Me and a 50 - at the drag strip

I take a lot of photos from behind at the drag strip. I think it gives a sense of anticipation and a point of view of the racer. Thunder Valley Raceway points directly into the sun during the summer, making for some cool backlit pictures.

I like to simplify things when I can. I learned in the Information Technology world that simpler is easier to manage and secure. The more complex things get, the more security holes and problems that can arise. The same goes with my camera system. While I have some pretty awesome zoom and telephoto lens, as well as some nifty wide angle lens, my favorite lens is a simple 50 mm “standard” lens on a 35mm Nikon camera.

Gotta get close to the racers with a 50mm lens to get the intensity. I think these behind-the-scene pictures help tell the story.

When I go on assignment for a client I will often carry a wide variety of lenses, since I never know what I will need to help tell the story. I prefer prime lenses when possible, but in dusty conditions such as a motocross track, dust is an enemy to digital cameras so I will carry a couple of zoom lenses on two cameras and never change out the lenses.

My very good friend Tommy Bolton helping “Smoke” Lottie to the line.

But when I am doing my own thing, just taking pictures for pleasure or to tell the story of my travels or event in my life, I like to keep things simple – just a fast 50mm lens on a 35mm digital or film camera. That forces me to use my feet to zoom, and find pictures by just walking around and using my eyes.

While most of my photography centers around motorcycles, I like to grab a few sunset pictures of race cars. Once again this is with a 50mm “normal” lens on my Nikon DSLR.

Thunder Valley Raceway

I often photograph at Thunder Valley Raceway, both for clients on assignment, and just for fun. It is loud and exciting. I have shot with zooms, telephotos, wide angles, even a variety of film cameras including my Toyo View 4×5 camera. This trip I just used a Nikon digital camera with a 50mm F1.4 lens attached. Simple, easy, light weight, and fun.