Posts Tagged ‘Auto Racing’

Rush

©TimeLine Media - NASCAR car in paddock with split tone

Many good photographers have written about  using other art forms to improve your photography. Master painters take light and shape in combination to guide viewers eyes through their compositions, and grab their attention. Being a still photographer, I have looked at paintings as well as other photographers in trying to improve my photography. I did not consider how movies can do the same. Although they may seem similar, and may use much similar equipment, motion pictures require an entirely different mindset to execute well.

Movie Inspiration

Ron Howard, being one of the best directors currently working, recently released the movie “Rush” about two rival race car drivers that competed for the 1976 F1 Championship in auto racing. Saying that the Academy-award winning Ron Howard knows what he is doing is more than an understatement, but I came away with some thoughts about how a photographer and blogger can relate to this depiction of world class competition at a specific time.

©TimeLine Media - NASCAR car in paddock
©TimeLine Media – NASCAR car in paddock
©TimeLine Media - NASCAR car in paddock with split tone
©TimeLine Media – NASCAR car in paddock with split tone

The filmmakers not only had the actors, decor, and cars in the movie styled for the time, but there was a hint of toning throughout that set the period for the early to mid-1970’s. It was subtle, much like the split tone effect on the photo above, but it gave an overall feel to the movie as a whole that placed them in the correct time period. It would probably have still worked without this color treatment, but it’s addition was a nice detail.

Motorsports Photos

©TimeLine Media - racer in car before race start
©TimeLine Media – racer in car before race start

The action is the draw of the sport. It is a display of skill, speed, and determination. But there are personalities, and stories off the track. In the movie, the rival drivers have two completely different mindsets in their approach to racing. The movie shows the lifestyle of the drivers off the track mirrored their style on the track. It furthers the story, allows the viewers to make their own opinions, and it made me want to research further about their rivalry.

Happily, the filmmakers stayed true to many of the details of this time. With the blessing of many of the people that lived this piece of racing history, the story was an excellent portrayal of the best F1 racers of that time. I will have this in the back of my mind the next time I will cover a sporting event, a wedding, or any significant event for someone that is looking for photos. I would like my photos to tell a story much like this movie – both accurate to the events taking place, and compelling to view for those that were there, and those who will look back on the images in the future.

©TimeLine Media - motocross racing
©TimeLine Media – motocross racing

 TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208

Day at the Races

It was a late night of dancing at the Salsa-Bachata Throwdown last night. And it’s an early call this morning at the races! At this time, I am out getting some video and photos at the racetrack. I’m getting some good video for a personal project. The red car below was built and raced by my father in law. It is a beautiful convertible that resembles a Shelby Cobra. I particularly like the peal red paint. It is easy to find as his group zips around the track.

TimeLine Media logo on my father-in-law's car that he races at Summit Point Raceway
TimeLine Media logo on my father-in-law’s car that he races at Summit Point Raceway
Entrance wristband for a day at the races
Entrance wristband for a day at the racetrack

Since this is a large racing facility, you cannot see all the track from any vantage point. With this in mind, you need to pick certain areas and stay in that area for the entire race. Although you cannot see everything, there is nice access to exciting curves around the infield. I plan to have a short video to share with you soon. It’s a beautiful day to be outside! Hope you too are enjoying the weather.

Camera on a tripod for a video shoot at Summit Point in West Virginia
Camera on a tripod for a video shoot at Summit Point in West Virginia

TimeLine Media – www.timelinedc.com
703-864-8208