Drive time

Jason Parnell-Brookes talks through some handy techniques that will help take your rally pictures to pole position

Six ways to shoot motorsports

The right shutter speed is key in achieving an image that is sharp and gives a sense of speed

Taking clear action shots of fast-paced sports, such as rally racing, may sound hard, especially with everything zipping by so quickly, but it is possible. Breathe, take time to enjoy it and to plan your shots, and you’ll get a selection of photographs to be proud of.

You’ll need to keep your Nikon steady and smooth. Panning is also an important technique to master, and the right shutter speed is key to achieving an image that is not only sharp, but that also gives a sense of speed.

We went to leg nine of the 2016 World Rally Championships in Trier, Germany, to take our shots. This event boasts the best drivers and vehicles in the world, tearing around at breakneck speeds, but you should be able to shoot similar images at any local rally.

With the cars ripping around the course, let’s see what you need to do to get winning shots.