Beach Motocross...
Weymouth beach motocross is an annual event where more than 280 riders race along the seafront shoreline before double-backing and tackling a host of jumps and corners.
Spectator viewing is from the Esplanade only as the beach is closed to the public. This creates problems from a photographic point of view - I had to arrive early to find a decent spot. I walked the race part of the Esplanade four times trying to decide on the best point.
I opted for a position which gave three opportunities for photos: To my left was a jump coming at an angle towards me, directly opposite was a jump and to my right was a tight turn.
If you move from your spot at any point, you’ve lost your place; there is no way of getting back the front of the crowd. Light also creates a problem and can dictate your position (particularly if the sun is out which often rules out taking photos into the sun). This year however, the problem was low light, the light dropped noticeably which resulted in slower shutter speeds and it started to rain after an hour. You also have to hope that other members of the crowd don't block your view.
You've got to know your camera settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO and focal length). You also have to be mindful of the sheer amount of yellow and orange safety tape all around the course:
Once racing gets under way, there is plenty of time to watch, and plenty of time for photographs.
First jump chaos:
Another jumper:
The Beach Motocross isn't without risk. Under this bike is a rider:
This happened so quick:
There's also a chance to do some post-photo processing to create a more graphic-design type feel to the photos. Whether you like the finish applies is down to personal taste, but I think the processing starts to make the photos 'pop'.
Weymouth Beach Motocross - a fabulous event to watch and great opportunities for photos, particularly when you choose a spot that gives three options!
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Further Beach Motocross photos are available, please contact me.
Spectator viewing is from the Esplanade only as the beach is closed to the public. This creates problems from a photographic point of view - I had to arrive early to find a decent spot. I walked the race part of the Esplanade four times trying to decide on the best point.
I opted for a position which gave three opportunities for photos: To my left was a jump coming at an angle towards me, directly opposite was a jump and to my right was a tight turn.
If you move from your spot at any point, you’ve lost your place; there is no way of getting back the front of the crowd. Light also creates a problem and can dictate your position (particularly if the sun is out which often rules out taking photos into the sun). This year however, the problem was low light, the light dropped noticeably which resulted in slower shutter speeds and it started to rain after an hour. You also have to hope that other members of the crowd don't block your view.
You've got to know your camera settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO and focal length). You also have to be mindful of the sheer amount of yellow and orange safety tape all around the course:
Once racing gets under way, there is plenty of time to watch, and plenty of time for photographs.
First jump chaos:
Another jumper:
The Beach Motocross isn't without risk. Under this bike is a rider:
This happened so quick:
There's also a chance to do some post-photo processing to create a more graphic-design type feel to the photos. Whether you like the finish applies is down to personal taste, but I think the processing starts to make the photos 'pop'.
Weymouth Beach Motocross - a fabulous event to watch and great opportunities for photos, particularly when you choose a spot that gives three options!
Return to homepage
Further Beach Motocross photos are available, please contact me.