Each day is birthed by the ascending Sun. Dawn is a unique and humbling moment. Anticipation of a new day glows around us on this ever spinning Earth. Breathing in our brief existence, as we imagine the endless eons of sunrises, helps us cherish our mortality. For us, each dawn is new, different, fleeting and ephemeral. We steal a glimpse of celestial grace with each passing moment, during the quiet peace of dawn.
Nikon D800 Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 @ 24mm f/18 ISO 100 5 image HDR
On Friday I had the unique opportunity to cover the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) National competition held at Maple Grove Raceway in Mohnton Pennsylvania. I have visited this track a few times before to watch events and was never disappointed. This year turned out to be even better. Covering the event for Independence Sports Magazine meant I was granted special access to photograph the races from a close, and I mean very close, vantage point.
In my orange vest I was able to experience the deafening roar of a Top Fuel Dragster from five feet. I can’t express how this feels in words. I had earplugs in and was wearing headphones over my head and it was still, by far, the loudest thing I had ever felt. To describe what happened I can only tell you how it affected me. I took positions beside the racetrack that ranged from right beside the starting line to about 20 meters down the track. I was shooting pictures on almost every pass. Each time a Funny Car or a Top Fuel Dragster passed me, my eyes would close tightly (not on purpose) and my teeth would grit shut, my arms would shake (sometimes banging my face with the camera) my chest would feel like an elephant was dancing on it, I would almost always have to take a step back (except when I was kneeling) and twice, snot was literally blown out my nose. Gross I know, but when the wave of air pressure went by, it was so forceful that if my mouth was open at all, I needed a tissue immediately.
A learning experience certainly, something really fun, definitely. Hopefully the pictures tell the story for you.
Searching for more of nature’s color this morning while doing service calls, I came across this red bush thrusting its way between its neighbors. I haven't seen evergreens develop the golden yellow color like this one, but mingled with the green bristles it really sets off the reds from the middle tree. Ah the wonders of Autumn.
Nikon D4 Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 3 images blended to allow more focusing possibilities, all at 70mm f/2.8 ISO 100 1/200 sec
Right now, in our section of the Northeast, nature is beginning to drape the countryside in color. I search for pockets of gold, swaths of red, or splotches of yellow scattered amongst the landscape. I’ll keep my eyes wide open and report back here with my captures. Stay tuned…
Nikon D4 Tamron 70-200mm f/2.8 @ 175mm f/5.6 ISO 200 using 2 5 image HDRs
Happy October! The picture was taken last year across Westtown Lake, just off of Westtown Rd in West Chester. Sadly, access to this area is now restricted, why I don’t know, but fortunately it was not always that way. Please share and enjoy.