Back to Daytona 2024 edition

The IMSA "Roar Before the 24" weekend often marks the start of my racing season, offering a welcome escape to Florida's sunny climes—a stark contrast to the predictable onslaught of arctic weather and snow battering the suburbs of Philadelphia during this time.

Attending Media Day, I'm always struck by a bittersweet sentiment, standing on the threshold of a new year brimming with possibilities and commitments. The camaraderie with friends and coworkers is palpable, yet tinged with the realization of the impending hectic schedule.

This year, the driver headshots session proceeded seamlessly. It's fascinating to observe the varying approaches individuals take in front of the camera. Some opt for striking "cool effects", others aim for a polished look, while a few express their uniqueness through creative poses. This diversity not only challenges me to conjure fresh designs each year but also to align with the dynamic energy and intensity of the drivers. Among them are familiar faces I've collaborated with over the years, as well as newcomers bringing fresh energy and personalities.

The first event of the season is also my initial glimpse of the new car liveries. It's akin to the nostalgia and excitement of encountering a high school crush who had moved away and, by chance, meeting them years later in a local grocery store parking lot.

A particularly exhilarating aspect of this event is the night practice. Working on races that extend into the evening is a rarity for me, and the next two weeks present more such opportunities than I'll likely have for the rest of the year. These sessions are a precious commodity, necessitating meticulous planning to maximize their potential.

Currently, I'm in the midst of a two-day break between the Roar and the Rolex 24. It's impractical to travel home in this short interval — barely enough time to do laundry, let alone the expense of a round-trip flight. However, being away from my family for this extended period, especially at the year's outset, is challenging. It underscores a clear message: it's time to get back to work.

Let's dive in...

Headshot Practice 2024

After realizing I worked a little too much last year, I decided to change a few things around for 2024. I've come to enjoy working, but I've also learned not to focus solely on work and neglect other crucial aspects of my life.

Today, it was time to set up my portable headshot studio and practice. The upcoming racing season was already starting to occupy my thoughts more than it probably should.

One of the things that stresses me out a little is being responsible for many precise headshots for the series I work in. It's not that it's complicated, but it does require precision. I want the process to be flawless so that I can concentrate on other matters that may arise in my studio while I'm working.

For instance:

• You only have a few minutes to complete this before these drivers need to be somewhere else.
• The place you requested for your studio is occupied, so we've arranged a spot for you outside.
• You're going to Photoshop this to make me look good, right?

My goal when setting up a studio is that, when I press the button, everything is lit exactly as it should be. It's like the assembly line at Coca-Cola, where the cap is screwed on the next bottle, working perfectly, as it has millions of times.

I ensure this part is perfect because it's within my control, allowing me to focus on my work. Afterward, it becomes a dance between me and whomever steps in front of my lens. That's what makes each photo unique. That's what imbues each expression with meaning, and that's what transforms every moment into an opportunity to create a meaningful photograph.

Interestingly, my subjects rarely notice this. Everything in the picture revolves around them. I'm not in the picture, and after the setup, I have minimal control over the basics. That's okay; it was part of my plan from the beginning.

For the next 10-15 seconds, it's all about me. I scrutinize for any imperfections or issues. There could be something in their smile, a misaligned sponsor patch, or, worse, the wrong sponsor. I make minor hair adjustments and inquire about their confidence in wearing glasses for the photo. I may even suggest a quick hair touch-up or encourage them to remove their ballcap.

Finally, it's time for the show. I've had a brief moment to establish some rapport, although it's usually not much. It's natural for people to feel nervous when posing for pictures, and that's where my role comes in. I need a picture of you, and you want a picture of yourself, but all I can see is what you think you want me to capture.

That's when we both need to let go of our thoughts about the camera, lights, fear, pressure, and all other distractions in this fragile moment. I do my best to ignite that spark in your eyes and capture the world-brightening smile before I press the shutter button.

"Now"

I don't keep up with this page to make it a "blog" anymore.

Maybe I felt the weight of having to produce lofty prose or jaw-dropping images to put on display for the world to see.

Recently, I've come to the conclusion that just isn't me. I do the best job that I can, to the best of my ability, with passion and professionalism. Collecting "likes" and "follows" doesn't change the commitment that I have towards developing my craft or my devotion to the people who rely on me.

During this post/pre-season break, I'm working on many things that not only make me a better photographer but also a better person, and I am grateful for this moment in my life.

Best wishes to you and yours during this holiday season.

NASCAR 2023 Race 01 Daytona 500

Having spent a few weeks at Daytona International Speedway already this year, I was ready to experience it in a way only NASCAR can present itself. "America's Race," the Daytona 500.

The difference between the track layout between the IMSA Rolex 24 and the NASCAR Daytona 500 is dramatic. Not only is the track different, but a lot of the infield changes and, therefore, the logistics about parking, access, and the ability to get around inside the 2.5-mile oval. It's the first time of the year that the support series come out to play with the big boys, and of course, the main event always draws entries from elsewhere in the motorsports world.

With the unique qualifying process before the 500 takes place, the event is drawn out a few more days than every other race of the season.
I questioned the reason and process of the "Duels" (the races that set the grid for the actual race on Sunday). Several veterans informed me that the intent was to increase spectator participation during the days leading up to the main event and to wreck at least a few more racecars for the audience.

Here are a few of my favorite images I captured from the Daytona 500 2023 All images are © 2023 Gavin Baker / NKP

NASCAR 2023 Race 00 The Clash

It was a little quieter this year at the Clash. Instead, mufflers were added to the newest generation of Cup cars for the first event of the 2023 season at the Coliseum in LA.
It's always nice to start fresh each year with different faces in different places, but once drivers reach the Cup level of racing, things change less than you might think. Then, of course, people retire, and new young upstarts have something to prove, but these weathered professionals have been around the lock and have learned to overcome the growing pains of racing full-time.

The garage area is in a parking lot outside the Coliseum itself because you can't put cars in a locker room like a sports team when they aren't on the "field." Since the track is smaller than the other NASCAR venues, the number of cars is limited to 27. Heat races determine who will be eligible to race in the main event.
Martin Truex took the checkered flag at the end of the event marking the first victory at the Coliseum for himself, Toyota, and Joe Gibbs Racing.

Here’s a few of my favorite photos from the event: All images are copyright protected ©2023 Gavin Baker/NKP