Photographing the Indianapolis 500 means for an early morning and a long day. I arrived at the 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 at 3:45 am, I used this time to coordinate logistics and send some emails, shortly after I hustled to the infield to photograph the iconic canon blast (a signal to the fans that the gates are now open). My following move was to run up the grandstands and capture the sun's rays casting a golden shine over the iconic IMS pagoda.
The buzzing of eager spectators, and the distant revving of engines in the garage made for symphony of anticipation! Once I completed my sunrise shooting, it’s time for a break to brief the team on the day’s assignments as well as eat as much as I can (most years I miss lunch) and prepare for the big day.
Next up I went out and photographed the Snake Pit concerts. The pulsating energy of the crowd, the deafening roar of amplifiers, and the electric atmosphere are a lot to take in that early in the morning. The stage erupts with blinding lights and flames, with a sea of wild fans. It’s really hot on stage when the flames erupt as well as when I navigated the crowd! Hard to believe that‘s all going on at 9:00 am!
Upon returning to the media center from the Snake Pit it’s time for a quick gear change and final 10min sit down. After a quick rest it’s time for pre-race ceremonies, at Indy they last for what seems hours with different presentations until driver introductions start. The start of driver introductions evokes the emotion of pressure rising, we’re getting close to the green flag, once they conclude I know i’m going to be scrambling on the grid for the next 20-40mins.
Maneuvering through the crowded grid, seeking the perfect vantage point to capture the raw emotion etched on the drivers' face is probably one of the most difficult yet rewarding sessions of the season. The pre-race tension is visible as they exchange final words with their teams and family, knowing of the adrenaline-fueled journey that awaites them. It’s all about trying to capture all—the focus, the grit, the determination.
Once the famous “Back Home Again In Indiana” performance starts (my favorite part) gets around 20 seconds in, I start sprinting for the pagoda. For the last 5 years i’ve shot the start of the race from the roof of the pagoda. It’s a very unique vantage point that shows many fans as well as the feild sailing into turn one.
As the green flag drops, the racetrack transformed into a storm of sound and motion. Capturing split-second moments of exhilaration and intensity from overhead really start to unfold the stories of both victory and defeat.
Throughout the race, I try to give a well rounded perspective of the event. Maneuvering both the grandstands, mounds and trackside access is key to show many perspectives of what it’s like viewing at the racing capitol of the world!
Shooting the Indianapolis 500 isn’t just capturing a race, it’s shooting multi genaration family fans as well as first timers, it’s party people, sports enthusiasts. It most importantly is a profound human experience and performance by the drivers . The Indianapolis 500 is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, to the pursuit of excellence, and to the unwavering passion that pushes these drivers, engineers, crews to their limits.
As the checkered flag waved, I anticipated Josef Newgarden to drive into victory circle to be lifted to the podium, i’ll admit I really wasn’t prepared for him to stop on the yard of bricks. As I saw him slowing on the front stretch I bolted off of victory podium down to pit lane, after wating for the final cars to come in and park, I ran out to the car, that’s when he slipped through the fence and out into the crowd! I’d never seen anything like it, terrific!
After the famous “Kiss the Bricks” ceremony, it was time to head in for the day and go through the 17, 409 images I shot that day. It’s at that time I had the ability to reflect on the whirlwind of emotions I had experienced. Tired, stinky and dirty, a sense of completion and fulfillment rang strong in my mind, Every Indianapolis 500 is extraordinary and i’m incredibly honored to get to be a part of it. The opportunity to immortalize the triumphs and tribulations that make this historic event is something I don’t take lightly.
Thanks for having a look and let me know in the comments what you think.
-Chris
