Tips to Avoid Bad Photos

Nervous when photographing at a new venue or a new sport? Use these tips to help calm the nerves. I share my experience shooting at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the first time. It was also my first time photographing a NASCAR race. Avoid bad photos by putting in some work ahead of time!
Follow along on Instagram @paulrutherford_
Check out my images at www.paulrutherfordphotography.com
As always, leave any questions in the comments!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

What is your dream venue to shoot?

[@ScriptureToday]

Next season will be all about the new cars and the single lugs on the bigger wheels, so be sure to get some pit stop action…they will be quicker than what we are used to seeing. Green and checkered flag waves are also staple shots, but the behind the scenes action in the garages is something most fans cannot access so those images can be compelling. Nice work, Paul. Like the panning shots.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Thanks Jerry! It is a sport I don't know much about which is why the researching was so key!

[@acardena13]

Great info, thanks for sharing! Another aspect for shooting motor sports is that if it's an open track (no barriers) do not stand on the outside of a turn and do not stand directly behind a vehicle that's going to floor it as they can kick up rocks and debris and fling it backwards (saw a fellow media-photog get hit in the face with a softball sized rock at King of the Hammers). Also, if you're shooting in extreme heat, like the desert, take or bring plenty of water. Finally if you think you may be blocking someone else's shot, it doesn't hurt to ask the fellow photog if you're in the way. 9/10 you might not be but it'll build a bit of respect amongst your fellow photogs.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

Thanks for those tips! 100% agree to ask and make sure you aren't blocking another photog. Very much appreciated. Also if video crews are around don't step or straddle their cords!

[@cdelviscio]

Monopod recommendations for a 400/2.8 (Canon)? It looked like you have a Gitzo in your vids! Carbon fiber is a must for me. Thanks!

[@Paul_Rutherford]

I use an Oben carbon fiber tripod. I prefer the one with a twist mechanism to open tighten and loosen. My only suggestion is don't go overboard on a monopod, but don't get the cheapest either. Doesn't need to be as stable as a tripod, just strong enough to hold up the 400mm.

[@nyfalcon1]

First time I shot for NASCAR at Martinsville Jimmie Johnson almost ran me over while he was backing out of the garage. It is so quick and noisy.

[@Paul_Rutherford]

It does happen so quick! Always have to be looking around.

[@albediorock]

Do you live in new Hampshire too? I love your work and didn't know you were in the same state as me

[@Paul_Rutherford]

I live down near Boston, but travel up to New Hampshire for come shoots!

[@albediorock]

Thats awesome, hope to see you in a event sometime soon

[@Paul_Rutherford]

@@albediorock Hope so!