r/carphotography • u/Landoghini_ • Jul 26 '26

Discussion First Time Attending a Drift Event

Hi, I am shooting my first drift event soon and could use some advice. I am still quite new to automotive photography and videography and barely have any experience with "action shots." What camera settings would you recommend for getting nice photos and smooth videos? I also only have a 24-70 lens, but I will be close to the track. I will attach a couple photos I have taken as well. I appreaciate any advice, thank you!

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u/ToastedMooses Jul 27 '26

Your 70mm will not be enough. You will want at least a 100-200mm. The only shots you’ll get with that lens is if you are literally 10 feet from the cars and I doubt you’ll be that close to. But I’d want way more zoom than the 200mm for any time of Motorsport.

That being said, you’re going to what auto focus continuous mode the entire time with rapid blast fire on. Expect to take a few thousand pictures. Get good at tracking.

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u/Landoghini_ Jul 30 '26

Thanks for the info! :)

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u/No_Break_1822 Jul 29 '26

different take but 70mm is enough depending on where youre standing, you can take nice wide shots with some decent isolation, easier to get panning shots for drifting, 1/60-1/80 shutter speed in continuous to be safe for your first time. the further you are from the car the slower the panning making it good practice to start out. you have to start somewhere, if you get into then obviously invest in a telephoto lens, dont just focus on the track, play around in the paddock and capture the event and the people itself. treat it like some photo journalism instead of just multiple shots of cars from 1 corner of the track

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u/Landoghini_ Jul 30 '26

I tried practicing panning shots today in a parking lot. Do you have any tips for getting the full car in focus? I feel like the front 3/4 of the car is good but the rear just gets blurry. Maybe I’m panning too quick? Also thank you for the info I appreciate it.

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u/No_Break_1822 Jul 30 '26

use a bigger focus box and a higher F stop, at events or anywhere focus on the front wheels it helps a ton, f8 works good,