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

[carreraguy]

2. 3 to 4 (coming at you) form bleachers. 85mm here but can go to 300mm if necessary.

[carreraguy]

3. Other side of bridge going from 3 to 4. sun not as ideal, (i.e. bridge sign in shade) shot would be against traffice flow.

[Jenny]

Ooohhh! That sign right below the tire looks PERFECT for photoshopping "WCC 2004" onto. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/calvin.gif)

Jen

[carreraguy]

4. Similar to last pic. Still have shade/sun problems.

I can post these shots and more of Laguna (Rainey Curve/Corkscrew/Turn11/finish line etc.) if someone gives me the go ahead; not sure if we want to anounce the details until they are firm.

[carreraguy]

Heres the track layout again for reference.

[carreraguy]

Jen:

I like your idea of a Photoshopped WCC sign!

[Demick]

I like pic 2 from the bleachers. Maybe a little more zoom.

30 minutes doesn't give us much time. I doubt we will get time to rearrange. Shots 1 and 2 are taken in proper track direction so we don't have to turn everyone around for the pictures and then around again for the parade lap.

Looks great!!!!! I would have never dreamed that we would get a group shot like this nor a parade lap!!

Demick

[VegasRacer]

Great shots Tom. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/pray.gif)
I think the 2nd picture taken from the bleachers is perfect. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/clap56.gif)
We could try the trailer / ladder thing if you think it would be better, but I don't know if it would give you a higher angle to shoot from than with a telephoto from the bleachers.

Attached is a photo of my traler. I could construct a platform on the tire rack. That would give you an extra 5 feet. What is the footprint of your ladder?

The roof of my van is 2 feet higher, but it is not sturdy enought to stand on. Did you talk to Bernbomb about his tow vehicle? Does he have a RV with a roof you could put the ladder on?

I will be at the track all day on Friday. I joined the NCRC for the day and am going to be driving the track with them. My last morning session is over at 10:40 so I have plenty of time to help you get ready for the photo. (I am in the 1st group back out after lunch at 12:00)

[carreraguy]

The more I think about it and taking everyone's feedback (at the track and on the BBS) into consideration, the ladder at Laguna is not worth the hassle. I'll plan on going with the bleachers; likely a 2-300mm shot. Boy, I wish we had more time! Thanks for all your advice Jonn and thanks for the trailer offer too!

[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)

[carreraguy]

John:

I like your idea of 6x12, easiier to set up for sure. The "fan" was proposed in order to make the pic more visually interesting. I am willing to go either route for sure. If we do go 6x12, do you think we will take some flack from the racers for getting a fair amount of dirt on the track?

1. Turn 4 to turn 5

[carreraguy]

2. Turn 5 to turn 6

[carreraguy]

Turn 8 to 8A - aka the Corkscrew

[carreraguy]

Looking uphill at top of Corkscrew - you just missed Zanardi passing Herta! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[carreraguy]

Looking from entry to 10 at Turn 9 - the Rainey curve

[carreraguy]

Last turn to final straight, Turn 11

[carreraguy]

Finish line from flag tower looking toward Turn 11. Pit row on the right.

[carreraguy]

"The Rise" after the finish line going into Turn 1.

[carreraguy]

Thats about it. Did not take shots of turn 2 - ran out of energy after walking the whole track on foot w/o a hat or sunscreen! At least now I know the secret way to get on the track!

I like your WCC sign John, you will definitely be doing the Photoshopping - that is something I have not quite mastered!