Rally Photography

We’ve all most probably seen photo collections of amazing rally shoots. As simple as it may seem it really isn’t. There’s a lot more to it as I recently learned at the Kukuleganga Rally 2009.

OK, to those who aren’t familiar with the concept of rallying, it’s basically a race where the drivers all drive along a marked road though not all at the same time. They’re timed and the fastest man across wins. So each driver goes past a single point only once.

So, as a photographer you get only one chance to shoot a single car. And this being my 1^st rally I was a bit worried about this and ending up having a set of monotonous shots (from being positioned in one place).

As the cars drove by, I ended up repositioning myself as each car drove past. Its quite tiring, but the result is worth it.

Another thing I learnt was to shoot wide angles. It really does capture the essence of rallying with a stunning backdrop of a cliff, waterfall or even a group of enthusiastic spectator.

I really should do more such shoots. Kukuleganga was a tarmac race, but I foresee a gravel rally being much more entertaining considering the rising dust and flying debris.

Its interesting how much you learn at every shoot and pick up a lesson or two. Interesting indeed!