Shutter speeds....not sure what to use

Question

I'm new to photography and the DSLR and I want to photograph offroad motorcycle racing and freestyle motocross. In professional photos, they have set the shutter speed to that the rider and motorcycle are not blurred but crystal clear but the wheels have some blur, giving the effect of movement rather than rider and bike suspended in mid-air.

What shutter speed (or range) should I use to get this effect of the spinning wheels?

Answer 1

Focus on the rider and once he's locked in (using your autofocus) pan slightly and track him with your camera as they go by. I'd recommend a shutter speed of around 1/125 to 1/140 or so to get the effect you want. This should keep him crisp, and slightly blur the background and wheels.

I used that speed photographing vintage planes, any slower and you'd get a blur, any faster and they looked like the blades weren't even turning.

D.

Answer 2

That method is called panning.

Don't use a shutter speed higher than 1/30 or 1/15.

It's hard to explain through words, but I'll try:

Point the camera in the direction where the car is about to come.

Once you see the car, follow it and ONCE the car is RIGHT in front of you, expose, but do not stop moving, still keep on moving with the car until it is gone, even after the shutter is done.

It takes practice, so take lots of shots.

If you don't mind, I'd like to see the shots.

But, seriously, good luck.

Answer 3

Depends on how far you are from your target bike, and the angle of travel relative to your position, and of course the speed of the bike.

I'd say in full sun, bike traveling perpendicular to your position, and an ISO of 100, your looking at 1/250th or faster. That should be a good starting point.

G'Luck, and Keep shooting

Edit: Panning rarely produces a sharp subject, even if mounted on a tripod. The wheels are spinning so much faster than the movement of the bike they will blur.

Answer 4

that really has more to do with the focusing of it than the shutter speed. but experiment with it to see the difference it makes

Answer 5

Most DSLRs have a "Sports" mode. Try that and then look at the EXIF data. I think you will find many of the shots about 1/500 or faster.

Answer 6

A lot of this will depend on the speed of the bike (i.e. the speed of the wheels) at the time of the shot.  Experimentation will probably be your best guide, so work in Shutter priority mode and take pictures starting at 1/60 (probably way too slow, so don't stay there long) and working your way up to 1/1000.  I find the display on the back of my camera too small for such details, but maybe you'll be able to tell on-site and pick your speed there.  I'd guess 1/250 or 1/500 will be your spot.

If what you're trying to get is also a blurred background...you'll have to practice.  A lot.  Again, start at 1/60, aim, lock in your focus, and pan as steadily as you can with the bike as it moves, shooting then.  A monopod or a tripod may help if you find you can't move evenly enough.

Answer 7

The best way to find out is to experiment.  That's the beauty of digital cameras.  Try out different shutter speeds to find out which one gets the effect you're looking for.