RC Boats

[griffon]

I've had a chance recently to hang out with some guys who race RC boats in a national organization. It's not something I know much about, and honestly its my first attempt at what I think would qualify as sports photography so I've probably got a lot to learn. It's challenging and interesting enough that I think I'll keep working on it. These are shots from a practice pond last weekend in central VA, and a couple others from last fall. Shot with a Rebel xti and 70-200f4.


1.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/813727018_KBUug-L.jpg


2.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/813726873_cwTyq-L.jpg


3.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/813726630_MK5Bx-L.jpg


4.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/813726676_Laro7-L.jpg


5.
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/813726704_gXX2S-L.jpg



-Chris

[vintagemxr]

I know something about R/C boats...used to own a hobby shop...the small size and surprising speed can make R/C vehicles a challenging subject. I think you did a great job with an unfamiliar subject. Next time you might try also to grab a few shots of guys' faces while they are racing. Lots of interesting expressions and body language always going on there.

:thumb

Doug

[TangoJuliet]

I shoot a lot of R/C airplanes (I also fly them) and I think you did well. I know it's difficult, but try to fill the frame with more of the subject (model). The rooster-tail shots are neat, but the model is so small, it gets lost in the image. I look forward to seeing more.

[Zerodog]

#4 is awesome. Nice shots. One of my buddies is really into offroad cars. I want to go shoot them and try to make them look like trucks. RC stuff is amazing. If you think about the scale speeds they are going 400 mph!

[JSPhotography]

I like 'em. I think there is a place for both the big picture and the tight in shots in your portfolio. Going indoors is a real challenge, try that if you get a chance. The carpet guys are soooo fast and the offroad guys have the dust and lousy lighting. On your tight shots, when you think your in tight enough, go a little more. Allways get as low as you can. Keep clicking!

[griffon]

I know something about R/C boats...used to own a hobby shop...the small size and surprising speed can make R/C vehicles a challenging subject. I think you did a great job with an unfamiliar subject. Next time you might try also to grab a few shots of guys' faces while they are racing. Lots of interesting expressions and body language always going on there.

:thumb

Doug

Thanks Doug, I appreciate the pointer about trying to get some of the expressions from the drivers... I'll definitely try to go to some races this year as these were just from weekend practice.

[griffon]

I shoot a lot of R/C airplanes (I also fly them) and I think you did well. I know it's difficult, but try to fill the frame with more of the subject (model). The rooster-tail shots are neat, but the model is so small, it gets lost in the image. I look forward to seeing more.

Thanks for the advice, I think when I took some of my first shots I was more interested in the rooster tails and freezing the water with a fast shutter speed, but it makes sense to try and fill more of the frame with the real subject. I may need to pick up a teleconverter soon cause most of these are at the far end of my lens.

[BCSPhotoguy]

I like the pics as they are! Maybe mix in a couple close up shots of the boats and some people shots and you will have a set that tells a great story! To me, the roost/speed is what makes this things so cool! I liked the lighting in the first one! Nicely done!!! :thumb

[slipkid]

Those are real nice, thanks for posting.

[cbbr]

#4 is an awesome shot.

[griffon]

Thanks for the comments everyone, I'll be sure to post more on here whenever I'm able to get to some more practices or events this year. It's really amazing the amount of time and work these guys put into their boats, and it seems really competitive.

[WilliamClark77]

I think these are great and like the post processing. I agree with the above. Some tighter shots would be good to go along if you can get close enough. I know how tough rc is to shoot. I have some 1/8 nitro and 1/5 gas trucks. I've shot them a few times on the rc motocross track I built in my backyard. The little cars are definately tougher subjects than their fullsized counterparts!