HDR Photography
Though I missed it when I originally processed them, I was entertained to look back at this pair of shots from early spring in Salisbury, Connecticut—one pointing northeast and the other pointing southeast. The light of the rising sun is visible in the distance in both directions where the shadow of the mountain over town is absent.
This black Nissan Silvia was a sinister presence at #GRIDLIFE last year, but the reflections from its surfaces killed the dark-and-menancing tone. I’d typically address this with a polarizer, but didn’t have one handy. Luckily, some polarized sunglasses did the trick. I rather like the effect of the bokeh’ed-out lens in front of the car, like a bodyguard waving away paparazzi.
As much as I touted the glory of humble Civics bloodying the noses of prestigious vehicles, there’s a contrapositive joy from seeing an expensive car like an AMG GT devouring racetrack.
There’s something about seeing humble (but race-prepped) Civics going toe to toe with drastically more traditionally quick (and expensive) vehicles that’s very satisfying. In addition to what I’m sure are serious weight-reduction, suspension, and power improvements, the dramatic aero makes a big difference.
My brain may think MGBs and Mustangs when I hear “racing classic cars,” but the reality is that M3s and 240SXs cleanly fall into the classic car range at this point.
They say Miata stands for, “Miata Is Always The Answer,” but in this case I suspect the question was, “What has an adorable little face nestled amongst some serious race prep?”
Orange, black, and ready to race. My favorite detail in this BMW is the hole cut in the hood to accommodate the engine.
Imagery of JDM classics makes them seem larger-than-life, but a side-by-side image with everyday people reveals just how compact cars like the Mazda RX-7 were.
#GRIDLIFE Circuit Legends last fall was an incredible photographic legend—way more than could fit in just one post. We’re back again, this time focusing on happenings in the pits (which were open to the crowds.)
This black Nissan GT-R R34 was lurking in the shadows.
The gold shades on this S2000 driver were extra-dramatic with a fisheye lens.
Rounding out the action, this C5 Corvette rumbled down the pit lane. Given that it and the R34 share similar tail lights and paint jobs, the similarity in style seemed justified.
A truly “ultimate” lobster roll needs butter, a crispy, toasted roll, and a truly irrational amount of meat. Check, check, and check.
The smoke and the motion in this shot of a drifting 86 at #GRIDLIFE Circuit Legends last month really grab my attention, but it’s the little detail of the hand making the shaka sign out the window that puts this image over the top.
For more pictures from #GRIDLIFE this year, check out this post.
Last weekend brought me to the #GRIDLIFE Circuit Legends event at Lime Rock Park. I finally finished processing pictures from the event. Today’s post features some of my favorites from the event, but there’s definitely more to come.
Let’s start with this BMW M3. This was my first time trying longer exposures with moving cars to get serious motion blur. I’m honestly thrilled with how it came out and can’t wait to try more.
#GRIDLIFE was also remarkable for the access available to the pits. Enthusiasts were just roaming around as mechanics got to work on their cars.
That provided opportunities for even kids to get to see the cars up close.
The bucolic nature of Lime Rock added some chill vibes to what would otherwise be a pretty high-adrenaline setting.
Nocones Garage built this race car from a Subaru 360.
The red Honda S2000 in the background wasn’t even part of the team with the two red Subaru BRZs, but they were all kind enough to keep their cars in a line.
I like the array of tools and materials in front of this BMW M4.
While the Acura RSX’s team worked aggressively on their car, the BMW M2 team in the next stall looked on.
I spotted this Toyota Supra by the gates coming into the show.
The owners of that BMW M2 earlier got their beast out onto the track.
Shots like this, with huge amounts of motion blur, are the kinds of dramatic moments that really got me excited to go through with the wasted shots necessary to capture the perfect ones.
This show wasn’t just a chance for me to expand my shooting abilities; I also practiced some new photo-processing techniques. I don’t normally do a ton of color grading, but shots like this one really feel richer with some amped up forest green.
Speaking of forests, this trio was stopped by the gate, too.
From a forest of trees to a forest of people surrounding an FD Mazda RX-7 making its way back to the pits.
I had a chance to look into some pretty nuts engine bays.
A Honda S2000 looks the part out on the track.
Beneath the Boss S14 body kit, this drift monster is still a Nissan 240SX.
As is this less-disguised example. Just look at those sparks!
Watching four cars drift in parallel was really something…
But this shot of bonkers tire smoke from an 86 really got me attention.
As a child, I had this recurring dream of flying above my small Connecticut town. (Blame too many viewings of The Explorers.) The magic of actually rising above that town (with a drone) makes even the bare trees of early spring look romantic.
Bright Saturday morning sunshine warms Salisbury, Connecticut and make the town ski jump flash in the distance at the left of the image.
Neal Stephenson’s “Fall” suggests that that pattern of one’s childhood hometown is patterned deeply into the brain. This picture captures pretty much everywhere I could get to on my own (i.e., on my bike) when I was seven years old—so, basically my whole world at that point.
Decaseconds 