Redneck Games - Truck & Tractor Pull.

[cdifoto]

I went with my family to just watch but on a whim asked if I could shoot from the inside. They gave me an armband to indicate that I'm allowed in, and off I went. I was about 20 feet away from the vehicles as they passed right in front of me. Everything shot with XT + 24-70mm f/2.8L.

I also weaseled a free advertisement from the announcer by handing him a stack of business cards. He told everyone right after they announced the winner that photos will be available at my website. :D

Entire gallery at: http://www.cdi-ink.com/pulls.

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/cdifoto/pulls/2006-07-01-0037.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/cdifoto/pulls/2006-07-01-0050.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/cdifoto/pulls/2006-07-01-0069.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/cdifoto/pulls/2006-07-01-0093.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a304/cdifoto/pulls/2006-07-01-0103.jpg

[24Peter]

Yehhhhhhhhhhhh howdy! :o
Your photos are actually quite good Don. And nice quick thinking on your feet. Being a good photographer is so much more than just knowing which shutter speed or ISO to use... :)
(now if I could just figure out how to get my XT in movie mode... :confused: )

[toriaj]

I really like #3. Great shots!

[Mark_48]

Don, I particularly like the shot of "Red". Really conveys the power of these machines.

Have you dabbled in slideshow stuff such as Pro Show Gold at all? If you've got a bunch of good pics, put them into a slide show with some appropriate music (royalty free stuff if you can find it), and offer slideshow DVD's up for sale on your website along with the still images. (Presuming you have a DVD burner)

[cdifoto]

Thanks all. Focus was a bit iffy but thankfully the lighting was decent enough to not even need ISO1600. Surprised the crap outta me. I think they recently put in new (or just more) lights because last time I was there (not shooting though) I believe it was darker.

Pete the timing is actually easy. They're under load (especially the big rigs) the most when they're first starting out. The track is 300 feet long so I stood around the 100-150 foot marks and waited. :) I jumped back and forth between sides of the track a couple times for a varied perspective since fans sit on both sides too. I almost laid in the dirt for a couple of 'em.

The girl shooting for the "offical" website was all the way at the end of the track. Not sure what she got but she also was [intelligently] using a Canon. :)

[jamison55]

They're all very good, but #3 and #5 are excepional. Here's to loads of sales!

[Vich]

2, 3, and 5 my favs. Maybe a little USM on a couple, but outstanding shots. Really nailed #3.

[aparmley]

Pretty cool shots Don. More interesting than what I shot today.

[cdifoto]

Thanks Jamie, Vich, Andy. I added a little USM to everything but I think what's still clouding them up is all the diesel smoke. Gonna try to clean 'em up even more yet and see what happens.

[24Peter]

Pete the timing is actually easy. They're under load (especially the big rigs) the most when they're first starting out. The track is 300 feet long so I stood around the 100-150 foot marks and waited. :) I jumped back and forth between sides of the track a couple times for a varied perspective since fans sit on both sides too. I almost laid in the dirt for a couple of 'em.:)
Actually the quick thinking/good photographer stuff I was referring to my earlier post was that you asked to shoot from the infield (instead of the stands) know there'd be better photos opps from there. :)

[aparmley]

Actually the quick thinking/good photographer stuff I was referring to my earlier post was that you asked to shoot from the infield (instead of the stands) know there'd be better photos opps from there. :)

I thought you were referring to his advertising prowess. :D

[24Peter]

I thought you were referring to his advertising prowess. :D
Well that too. ;) Now go shoot off some fireworks and get off this forum for at least an hour Andy. :rolleyes:

[Blob]

Excellent shots! You really captured the intensity of the moment and the power of these machines. Makes me want to take my son to one of these events.

Congrats,

Bob