Les 24 Heures du Mans

[Darren Bradley]

I finally got around to downloading my shots from Le Mans in June. I shot mostly on shutter-priority mode, starting with the shutter at about 1/125, and then gradually shot at slower speeds as I got a feel for the rhythm of the cars. Most of my shots at 1/50th didn't work out, but those that did were worth the effort.

Also, I used my new Canon 2x Extender III with my 70-200mm f2.8L II, and I have to say that it performed beautifully. It focused quickly and was tack sharp. No complaints whatsoever. EXIF Data for every shot can be found if you click on the picture, on my flickr site.

Here are a few shots - the set can be found here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/88017382@N00/sets/72157627106868782/


1/125th sec.


1/50th sec.


1/125th sec.

 

[Pete Askew]

A great series there Darren. I like the shot of the pits with the guys in the background with their digital compacts. Good also to see that they are keeping the British tourists behind bars! Did you take any shots at night or were you a day visitor?

 

[Darren Bradley]

Thanks, Pete. No night shots this time. I was in Denmark on the first day of the race and missed the opportunity.

 

[Chris Dodkin]

Nice one Darren - the Brits beer sculptures were a highlight!

Nice framing of the Le Mans logo in the shots BTW.

How was access for shooting the pics?

 

[Darren Bradley]

Thanks, Chris. When I saw the sign, I made it a bit of a game to try to time the shots for when they were right under the sign. I have lots of fails to attest to how hard that was.

How was access for shooting the pics?

It was almost impossible to find a decent spot that wasn't too far away and/or didn't have a large grated fence in front of it. But I started chatting with a couple of corner workers (locals) who pointed out a spot that would work. It was "officially" in a controlled area, but they said they wouldn't object if I happened to set up there. ;-) That's why most of my shots are from the same spot. I have lots from other areas, but they were crap by comparison so I mostly only kept those. Finding a good spot makes all the difference, as you know.

 

[Alastair Cummins]

Top work, theres a great sense of speed in these pics and I really like the Peugeot chasing the number 33 car.

Le Mans is one event that I really need to get to along with Moto Gp at Laguna Seca, the Monaco Gp, Daytona 500 etc etc

 

[Gordon Lindsay]

Lovely action pics Darren.

 

[Hamish Gill]

The first one is a beauty!
When ever I I've done this sort of thing I have found the most satisfying captures to be the ones with a snaking track in the background or something else to add context of some sort!