Goodwood Festival of Speed Photography Tips

Having been a Photographer for Goodwood at Festival of Speed since 2013 I always get asked for tips from other photographers so I decided to write this blog post to give tips and advice.

Planning & Research

Before you even get to the event do your research! Its a very big event with lots going on. Think about what it is you want to shoot most, what days/times is it happening. 

Times & Days may change so always check again each day! 

Getting There

Get there early, Get there early, Get there early!!  Its a very busy event and there is a lot of traffic so make sure you get there by 6am even if the gates are opening at 7. If not you will be stuck in traffic missing out on shooting time.

What kit to take?

Camera kit is heavy so I would say only take what you are going to use. Really you only need one camera, one wide lens & one long lens. If you have a second body you can have one lens on each.  Take plenty of spare Batteries(Charge Them First) & Memory Cards!

I shoot 90% of my shots on a Nikon 70-200mm f2.8 lens.

Don't get obsessed over kit, I started out with an entry level DSLR (Nikon D90) for my first year I brought my own ticket at Revival 2012, those shots got me commissioned the following year.

Hill Climb

The famous Goodwood Hill Climb is just over a mile long with all the cars & motorbikes going up in batches.  The best way to find out what cars are in each batch and what time they are expected to go up The Hill is to buy a programme & Radio Ear Piece. This will give you all the information you need. 

Grandstand Seating & Photography

You have to pay extra for grandstand tickets and I would buy them before the event to avoid disappointment as they can sell out. You must stay seated in the grandstands so I would say sit it the front row for the best shots or some times on the end if you have a good view of the action.  

Best Locations for Photography

There are many locations to shoot from on the Hill Climb that are easily accessible by the public.  Some areas you will not be able to get to with out a Press or Official Photographer Pass, but there are still loads of areas you can get to.  The best thing to do is walk the Hill Climb first thing to get your location ideas. Here are some areas I like to use that are fully accessible to standard ticket holders. 

Pre Start Line - This where all the cars line up before going up the Hill Climb.

Goodwood House - This where the Central Feature is. Either side of the track is good here so get your drinks and get a spot early to get the best shots.  This is often where cars do burnouts, drifting and stunts in front of the grandstands. 

Molecombe - This is the famous corner where you often get crashes in to the hay bales. 

Flint Wall - Just before the flint wall is a large grass banked area ideal for shooting 

Top Paddock - Right at the top of the Hill Climb is a large tarmac area where the Cars/Drivers show off to the crowds doing donuts & burnouts. 

Forest Rally Stage - This is also right at the top of the Hill Climb, about 20-30 minute walk from Goodwood House.  Then you can venture right into the woods for some great locations or car sliding round corners or a long head on shot through the trees.

Panning

Panning(motion blur) shots are when the car is moving past the camera. This type of automotive photography keeps the car sharp, but the wheels and background blur giving the appearance of speed/motion.  This technique is a bit more difficult to master as you have to get your shutter speed just right and your panning smooth.  If the shutter is too fast the wheels and background are sharp then it looks like the car is not even moving. If the shutter speed is to slow it will just be a big blurry mess.

How to do Panning?

Set your camera to Shutter Priority, set your camera to continuous/bust mode, set your shutter speed to around 200th or 250th of a second to start with, as you get better try and slow your shutter down to 160th or 125th of a second.  

Supercars & F1 cars will need a higher shutter speed as these cars come past faster!

When panning keep your feet about shoulder width apart to stabilise your body. Face the track at 90' so it runs Left to Right OR Right to left depending on which side of the track you are. As the car approaches pan your camera with it until it gets to the area you want to shoot it, take your shots and keep panning as the car passes. Twist from your waist, NOT you head! Follow through with the camera and stop shooting. Quickly reset your self for the next car as its only small gaps between each one. 

The Key is to keep your panning/camera horizontal and smooth as you follow the car/bike. Once your getting your panning smooth and the car is still in focus/sharp with the wheels and background blurred. Then slow your shutter speed down a click (eg 250th down to 200th) and repeat the panning process. Keep practicing until you consistently get the car sharp but with the background blurred.

If the shutter is too fast the wheels and background are sharp then it looks like the car is not even moving.

FIX THIS BY USING A SLOWER YOUR SHUTTER SPEED - EG. GO FROM 250TH TO 200TH

If the shutter speed is to slow and your panning is not smooth it will just be a big blurry mess.

FIX THIS BY USING A FASTER SHUTTER SPEED - EG. GO FROM 160TH TO 200TH

For more advice on panning look on You Tube for videos - Click Here

Supercar Paddock

The Supercar Paddock is by far one of my favourite areas. It is at the bottom of the hill climb near Goodwood House. It is always busy in this area so I would go the as soon as the event is open or right at the end of the day if you want shots of the cars parked or want any detail shots.

Drift Cars

Drift cars have become very popular over the last few years at FOS. The first corner is great for watching them come round sideways, in front of Goodwood House for donuts and the Top Paddock for a final show off.

Gas Arena

Goodwood Action Sports Arena is where you will see FMX, BMX, MTB, Trials riders show there skills, balance and bravery! A great place to get up close using a long lens to get tight crops on the action when doing tricks and flips.