Latest Laguna Shots, Pics of turns 3/4 Options

[carreraguy]

All:

It was decided today that the straight from 3 to 4 between the bridge and 4 would be the area for the main Laguna shot since the sun is ideal at this time of day and it is a fairly straightforward, relatively easy to set up shot considering we only have a 30 minute window for the shot and the parade laps. Attached are four shots of Turns 3 and 4. We will try to get a good elevation at track level using the ladder and as an alternate, if not from there, we will use the bleachers with a telephoto lens. Initial plans call for the 72 cars to enter the track from the Turn 5 gate and proceed around the track in normal track direction to the shoot location. Camera car/truck will go from Turn 5 gate and proceed on the track in the opposite direction direct to Turn 4 to set up. May require use of a flatbed (VegasRacer?) to mount the ladder on to get extra elevation. The car formation is planned to be starting out 4-5 abreast and spreading out in a fan shape and each car pointing towards the center of the first row. We basically have 300 feet from the bridge to Turn 4 and figure we need aobut 250 feet for the formation. Under discussion is if we will have tops on/off or driver in/out of the cars; we may attempt a few variations time permitting (?).

1. 3 to 4 at track level, 60mm focal length

[VegasRacer]

Initial plans call for the 72 cars

If we use all the space available (track plus run-off's) we could get more cars in each row. If we can go 12 wide we would get 72 cars in 6 rows. Isn't that better than having so many cars so far back where they can't really be seen?

The more I look at the pictures, the more I like #2. Shooting with a bit longer telephoto from the bleachers sounds simpler than rigging a photo trailer (for me at least). Not only that, the distant background is a nice composition in the shot from that height. Even if we could get the same shot of the cars a little closer with the ladder, the horizon would be lower in the frame. I like it as shown.

With only 1/2 hour we only have one chance to get our shot. There will not be time to make changes on site at 11:50. I say we go with what we know will work (shot #2). We could do a few shots with just the cars and a few more with the drivers.

I can post ..... more of Laguna (Rainey Curve/Corkscrew/Turn11/finish line etc.) if someone gives me the go ahead.

Let's see 'em. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/boldblue.gif)