Are you ready for the picture?

One thing I have learned from taking pictures of motorsports, or sports in general is always be ready to take the picture. It seems so simple, but when I was starting out, I missed plenty of images because I was changing a lens or talking to another photographer. Now, I bring several cameras with lenses mounted and try not to socialize too much.

Occasionally, I'll shoot at events that local businesses hold. Since being ready had become a part of my routine, I've seen it help in this environment as well. Last night was a perfect example.

I was asked to shoot the grand opening event for Mercedes Benz of Fairfield. Roger Penske was scheduled to be in attendance, as this is one of the 400+ dealers he owns. Mr. Penske also brought along two special vehicles from his personal Mercedes Benz collection: a 1955 300SL and a 2011 SRS. Both stunning vehicles with their gullwing doors. Additionally, 300 people were invited to attend this special event.

I stopped by the dealership several hours before the event, very much the way I head to a track the day before shooting.The PR manager of the dealership had told me ahead of time to get key photos of Mr. Penske, one of which was with his 300SL. I wanted to look at backgrounds and any distractions around the car. As Mr. Penske arrived I had the opportunity to get some posed shots, but he was on the move, meeting and greeting guests. The crowd around him was growing, making it difficult to get him alone with the car.

About half an hour after his arrival, the PR manager grabbed me. "Are you ready?", she said. In an instant my subject was briskly walking to the car. He asked me how he should be posed. I gave him a quick instruction and then fired the first vertical shot. Then he started to get up! "I just need one more" I pleaded. I turned the camera horizontal. Once the flash went off he dashed away. The first shot ended up being the keeper.