Where to take photos at Silverstone this weekend?

[havoc]

Quick question (posted here and P&V) - where are the best spots for getting good shots of the cars at this weekends GT championships.

Am after both some panning shots and some more head-on (or nearly so) 'action' shots of more than one car.

Guesses so far (how many of these are do-able?)
- Inside of Stowe or Club
- 'outside' of Abbey (still inside the circuit)
- Is it worth being in the stands at Becketts / Chapel?
- Ditto Abbey?


Oh...it's on the full GP circuit I understand, and I've never been to S'stone when that's been used before, only the National.

Thanks all,

Martin

[scoobylicious]

I've been trying to find out the same for this weekend.

I think the terrace at Luffield is good. You can get high enough to take photos over the fencing. I've been there a few times, its a good spot. Another is infield at the straight after club. Apparently you can get close to the track and there is no high fencing, but I've never tried there myself.

[Typhon]

I was just about to make this thread too. I should have a media/photographer's pass, although I don't know exactly what advantages that will give me, I've never been to Silverstone before. Does anyone know good spots (perferbly on a map, haha) for photos?

[havoc]

Typhon said:

I should have a media/photographer's pass, although I don't know exactly what advantages that will give me...

How do you go about getting one of them?

And is it expensive?

[rhubarb]

There's a few places to take photos at Silverstone (Circuit Map here, although you'll need a long lens.

These are some of mine form last year here. The first couple on that page were from the top of the first stand at Woodcote (Grandstands are completely free for FIA GT days as I remember) looking ack to the exit of Woodcote, the next 3 are from the concrete spectator area at Luffield, then back to the stands. The couple of Lamborghinis are from the outside of Abbey walking towards club. The ones on the following pages are from all around that area. I did venture beyond club and looking at the Club chicane (or is vale chicane) but too much fence there.

As far as I know this year the paddock is open to everyone so there's also oppertunities there, and if they're errecting stands as they always appear to be doing between Copse and Maggots and you can climb them without getting court then you can get some good panning shots up there, again long lens and high up to get above the fence.

I'll be going again this year on Saturday as last year it was spectacularly quiet although as you'll see it tipped down - good job the stands were free.

And Typhon, come on spill the beans how did you get your media pass? I suspect no amount of money can get you one.

[monkeyhanger]

Firstly....Silverstone is fence city mostly and you tend to be a fair distance from the action. 400mm lenses are the order of the day for many of the best public spots...


Over the top of the fence at Luffield. If you move along the terrace you can get a few different angles.

Over the top of the fence at Club, with a 600mm lens gets you this..



You can get some panned shots from the Farm / Abbey areas if you get up high and shoot over the fence when they're using the GP circuit.

[havoc]

Looks like I'm in trouble then:-

- No media pass;
- 70-300 IS lens.

Thanks very much for the suggestions...think I'll get there early-ish and recce some good spots during the morning!

[monkeyhanger]

havoc said:

Looks like I'm in trouble then:-

- No media pass;
- 70-300 IS lens.

Get your nose up against the fences where possible. You'll be pleasantly surprised what you can get.

[rhubarb]

But don't get caught by the marshals at Luffield standing in front of the bar but behind the catch fence. I did last year and a marshal threatend to get security to kick me out

All mine were taken at 280 (200mm + 1.4 TC) so you may be alright with a 300 unless you want to see what the driver had for his breakfast.

[Typhon]

rhubarb said:

And Typhon, come on spill the beans how did you get your media pass? I suspect no amount of money can get you one.

It was arranged by the person who I am doing the photography for. But then again the best I have is a 70-200 2.8 on a 20D, so I think some of you guys with your huge lenses might still get some better shots than I will, haha

[autofocus]

Hi there,

I have shot a lot at Silverstone and will be there again tomorrow and Saturday.

I have only ever once shot with a media pass the rest of the time I have shot from the public areas.

My favourite spots accessible from the public areas are: -

1) on the infield between Bridge and Priory



2) from the top of the seating areas around the Abbey / Farm area



3) from the Luffield terraces



The lense I used for all of these was a 40-150mm.

Hope this helps.

Regards

Tim

Edited by autofocus on Thursday 3rd May 22:27

[Typhon]

Tim, you mentioned you have shot with a media pass - do you know if I need to buy a ticket if I will have a photographer's pass? I know this probably sounds stupid, but for regular car shows (Paris Motor Show, BMS, etc) you don't need to pay to enter on a press day. I don't know how tracks work in respect to this