Tackling the Challenges of Motorsports Photography: My First Attempt at Lone Star Le Mans
As someone who typically shoots nature and wildlife, motorsports photography was a whole new experience for me. This past weekend, I had the chance to attend the Lone Star Le Mans at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas. Armed with my Nikon Z6II and a 50mm f/1.8 lens, I wasn’t sure how the day would unfold, especially since it was my first time shooting cars at high speeds. Despite some initial uncertainty, I walked away with some solid shots—and learned a lot along the way.
The Challenges of Shooting Motorsports
At first glance, photographing fast-moving cars seems similar to capturing wildlife on the move, but I quickly realized there’s a key difference: motorsports are actually more predictable. Cars follow a set track, and once you understand the layout and rhythm of the race, it’s easier to anticipate where the cars will be. In contrast, wildlife photography can be a lot more unpredictable—animals don’t exactly follow a pre-planned route!
However, the speed of the cars still presents a challenge. You only have a split second to capture the shot as the cars zoom past, so you need to react quickly. Additionally, shooting from the General Admission (GA) sections added another layer of difficulty, as I wasn’t trackside or in an optimal photography zone. The 50mm lens I had wasn’t ideal for close-ups, but I was able to get creative with panning shots and wider frames.
My Gear and Approach
Using the Nikon Z6II with a 50mm f/1.8 lens isn’t what most people would recommend for motorsports, but I made it work. Since I didn’t have a longer zoom, I had to focus on technique to get the most out of my setup. I shot mostly in Shutter Priority mode, which let me control the shutter speed while the camera automatically handled the aperture.
For panning shots, I kept my shutter speed between 1/10 and 1/50 of a second. This slower speed created motion blur in the background while keeping the car in focus, making the shot feel dynamic and conveying a sense of speed. I also used continuous burst mode, firing off a series of shots in rapid succession as the car sped past. This approach helped increase my chances of getting a sharp shot while tracking such fast-moving subjects.
Why Motorsports Are More Predictable
One of the things I learned quickly is that motorsports, while fast, are predictable in a way that wildlife photography isn’t. With wildlife, you’re constantly adjusting to an animal’s unpredictable behavior. But with racing, once you get a feel for the track and understand where the cars will slow down (like at turns) or where they’ll pass with maximum speed, it’s easier to position yourself and anticipate the shot.
This predictability also means you can focus more on your technique—timing your panning shots just right, finding the best angle for composition, and practicing your shutter speed control—because you know where the cars will be. While motorsports photography might feel fast-paced and chaotic at first, once you get into the rhythm of the race, you can better plan your shots.
Tips for Tackling Motorsports Photography
If you’re thinking about diving into motorsports photography, here are a few things I picked up from my first attempt:
Master Panning Shots: Panning is key to capturing the motion and speed of the cars. Track the car smoothly as it moves and shoot with a slower shutter speed to blur the background while keeping the car sharp. Start around 1/50 or 1/30 of a second, and adjust as needed.
Use Continuous Burst Mode: Cars move fast, so shooting in continuous burst mode increases your chances of getting a great shot. It’s almost like placing bets—fire off a few frames in quick succession and hope one lands exactly as you want it.
Play with Shutter Speeds: Slower shutter speeds help you achieve that motion blur effect, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Faster speeds will freeze the action completely, which can be useful if you want sharp, detailed shots of the cars.
Know the Track Layout: The predictability of motorsports is your advantage. Study the track and understand where the action happens—turns, straightaways, and pit lanes are all key spots for different types of shots. Use the layout to plan your positioning and timing.
Be Flexible with Your Vantage Point: If you’re shooting from GA sections like I was, you’ll need to get creative with your angles. Move around to find gaps in fencing or look for higher ground to get clear shots of the action. Don’t be afraid to explore new perspectives!
What I Learned
Shooting motorsports for the first time at Lone Star Le Mans was an eye-opener. While the gear you use is important, motorsports photography is really all about mastering your technique and timing. The cars are fast, but since they follow a predictable path, it’s possible to anticipate their movements and focus on refining your approach.
I also found that you don’t need top-of-the-line gear to capture great shots. My 50mm lens might not have been the obvious choice, but it forced me to hone my panning skills and think more about the composition of each frame. Motorsports, much like wildlife, is about understanding your subject—but with cars, it’s a bit more forgiving since the action is so structured.
Conclusion
Photographing the Lone Star Le Mans was a challenging but exciting experience. Motorsports photography has its own unique set of challenges, but with the right approach, it’s definitely manageable—even with gear that might not seem ideal. If you’re interested in motorsports photography, focus on learning the track, mastering your panning technique, and being patient. The speed might be intimidating at first, but once you get in sync with the race, capturing great shots becomes a lot more attainable!
