



After getting back from Lake Louis, my wife and I made the two hour journey to Dundalk to Goldenfield Kennels to pick-up Maddox, our dog. He was on vacation at the doggie hotel visiting his mom, siblings and cousins. I was told he had a blast and really enjoyed the freedom of playing with other dogs. What a lucky dog! I had made previous arrangements with the breeder at Goldenfields Kennels to do a photo shoot. The breeder wanted to post updated photos of her dogs. I was very lucky to have two super cute puppy Retrievers as my models for the shoot. It's quite easy to make puppies look good because they are already so easy on the eyes - but in that there lies the challenge of how to make the photos stand out even more. Well, the shoot didn't take too long and it was so fun, it didn't even feel like I was working. The breeder has already given me feedback and she loves the photos. We will be scheduling another photo shoot. Thanks Karen (the breeder) for letting me work with your wonderful dogs.



The weekend was the busiest I have been in awhile...a wedding, Nuit Blanche, hosting three birthday parties and celebrating my first year anniversary to my lovely wife Michelle.



My friend's brother got married on Saturday. I have known the couple for a few years and they are so full of life. Good luck to them both I wish them well! I did not take many photos because they had their own photographer. But the shots I did take turned out very well and I can't wait to show them the proofs.



After the wedding, we ventured to Nuit Blanche, an all-night art party. For more information: www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca
All I can say is that it was spectacular. This was my first time going and if this was any indication as to what it will be like next year, I will definitely be there again. There was performance art, art installations and bigger than life art displays. It was great to see all the people that came out to celebrate the art.



There were just too many good things about that night to list. I believe Nuit Blanche 2009 deserves its own blog entry.
Nuit blanche for my friends and I ended at 5 a.m. But from the crowds, you wouldn't be able to tell what time it was. What a great time and photo opportunity for the professional and amateur photographers alike.



I want to thank everyone for the opportunity to be a part of your special day! The photos are on their way and I look forward to catching up with you all.


Enjoy the photos!

Nicholas