So I'm taking advanced photography (photo 2) and we have a free shooting assignment this weekend. I figured I would enlist you guys for some ideas for this free shoot.

I'm planning on going to a track day on Sunday, so that settles part of the project, but I don't just want to shoot cars. What are other things I can shoot that would make for some cool pictures?

I find it easier to pick what to shoot when we get a prompt, but it seems like now that we don't have one, its harder to brainstorm ideas.

Thanks in advance!

- SC

 

Unfortunately its going to rain quite a bit this weekend but certainly the leaves should be nice these days. But here are some other suggestions:

Buildings in Seattle
Pets & Kids
Nature

and one of my personal favorites ...... Fire Trucks!!

 

Check out the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field, they have planes inside and out (most outside are now covered) and planes make great photos....

 

How about some streams or waterfalls with all the rain we are getting they should all be flowing stronger this weekend.

 

Snoqualmie Falls, Green River Gorge, Seattle in the rain...lots of rain.

 

All good ideas. What I like to do on occasion is put on my longest telephoto lens and take pictures of people when they don;t know you're taking the picture. (don't post them without their permission though) Also take photos of the cars using the lens not so much for closeups, but because the long lens will compact the field and make things look like thy are closer together.

Play around with panning as the cars go buy trying to capture motion. Take a filter and put a little vaseline or other jelly sort of goo around the edges and see if you get any interesting effects. If you have a good tripod, play around with extended shutter speeds.

Take some "extreme" closeups of the cars (presumably while they are sitting still)and capture any water or rain, small details, mud, interesting details like sponsors.

For something completely different. consider meeting me at the hydroplane museum and I'll turn you loose with your camera. The old boats, in various states of restoration. Lots of opportunities for shots of wood, paint schemes, trophies, drivers suits and helmets and other artifacts. Given the age of some of the boats, might be a chance to play around with some black and white shots. Just let me know and I'l set it up for you.

Will look forward to seeing your project on the forum.

 

Great idea John. The new Pavilion is open now so there should be many opportunities to shoot photos in various lighting conditions.

I also have a few guest passes if anyone would like a few...

 

Awesome thank you for the ideas everyone! I'll try some of those for sure since I have a 3 day weekend this week.

 

That's nice of you to offer those up. Might have to take you up on that sometime (same goes for the boat museum).

Thanks for the advice with shooting cars. I've done both close ups with rain and panning, but it's always good to practice. I've done photography at both The Ridge and Pacific Raceways and I find it easier to do panning shots at The Ridge. I probably should've mentioned I'm shooting this project digitally (mainly because the new photo teacher isn't providing us film anymore and I'm holding off on buying some + I'm more used to my DSLR).

My question is has anyone done Proformance Racing School? They're the ones holding the track day (a friend who I met through Track Night in America is going), but I dont know if:
1) People can do photography at their events.
2) If "spectators" are allowed and if they charge to get in.

I called and emailed them, but haven't gotten a response.

 

Being a local and growing up towing hydros behind my stingray (bike that is), I would be interested in meeting at the museum as well.

That is if you can make time. It's one of the places I haven't been to yet and I live so close.

 

I'd be happy to do hat Ken. Just got back from there as a matter of fact. Doing a little work on the "Winged Wonder", the old Pay n' Pak which is undergoing a complete restoration.

I'd be happy to give you the "cook's tour" or you can just wander around by yourself. I may have a guest pass around here somewhere if you want to go alone or with family. Admission is pretty cheap though, especially if you happen to be a senior. If you would prefer to met me down there and listen to me whimper with tears in my eyes about the "old days" You can come in as my guests. me know what works for you. I'm not down there every day currently, but can always meet you there.

http://thunderboats.ning.com

901

 

I would love the cooks tour. Being retired and the weather being what it is, I have some time on my hands. Could I bring a friend? Heck, I might even be willing to donate some time to the efforts. Coming from 35 years at Boeing, I do have some knowledge of assembly.

I'll send you a PM and we can chat. And thanks for the offer!

 

Sure, you can bring a friend. I'm usually down there on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the day.Sometimes on Saturdays as well. Late morning - after rush hour is a good time.

Just let me know so I make sure to be there and not out running errands or picking up tools or parts.

Don't forget your camera

 

I realize I'm getting in late on this, but what I might suggest is what a fellow photographer friend does and that's taking a look behind the scenes at the track. He does a fantastic job of capturing the human element of what we do on Wednesday nights at PIR.

http://www.wmanthony.com/NEW-WORK/Time-Slip/thumbs

 

Just as a side note, all of those images are shot using film!