38 hours AWAKE!!! POV motorsport photography at the 24hours of Daytona

Introduction

Good morning from Daytona, Florida! My name is Jamie Price, and I’m a professional motorsport photographer here at Daytona International Speedway for the 62nd running of the Rolex 24-hour race. We race these amazing cars for a full day – although I’m on the sidelines capturing the action. Here’s a rundown of my experience during this grueling yet exhilarating event.

The Day Begins

I’ve got multiple clients ranging from manufacturers, teams, drivers, and editorial outlets. With the race starting at 1:40 p.m. and concluding at the same time the next day, it’s going to be a long, intense day.

Paddock Activities

In the morning, I wander the Paddock to see if any driver change practices or last-minute car preps are happening. I bump into several familiar faces, including Jordan Taylor, a team owner. Not much action now, so I head back to prepare my equipment and hydrate for the long day ahead.

The Pre-Race Atmosphere

There’s an electric atmosphere in the Paddock and pit lane. It's hot and humid as the race nears its start. The cars are staged, and fans gather around. It’s a chaotic but thrilling environment, made even more hectic by the presence of a film crew working on a Brad Pitt movie.

Race Begins

The race kicks off at 1:40 p.m. There’s excitement mixed with tension as we gear up for 24 hours of non-stop action. My task is not just to capture the race but to represent my clients' best interests through my photography.

Photo Sessions

I capture various moments, from quick pit stops to stunning, slow-shutter artistic shots. These images bring out the speed, intensity, and elegance of endurance racing. Sunset, or the "photographer's happy hour," provides a unique beauty to my shots.

Nightfall and Fireworks

As the sky darkens, being on pit lane gets even more exhilarating with night-time pit stops. The fireworks display offers a challenging yet rewarding photo opportunity. However, a safety car at the same time makes spotlighting this moment difficult.

Midnight and Beyond

By midnight, tiredness sets in, but I push on without relying heavily on caffeine. From media center uploads to capturing shots in the grandstands, each activity is physically strenuous but visually rewarding.

The Early Morning Hours

Around 5:46 a.m., fatigue becomes palpable. I can't lie – it's tough. Yet, the renewed sense of purpose as the sun rises keeps me going. Though initially disappointing, I finally get some decent morning shots.

The Final Hours

Approaching the last few hours, the cars are the dirtiest, embodying the endurance they’ve shown through the night. The competition is fierce, with mere seconds separating the top contenders.

Wrapping Up

As the checkered flag waves, my clients’ cars strive for the podium. Despite the exhaustion, seeing the race end is satisfying. However, my work is far from over; editing and client submissions await. The adrenaline from the past 24 hours will keep me awake until I can finally rest.

Conclusion

After being awake for about 31 and a half hours, the journey concludes with immense satisfaction and aching muscles. The 24 Hours of Daytona is a challenging marathon for everyone involved, but the thrill of capturing those unforgettable moments makes it all worth it. Thank you for following along on this intense and rewarding journey!

Keywords

Daytona
Jamie Price
Motorsport Photographer
Rolex 24-hour Race
Paddock
Pit Lane
Fireworks
Night Photography
Endurance Racing
Media Center
Exhaustion
Editing

FAQ

Q: How long is the Rolex 24-hour race? A: As the name suggests, the race lasts for 24 straight hours, starting and ending at 1:40 p.m.

Q: What equipment do you use for such an event? A: I use multiple cameras, including a 70-200mm lens for detailed pit stops and a 24mm for wide-angle shots. I also use tripods for long-exposure fireworks shots at night.

Q: How do you manage fatigue during such a long event? A: While I avoided caffeine for most of the race, small breaks, constant hydration, and maintaining physical activity help manage the fatigue. Plus, the adrenaline from the race keeps me going.

Q: What challenges do photographers face during the night-time part of the race? A: Night-time brings its own set of challenges like low lighting, fast-moving cars, and the need for special equipment to capture quality shots. Additionally, physical exhaustion makes it tougher.

Q: How important is the sunrise and sunset for photography during the race? A: Both sunrise and sunset provide unique lighting conditions that can create stunning photographs. These times are considered "photographer’s happy hour" due to the beautiful light quality.

Q: What happens if something goes wrong, like a safety car during the fireworks? A: Such situations can be challenging as they may mess up perfectly planned shots. Adaptability and quick thinking are crucial for capturing alternative angles or moments.

Thank you for enjoying the journey of the 24 Hours of Daytona through the lens of a motorsport photographer. For more exciting content, follow my social media at @jamiepricephoto.