Best of 2019 - IndyCar — chris owens photography

As we quickly approach the final laps of 2019, it only seems appropriate for me to reflect on some of my favorite moments and best photographs. Defining my best images of the year is no easy task. Building one gallery from all the hours, days, months spent walking around race tracks with my camera is a massive project that’s hard to do justice.

With all of that said, the highest honor to me has been having the ability to share what it’s like living on the race circuit with Indycar fans. It excites me to give everyone some behind the scenes views and in-between moments that might have been missed otherwise. Knowing how much this racing means to it’s fans makes the work that much more rewarding and of value to me.

In 2020 I look forward to shooting the racing season at IMS and also having the freedom to grow as a photographer. I plan to get into new ventures and attempt to share what I believe to be my “talent” onto larger more mainstream subjects and fan bases.

Thanks for taking a look, leave a comment and tell us what you think.

-Chris

Ink & Paint

I love this shot, it was one of my more popular this season and received much praise from my friends at IndyCar.

Time Warp

I shot this photo in Portland. Tracking the car through lawn chairs, shirts and flags make for a very colorful image.

Corvette Grand Sport Pace Car.

The 2019 Indianapolis 500, Corvette Grand Sport Pace Car. I loved everything about this shoot, the car looks so fast and I really enjoy the color. I even got to briefly drive it this year, so damm cool!

ICEMAN

Scott Dixon is one of the greatest of my generation, hell he’s one of the greatest of all time! Watching him prepare for a session is very fascinating to me. Unlike all the other drivers I’ve photographed, Scott literary get’s ready at the last second and jumps in the car. Other drivers spend upwards 20 min, stretching, putting on gear slowly. Scott takes 20 seconds, puts on his helmet and jumps in and wins. It’s neat to observe. Not only is Scott one of IndyCar’s most photogenic, he’s also the most difficult driver to photograph.

Indycar GP Start.

This is a great photo of the start of the Indycar GP. i like it because there is a ton to sort out in the the next few feet and second. That turn is coming quick and the leader is already heading that direction. Action like this is why IMS is the racing capitol of the world.

Night Ride

My favorite thing about night racing is doing shutter speed camera tricks, that’s when the really creative images can start to be made.

Piercing Stare

Will can see right through you, at least this image would give you that impression. I can’t help but think that he is deep in concentration at this moment. In this frame it’s obvious that I’ve broken that for him. Maybe my favorite photo ever of Will.

Alexander Rossi, In traffic.

May events and practice for the Indianapolis 500 typically have me photographing and editing for roughly 10-12 hr days. Eventually it’s nice to start playing with the camera and trying to make abstract images. This image is the result of shooting the cars at a slower shutter speed which emphasizes just how fast the cars are. Although not always practice, this is my favorite way to shoot!

Blackout

During the fall of 2018 IMS applied a black sealant to the racing surface, this made for a very dark race track in early 2019 testing. With some computer adjustments and reducing the blacks in the image this is what came out, Will Power – BLACKOUT!

2019 Starting Field.

I really enjoy this image, to me it’s just a really epic scene. It was grand in person and looks the same in the photograph. I’ll tell you, I love the 500. Only two places you’ll find me on raceday is at the speedway or in the ground…

Ice Cold Milk.

I would have to say this is the most unique milk shot I’ve photographed here at IMS. Litlery every inch his face is covered with the white victory beverage. It’s almost like he’s a porclen figure. Simon is a very deserving winner and great ambassador for the Indianapolis 500 and IMS.

Driving and Drumming.

Will Power isn’t just a badass in the car, he loves to drum and rock out at home too. Any time Will and I spend any extended amount of time together our conversations eventually come to music. He’s also the only driver that I’ve had make his own music requests on studio days (my studio ALWAYS has a stereo).

The Champ

Look at all of that energy! We have some time the day after the 500 to make some portraits of the winner. This is my favorite from that shoot. Simon is great to work with!

Rocket Dog

Norman is the best! Two days after the Indianapolis 500, I go with the winner to do media and TV interviews in NYC. This photo was taken in a hallway of the empire state building. Simon is a very kind owner for giving Norman a view of what it might be like to win the 500 and wear the wreath ha!

The Borg Warner Trophy

Arguably the grandest of all trophies in sport is the Borg Warner trophy. I’m around it often and photograph it often. I’m actually amazed how I can always seem to make new photos of it I like year after year. I truly think it’s just that spectacular!

Breakfast with the Captain.

Everybody loves Charlie Browns. The morning following Mr. Penske’s purchase of IMS the executive team met for breakfast. It was awesome to hear Mr. Penske’s enthusiasm for IMS and hear some of his planning for the next chapters of IMS. I had biscuits & gravy….

Rahal on a flyer.

Graham Rahal sliding around the fountain in Long Beach. To me, this image just looks fast!

Fountain Dive

Scot Dixon goes for a dip after his win this year at Detroit, Belle Isle.

Morning Light.

I spent at least 10 mins and took about 100 photos from this sitting. This morning in Monterrey, California just had superb light and subject.

Corn Field Shoot.

I actually shot this on a disposable camera. Joe and I did a shoot with Simon Pagenaud in a corn field this year in Iowa this year. We had such a good time, I had to grab a snapshot of him with Joe.

Iowa Storm

I’m not sure if i’ll ever see another day like this as long as I live. The whole set of sky photos were just unreal. This frame has the race track in it so it’s a natural pick for this gallery.

Good Morning

I’ve seen lot’s of sunrises and sunsets from early and late hours spent at IMS. I always have to take a photo, gets me every dam time.

Heat Haze

It was HOT this year in Portland. In fact it was so hot, that’s all the camera could find during the start of the race, heat haze. Really made for a creative photo.

2019 Vibes #INDYCAR

Colton says it best.

Joe & I

Alex Wong sent me this, I really enjoy it.. This photo was taken as Joe and I walked into the media center at the season finale. The 2019 season brought more challenge than my entire 10 yrs on the photo staff. This image was taken at the close to all of that. All that considered we’re still smiling!