A guide to motion shots

How do we motorsport photographers get sharp pics even at low shutter speeds? Practice practice practice and a bit of luck...

Mikko Hirvonen/ Jarmo Lehtinen Ford Focus RS WRC Rally Australia, Western Australia 2006.

This goes for any shot but sometimes the shot presents itself, like this one did.

Finding a shot:

This one was easy. A good recce meant we found the spot, across water, rule of thirds and some sensational colours meant this shot screamed out to me.

The water wasn't smooth enough for a really good reflection so a slow shutter speed shot showing how fast the car was going was my immediate choice.

Find a nice flat surface to plant your feet on, be ready with the camera and your shoulders to steady the camera and lens setup and follow from the time the car appears to when it leaves. Some shoot hundreds of shots but I guess my film background means the 3 or 4 for me here is pretty standard.