Doug Franklin mused: > > On Fri, 12 Nov 2004 08:57:20 -0500, Stephen Moore wrote: > > > Doug Franklin wrote: > > > > > The racing habit _does_ interfere with the photography, sometimes, and > > > not only from the cash perspective. One of the most annoying things > > > about working corners at races is having a great place on the track to > > > shoot, but not being able to. > > > Tried [photographing while working corners at a race] once, during > > practice. One winds up doing neither job very well. > > To stay out of trouble on the corners, you need eyes on both sides of > your head and in the back, too. I wouldn't feel, or probably be, safe > with my face glued to the back of a camera.
That's why you've got two eyes - one to look through the viewfinder, and one to watch the corner captain. Keep your ears open, too - if a car gets out of control, the first indication is often unusual sounds. If shooting from a semi-exposed position, though, try and make sure that trouble will approach you from the direction you are looking. Leaning through an E-hole and pointing your camera down-track is not a good idea. If you're lucky, all that will happen is that you get your credential pulled, and have to go and talk to the chief steward to get it back. And make sure that you know where the nearest safe spot is *before* you take up your position - the time to look for cover is *not* when something heavy is approaching you at 200 mph! Cooperate with the corner workers, and they'll help you. It's their territory, but there's usually room for one or two other folks even at the most crowded spots, if you ask nicely.
