Racing Around The Track

Recently, I took a customer, Judy, to one of my favorite places to help her learn to use her camera in something other than auto mode. I had not been to the dirt track for a very long time and knew we could get action shots there. After a few pointers and help setting her camera up we looked for riders on two or four wheels.
Using shutter priority, continuous focus, and continuous shooting, with a finger held down on the shutter button, captures amazing results.
I realize there will be a lot of pictures to go through, many of them looking the same, but it is the best way to capture action (sports) photos.
The above picture is a good example of this. I was panning and following rider #39 while he began his turn, spitting dirt all over. I have between five and eight pictures of him as he makes this turn. I do not keep all of them. I delete pictures from the memory card(s) at home on my computer. I get a bigger screen, 19" verses 3", to make judgements calls on sharpness, composition etc..., this way I don't delete the better photo of the bunch or group. I still look at them in the field. I check the histogram, highlights and a few other things to make sure I am getting good results. This photo is the best of the series with some good timing. The two riders in the background are on a different section of the track and happen to be speeding by at the right time! We all get lucky once in awhile! You can increase that luck by having your camera set up right, keep your finger on the shutter button even if it is longer than usual, following through (pan) properly and putting yourself in the right place to capture a great picture.
I love action shots! I feel as though I am right there riding along with them.
D200, 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, f/2.8, 1/160 sec., ISO 400 with help from a mono-pod. Some edits, contrast and cropping.
Thanks for coming with me Judy, I hope you learn to love using your camera in some of its other modes and settings. Best of luck!