Road Atlanta Photography 101

[midgeman]

This seemed like the best place for this, hope it's in the right spot...


I've been granted media credentials for the Classic Motorsports Mitty at Road Atlanta in late April. I am a motorsports enthusiast but I have never been to the track, so I am trying to do as much research as I can. I am mostly familiar with the course layout and the best places for action, but I have no clue about getting around the "internals" of the track and the best places to be that others may overlook. Assuming others on here have had media access in the past, how difficult is it to get around the track? I plan on doing A LOT of walking over the weekend, so all help would be great on the best spots to be, logistics, etc...

 

[Braineack]

what'd you do to get the credentials?

 

[Rags]

Contact Jefferson.. He lives nearby & goes frequently to shoot

Seems like a nice guy

NASCAR K&N Series - FM Forums

Rags

 

[lambertpix]

Congratulations! If this is anything like the other vintage events I've seen, I think keeping close tabs on the schedule will be helpful, because the heats will be short. I think I might consider picking up a racing band radio if you don't already have one. I'd love to make it down there for Petit one of these years -- good luck with the shoot!

 

[midgeman]

what'd you do to get the credentials?

I contribute to a website called AForwardMotion.com. I contacted HSR (Historic Sportscar Racing) and provided my portfolio and affiliation.

 

[Designer]

Please note: I have not actually done this, but were it me, I would do two things:

1. Watch where the professionals are going. Follow them. Try not to Pi$$ them off by crowding too close.

2. Consider the sun. Where will the sun be now and in a couple of hours? Try to find a place where the sun is raking the section of track you want to choose. Avoid the flattest front light and most back light.

Personally, I would also avoid outside curves, as my own safety is important.

 

[Braineack]

what'd you do to get the credentials?

I contribute to a website called AForwardMotion.com. I contacted HSR (Historic Sportscar Racing) and provided my portfolio and affiliation.

cool. Just curious, as I'll be down at VIR this summer to document a chumpcar team at the 24hr race. Would love a better vantage point.

 

[manicmike]

I haven't shot at Road Atlanta, but at Portland International Raceway, I've done motorcycle racing. I'd bring a bicycle if you can. Avoid the impact zone, shoot from the inside of the corners.

 

[midgeman]

Contact Jefferson.. He lives nearby & goes frequently to shoot

Seems like a nice guy

NASCAR K&N Series - FM Forums

Rags

Never used that site and I can't seem to navigate. Is there a place for PMs?

Congratulations! If this is anything like the other vintage events I've seen, I think keeping close tabs on the schedule will be helpful, because the heats will be short. I think I might consider picking up a racing band radio if you don't already have one. I'd love to make it down there for Petit one of these years -- good luck with the shoot!

Thanks! Racing radio, like to listen in on the pits and such?
I'll be at Petit this year, hopefully... I missed last year's because my girl was born the same weekend. I'm looking forward to the new TUDOR USCC and regs. It's going to look weird with DPs and LeMans prototypes running at the same time.

cool. Just curious, as I'll be down at VIR this summer to document a chumpcar team at the 24hr race. Would love a better vantage point.

If you have close ties with the team I would use them as your "affiliation" to get inside the fences. I'd search chumpcar's website for media inquires or customer service, something like that, and send an email request. Keep following up if you don't get a response.

Please note: I have not actually done this, but were it me, I would do two things:

1. Watch where the professionals are going. Follow them. Try not to Pi$$ them off by crowding too close.

2. Consider the sun. Where will the sun be now and in a couple of hours? Try to find a place where the sun is raking the section of track you want to choose. Avoid the flattest front light and most back light.

Personally, I would also avoid outside curves, as my own safety is important.

1. Eh, they can be pissed off. I'm getting the shot I want regardless, but I'm sure it'll be a laid back environment around the track.
2. Good point, although I love playing with backlighting and shadows. Not to sound like a dick, but I have complete confidence in my abilities to get the shot I want in any conditions.




My main concerns are about inner track logistics and getting around the track. Like, are there any areas that are off limits or will I be free to roam where I desire? Photographer shuttle or walking only? I'm afraid I might be overwhelmed by "I'm stuck over here and I want to be way over there but I have no idea how to get there..." and waste my time in transit instead of in position.

 

[lambertpix]

Thanks! Racing radio, like to listen in on the pits and such?

I think there are multiple channels at most tracks. At a minimum, they should broadcast whatever's on the PA system, which I've always found pretty hit & miss when there are race cars roaring past - you should at least be able to stay abreast of green flag / safety car / etc.

My main concerns are about inner track logistics and getting around the track. Like, are there any areas that are off limits or will I be free to roam where I desire? Photographer shuttle or walking only? I'm afraid I might be overwhelmed by "I'm stuck over here and I want to be way over there but I have no idea how to get there..." and waste my time in transit instead of in position.

All the tracks I've seen have designated areas where photogs can roam, though they're much less obstructed than the "civilian" spots. They're probably not going to put you on the outside of curves, for instance, without a fence of some sort, though they might give you a cutout for your lens, which would be close enough.

As far as getting around, if you can, burn a couple hours early in the weekend (practice days?) walking from one end to the other. It looks like there are three bridges(?) to get from inside to outside, which seems pretty handy. You already know where the overtaking action is going to be, I assume, but since this is a vintage race, I wouldn't expect to see a lot of "hard" action. Instead, think about what's going to make a killer photo -- vantage points, elevation changes, etc. The 2-3-4 area leading into the esses looks fantastic -- I can picture a line of old formula cars snaking right at me through there!

Try scoping out the track on Google maps - with the satellite view turned on, I can see the inner fence around the track, which is where I'd expect you to be shooting from. I was looking at 10a, for instance, thinking that it might be cool to get a tight head-on shot of approaching cars. Since this is prime runoff area, of course, they're not going to let you stand there, but there's a vantage point just to the side of the runoff, and I think you might be able to get head-ons from down by the drifting "D".

Anyway, these might be helpful, too:

Road Atlanta - Trackpedia
Turn by turn guide to the Road Atlanta track - Trackpedia

The onboard videos are actually pretty good for gauging stuff like elevation changes (ex: get to the top of the esses and look down). I don't know if the turn-by-turn guide is super-helpful, but it's a fun read. ;-)

 

[12sndsgood]

Please note: I have not actually done this, but were it me, I would do two things:

1. Watch where the professionals are going. Follow them. Try not to Pi$$ them off by crowding too close.

2. Consider the sun. Where will the sun be now and in a couple of hours? Try to find a place where the sun is raking the section of track you want to choose. Avoid the flattest front light and most back light.

Personally, I would also avoid outside curves, as my own safety is important.

Midgeman don't be so quick to throw out these two suggestion. You will likely wind up getting better shots and a ton more information by being friendly with the regulars rather then taking the attitude of "im getting the shot regardless" A lot of us out on the track will help out the other guys, tell others about good spots. when to shoot where etc. etc.

and designers point about be aware of the sun is you want to have good placement on the track, the sun is going to be better on one side of the track versus the others so knowing where you want to be (inside or outside) has more to do with the time of day etc and less with how competent you are with your skills. some corners or straights will just look better depending on where you are and where the sun is. on some tracks I know which side of the track I want to be on in a certain corner at a certain time of day because choose wrong and you could be waiting a while to cross the track sometimes an hour or more.

how you get around the track will vary by track, I haven't hit Atlanta so im not sure, some your hoofing it all day. some you just tell a guy on a cart where you want to go and they will drive you there. some you get in a spot and you could be there for an hour or more before you can move again (this is why its important to pick your spots and get in with people who know the track)

All most any event is going to have a media meeting. A lot of times it's right after the drivers meeting which I try to be there for if it's allowed. Generally they will go over what is allowed and what isn't I would contact the group who gave you media access and ask about the meeting because this is usually where all the important info is given out.

 

[Steve5D]

I haven't shot at Road Atlanta, but at Portland International Raceway, I've done motorcycle racing. I'd bring a bicycle if you can. Avoid the impact zone, shoot from the inside of the corners.

I've shot at PIR, as well. Didn't get a chance to shoot the motorcycles, though.

One thing that course taught me, though, was to wear comfortable shoes.

And bring sunscreen...

 

[midgeman]

...All the tracks I've seen have designated areas where photogs can roam, though they're much less obstructed than the "civilian" spots. They're probably not going to put you on the outside of curves, for instance, without a fence of some sort, though they might give you a cutout for your lens, which would be close enough.

As far as getting around, if you can, burn a couple hours early in the weekend (practice days?) walking from one end to the other. It looks like there are three bridges(?) to get from inside to outside, which seems pretty handy. You already know where the overtaking action is going to be, I assume, but since this is a vintage race, I wouldn't expect to see a lot of "hard" action. Instead, think about what's going to make a killer photo -- vantage points, elevation changes, etc. The 2-3-4 area leading into the esses looks fantastic -- I can picture a line of old formula cars snaking right at me through there!

Try scoping out the track on Google maps - with the satellite view turned on, I can see the inner fence around the track, which is where I'd expect you to be shooting from. I was looking at 10a, for instance, thinking that it might be cool to get a tight head-on shot of approaching cars. Since this is prime runoff area, of course, they're not going to let you stand there, but there's a vantage point just to the side of the runoff, and I think you might be able to get head-ons from down by the drifting "D".

Anyway, these might be helpful, too:

Road Atlanta - Trackpedia
Turn by turn guide to the Road Atlanta track - Trackpedia

The onboard videos are actually pretty good for gauging stuff like elevation changes (ex: get to the top of the esses and look down). I don't know if the turn-by-turn guide is super-helpful, but it's a fun read. ;-)

Thank you for the references. I will plan on getting to the track for a practice day as you suggest to scope out the track and find the best vantage points. The schedule has yet to be released, but based on last year's schedule the Thursday before will be a full day of test n tune. I spend a lot of time looking at other's photos and the turns 2-3-4 you mention is a MUST. I will be spending some good time there. I also spent a lot of time following the outline of the track on google maps like you suggested. I think that will be my best bet until the event weekend to study the best locations. I know the track is very photo friendly from the spectator area, so I can't wait to be even closer to some vintage classics.

Midgeman don't be so quick to throw out these two suggestion. You will likely wind up getting better shots and a ton more information by being friendly with the regulars rather then taking the attitude of "im getting the shot regardless" A lot of us out on the track will help out the other guys, tell others about good spots. when to shoot where etc. etc.

and designers point about be aware of the sun is you want to have good placement on the track, the sun is going to be better on one side of the track versus the others so knowing where you want to be (inside or outside) has more to do with the time of day etc and less with how competent you are with your skills. some corners or straights will just look better depending on where you are and where the sun is. on some tracks I know which side of the track I want to be on in a certain corner at a certain time of day because choose wrong and you could be waiting a while to cross the track sometimes an hour or more.

how you get around the track will vary by track, I haven't hit Atlanta so im not sure, some your hoofing it all day. some you just tell a guy on a cart where you want to go and they will drive you there. some you get in a spot and you could be there for an hour or more before you can move again (this is why its important to pick your spots and get in with people who know the track)

All most any event is going to have a media meeting. A lot of times it's right after the drivers meeting which I try to be there for if it's allowed. Generally they will go over what is allowed and what isn't I would contact the group who gave you media access and ask about the meeting because this is usually where all the important info is given out.

I will try and be more open minded. From my previous experience, "professionals" can tend to be snobby, especially when I'm not carrying around a 300 2.8 attached to a 1D. Hopefully I will be able to spend a day prior to the event scouting the track for best light/locations. Looking at the track map there is a tram that rounds the circuit. Maybe that'll be the quickest rout from one side to the other.

Thanks for the "media meeting" advice. I have sent an email off...

I haven't shot at Road Atlanta, but at Portland International Raceway, I've done motorcycle racing. I'd bring a bicycle if you can. Avoid the impact zone, shoot from the inside of the corners.

I've shot at PIR, as well. Didn't get a chance to shoot the motorcycles, though.

One thing that course taught me, though, was to wear comfortable shoes.

And bring sunscreen...

Yes, I always make sure to wear my most comfortable shoes. I may even buy a new pair just for this event. When I'm spending an entire day shooting outdoor motorsports, I wear a bandana that covers my neck and a safari hat over that. I hate greasy sunscreen on my equipment so that's my functional alternative.

 

[bhop]

Please note: I have not actually done this, but were it me, I would do two things:

1. Watch where the professionals are going. Follow them. Try not to Pi$$ them off by crowding too close.

2. Consider the sun. Where will the sun be now and in a couple of hours? Try to find a place where the sun is raking the section of track you want to choose. Avoid the flattest front light and most back light.

Personally, I would also avoid outside curves, as my own safety is important.

Midgeman don't be so quick to throw out these two suggestion. You will likely wind up getting better shots and a ton more information by being friendly with the regulars rather then taking the attitude of "im getting the shot regardless" A lot of us out on the track will help out the other guys, tell others about good spots. when to shoot where etc. etc.

and designers point about be aware of the sun is you want to have good placement on the track, the sun is going to be better on one side of the track versus the others so knowing where you want to be (inside or outside) has more to do with the time of day etc and less with how competent you are with your skills. some corners or straights will just look better depending on where you are and where the sun is. on some tracks I know which side of the track I want to be on in a certain corner at a certain time of day because choose wrong and you could be waiting a while to cross the track sometimes an hour or more.

how you get around the track will vary by track, I haven't hit Atlanta so im not sure, some your hoofing it all day. some you just tell a guy on a cart where you want to go and they will drive you there. some you get in a spot and you could be there for an hour or more before you can move again (this is why its important to pick your spots and get in with people who know the track)

All most any event is going to have a media meeting. A lot of times it's right after the drivers meeting which I try to be there for if it's allowed. Generally they will go over what is allowed and what isn't I would contact the group who gave you media access and ask about the meeting because this is usually where all the important info is given out.

Pretty much all of this echoes the advice I would give. I haven't shot Atlanta, or on the east coast, but i've shot at a few tracks here in So-Cal when I was shooting for wiredonhonda.com. "Real" pros will show you respect if you do the same. They were always super friendly to me at least and didn't mind sharing the limited cutouts that we had. There was still plenty of room even when it got crowded since with longer lenses you can shoot over someone shoulder without issues. Everyone's there to get a job done and they seem to work together towards that end for the most part.

From my experiences, the media meetings are almost always 'required' or you don't get a media vest/badge.

Also, bring lots of water to drink, and earplugs can be nice if you're close to the track.

2010 Long Beach Grand Prix

Crowded by bhop, on Flickr