Brands Hatch - where to take photos from?

[havoc]

...and where are the best places to spectate?

It's the British GT's this weekend that I'm (weather-permitting) going to, which will be using the full circuit. And I've never been to Brands before, so I've no idea where is/isn't worth going to.

Cheers guys,

Martin.

PS - anyone else going?

[Matt2101]

Stand on the outside of the circuit just before the turn into Druids. Guaranteed to catch the odd desperate late braker into the corner, as well as the classic view down the hill from the exit of Paddock Hill.
If you just want to spectate and not worry about photos, then the top of the Paddock Hill grandstand gives you a full view of the Indy circuit, it will just be the GP loop you are missing.

[MonkeyHanger]

As Matt has said, for the GT's you must get a race-day pack shot from the outside of Druids looking back down to the Paddock Hill bend gravel trap..

Not GTs, but you get the idea..



On the infield of Druids, cross over the bridge, turn right and again shoot towards the Paddock Hill Beach..



Outside of "Pilgrim's Drop" IIRC (it's been a while since i was at Brands..)



Inside of Westfield..

http://gsh-motorsports.fotopic.net/p45352445.html

Through the TV flap at Clearways (if there's no TV camera there)

http://gsh-motorsports.fotopic.net/p41729311.html

Just go for a walk out in the wilds of the GP circuit...loads of angles and not many people

Edited by MonkeyHanger on Wednesday 9th July 22:28

[Piers_K]

If you've got a long lens.. get yourself just up from the track from the dip/ compression of Paddock Hill.. they may well 'spark up' as the splitter hits as they go over the curb.. and a good place to watch them going off

Outside of Druids looking down towards Paddock hill.. sitting/ getting low gives you a better angle..

Inside of druids (anywhere) for pans.

I also like just past the end of the banking on the south bank as they go into Graham Hill bend. Theres a small area where you can shoot over the top of the fence.

And Surtees.. if you fancy a challenge


Have fun...

[pixelpimp]

Agreed inside of druids always good for wheel in the air panning.

[kevin ritson]

Paddock Hill is a must as is Druids (and make sure you cross the bridge as there are less fences on the inside)

And if the meeting's using the GP loop it would be criminal not to wander out there. If you have a radio on your mobile phone bring headphones as for some events they'll broadcast as there are no PA systems out there.

However the atmosphere is completely different to the Indy loop - it's wonderfully peaceful between the races and the views are great as again there is little in the way of obstructive fences. Hawthorns must be seen, it's a real challenge for panning photography, too. Before then you can get some good shots as they go under the bridge into Pilgrim's Drop and heading towards Hawthorns.

Westfield allows you to get close to the cars and it's slower than Hawthorns, so your shots will be more reliable. Sheen Curve isn't the same as Dingle Dell but again a good spot.

Seeing as they'll charge at least a tenner for a grandstand seat I'd say save your money and enjoy the walk.

[MonkeyHanger]

1 other thing..

If there's been rain in the area in the days prior to the race and you plan to explore the GP loop, make sure you have a good pair of walking boots...trainers will not be up to the job

[havoc]

Thanks for the replies guys - helps a lot.

And MH...yep, already told my bro' to dig out some boots...having done Donington a few times during/after rain I'd guessed that it might get squelchy at Brands! Will leave the driving trainers (+ big carrier bag) in the car...

Sounds like there's a lot of good spots in close proximity (Druids inside-and-out/Pilgrims/Hawthorn) which will make life easier if it is really wet...

Piers_K said:

And Surtees.. if you fancy a challenge

Go on...in what sense? :intriguedsmiley:

Edited by havoc on Thursday 10th July 17:56

[Piers_K]

Provided they havent got the barriers out for the TV cameras.. you are virtually stood on the apex of the corner.. and they will be going through there rather quickly..

High shutter speeds aint to bad.. but go slow and pan..

1/500