A couple weeks ago, I went to Laguna Seca in Monterey, CA to photograph a private track day for a group of Porsche enthusiasts. The track event was organized by a PCA local club and featured all types of drivers.
Among the drivers were first-timers, intermediates or even very experienced drivers (from BR Racing for example). They gave me unlimited access, which was amazing for the pictures.
Obviously you have to enjoy cars, the high octane gas smell and the noise of race cars (which was a bit muted that day due to noise regulations in effect). For a photographer, it was great to be able to be track-side and really practice my craft.
I always enjoy those special, challenging “assignments” as it forces me to step out of my comfort zone and make mistakes and learn.
I tried to vary my angle, my position on the track and my shutter speed. The next images are a selection spread during the day.
Like a news report, I tried to capture some images before any actual driving, capturing the mood of the track in the early morning, when everything was still very quiet.
And then the engines started and it was off to the races (literally). I moved a lot around the track during the day and I had full track access, so I could stay near the track (safely) and take as many pictures as I wanted.
