When I go out to photograph something, especially an "event" like the SGT Jan Argonish Memorial Motorcycle Run September 13th, I always blow off several shots on my camera's "automatic" setting. That's so I know I'm coming back with something I can use. After that, it's time for experimenting and learning.
I positioned myself near the intersection of Dunmore and Sanderson Streets in Throop, so I knew I would have a long run of motorcycles coming up a hill. I shared some of those shots yesterday.
Today, it's the experimental part of the trip. Some things worked. Some didn't.
The first photo today is an attempt at a bit of whimsy. First, it's a cool bike. Second, the bear in the back really catches your eye.
The second shot is a Jeep pick up, with the American flag waving from the back. Yes, the sharpness could be improved. The framing could be a lot better.
I'll be kicking myself over the last photo for a while. I was experimenting with the panning technique-- moving my body and the camera along with the motorcycle moving up the street. The goal is to get a sharp bike with a blurry background.
I did get the background blur. The back of the bike is in focus. The rest is weak.
Upon further review... I used a shutter speed of 1/80. I should have gone up a few notches, but a former newspaper photographer told me I could have gone slower, if my panning was more in tune with the bike.
I also used a 24mm prime lens, not the fastest focusing lens in my bag. I used it because I was relatively close to the street and I needed something with a wide angle
For a first time, it could have been worse. I think I showed enough promise to keep trying. That's part of the fun.