Car sport photography

J.Giesselbach • January 10, 2023

Starting out in car sport photography

Photographing car racing can be a thrilling and challenging experience for photographers of all levels. From the speed and action of the cars on the track to the excitement and energy of the crowds, car racing events offer a wealth of opportunities for capturing dynamic and memorable images.


If you're new to car racing photography, here are a few tips to get you started:

  1. Research the event you'll be photographing and the best locations for capturing the action. This will help you plan your shooting strategy and choose the right equipment.
  2. Use a fast shutter speed to freeze the motion of the cars. A shutter speed of at least 1/1000th of a second is usually sufficient, but you may want to use an even faster shutter speed if the light is low or the cars are moving particularly quickly.
  3. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to add interest to your shots. Get up close to the action with a wide-angle lens, or use a telephoto lens to capture close-ups of the drivers and the cars. Don't be afraid to get creative and try out different viewpoints.
  4. Use continuous shooting mode to increase your chances of getting the perfect shot. This will allow you to take multiple shots in quick succession, giving you a better chance of capturing the peak action.
  5. Bring a long lens to capture close-ups of the drivers and the cars. A telephoto lens will also allow you to zoom in on the action from a distance.
  6. Protect your equipment from the elements, as car racing events can be held in a variety of weather conditions. Bring a weather-resistant camera and lens, and consider using a rain cover to keep your gear dry.


Once you've mastered the basics of car racing photography, you can start to experiment with more advanced techniques to capture truly dynamic shots. One such technique is panning, which involves following the movement of the cars with your camera as you take the shot. To execute this technique effectively, follow these steps:

  1. Choose a location with a clear background, such as a straightaway on the track.
  2. Set your camera to continuous shooting mode and a relatively slow shutter speed (around 1/30th to 1/60th of a second).
  3. As the car approaches, begin panning your camera to follow its movement. Keep the car in the center of your frame as you do this.
  4. Take several shots in quick succession as you continue to pan your camera.


By following these steps, you should be able to create a sense of motion in your images and give them a dynamic, energetic feel.

Another advanced technique is using a slow shutter speed to show the blur of the cars in action. By setting a slower shutter speed, you can capture the movement of the cars as they zoom past, creating a sense of speed and excitement in your shots.


It may take a bit of practice to get the hang of the panning technique, but with some trial and error, you should be able to capture stunning images of moving cars that truly capture the sense of speed and excitement.


In addition to capturing the action on the track, don't forget to photograph the atmosphere and excitement of the event. Candid shots of the crowds and behind-the-scenes photos can help tell the story of the race and give your images a more rounded, immersive feel.

In conclusion, car racing can be a challenging and exciting subject for photographers of all levels. With practice and experimentation, you can capture stunning images that truly capture the thrill of the race. So grab your camera and get ready to capture the excitement of the track!


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