Speed Week Automotive Photography Workshop

Itinerary:

• Day 1: Sunday We will meet at a predetermined location either at your Wendover hotel or at the SCTA control areas (keep us up to date on your arrival timing) , located near the tech areas on the salt. Once we clear SCTA requirements, (signing of insurance release and other docs). You will receive your press pass, salt entrance pass, safety vest, and press parking pass, we will then decide which starting line (short or long course) or we may stay close in and cruise the pit areas. Around the lunch hour we will break for the afternoon. At this time depending on if you drove onto the salt or carpooled, you can opt to stay out or we can drop you back at your hotel. We will then take a few hours to find some air-conditioning and food. Then we meet again in the afternoon and head back out to the salt for late afternoon and sunset shots. (ALL vehicles MUST be off the salt by sunset, NO EXCEPTIONS)

• Day 2: Monday After an early wake up call we grab a quick breakfast and head back out to the salt. During the morning light / sunrise, we will photograph the teams and transports coming on the salt. This is usually a busy time as everyone is trying to get the vehicles ready for their timed runs. Lots of opportunity for shots as everyone is busy. From there we will decide which starting line to head over to. Once the light becomes too harsh, we head back into town for lunch, discussions and critique some images. Late in the afternoon we head back out to the salt and find teams, vehicles that have moved “winning” vehicles out to the open salt for photos. We will capture the sunset and some amazing automotive and landscape photos. If you rode out with us we will then return you to your hotel. Again we MUST be off the salt at sunset. After a quick bite, we will meet at a predetermined hotel parking lot and walk/shoot/enjoy the “carshow” that happens in the early evenings.

• Day 3: Tuesday We get up early, grab a quick breakfast, During the morning light / sunrise, we will photograph the teams and transports coming on the salt. This is usually a busy time as everyone is trying to get the vehicles ready for their timed runs. Lots of opportunity for shots as everyone is busy. From there we will decide which starting line to head over to. Once the light becomes too harsh, we head back into town for lunch, discussions and critique some images. Late in the afternoon we head back out to the salt and find teams that have moved “winning” vehicles out to the open salt for photos. We will capture the sunset and some amazing automotive and landscape photos. If you rode out with us we will then return you to your hotel. Again we MUST be off the salt at sunset. After a quick bite, we will meet at a predetermined hotel parking lot and walk/shoot/enjoy the “carshow” that happens in the early evenings in town and walk parking areas looking for RatRods, Hotrods and Customs to photograph and talk with other automotive enthusiasts.

• Day 4: Wednesday Up early, grab coffee, food and then, Its back out to the salt. This day we head into the pit and tech areas, we will find the teams and vehicles that are favorites of the group. We will walk the pit areas, and then move over to the tech areas where vehicles are inspected and get the “OK” to run. We will focus attention on up-close and personal shots. From there we head out to the “Shut Down” area and observe the finish lines and photograph the teams and vehicles making the return trip back down to the pits. This is where you can use your long lenses to capture vehicles at speed, possible photos of vehicles with parachutes deployed as they cross the finish timing line. ( Remember, the cars on the track will be at least a 1/4 mile if not further, you will need a long lens if you wish to capture vehicles at speed.) Once the light becomes harsh we will head back to Wendover and the hotels. Late in the afternoon we will meet for dinner at a local restaurant and discuss the past days events and critique / discuss photos that you’ve captured during the past days.

• Day 5: Thursday Its a quick breakfast and then out to the salt, we will photograph again from the press areas, the vehicles starting their run. We can walk the staging lines for detail shots, lifestyle, and all around storytelling photo opportunities. We will walk and photograph both long course and short courses. We will say our goodbyes this day as the workshop will end at about 1pm this day.

NOTE: Because of this workshops has so many moving parts, We MAY ALTER the itinerary above to suit us all better. The times and locations may/will change throughout the workshop. Flexibility is key here. The goal is to get as much time on the salt and photographing as possible. Once your deposit / payment has been received we will work personally with you to make sure you get the best experience possible on the salt.

Equipment Selection

• Camera: A DSLR or mirrorless camera with an ability to shoot at high frame rates is ideal.

• Lenses: A versatile zoom lens (24-70mm) is recommended for versatility, while a telephoto lens (70-200mm or longer) will allow you to capture distant racers with detail.

• Tripod or Monopod: Given the conditions, a tripod or monopod may/will help with stability for long exposures if shooting at dusk or dawn.

Timing and Lighting

• Golden Hour: We will arrive early to take advantage of the Blue hour at sunrise and Golden hour at sunset. The low angle of the sun casts long shadows and enhances the texture of the salt flats.

• Midday Sun: For action shots, the stark midday lighting serves to highlight the speed and details of the vehicles against the white salt surface. Be mindful of harsh shadows.

Composition Tips

• Wide Shots: Capture the vastness of the Bonneville landscape. Position yourself to include the horizon and the expansive salt flats to emphasize speed and distance.

• Action Shots: Anticipate the racers' movements. Use continuous shooting mode to capture a sequence of events, showcasing the vehicles' acceleration and speed.

• Detail Shots: Don't forget to focus on the mechanics. Close-up images of engines, wheels, and custom modifications tell a deeper story of Speed Week.

Interaction and Engagement

• Pit Area: Engage with drivers and teams in the pit area. Candid shots of team preparations or post-run celebrations can convey the passion and dedication that underpin the event.

• Spectator Experience: Capture the atmosphere by photographing spectators reacting to the races. Their excitement enhances the narrative of the event.

Post-Processing

• Editing: In post-processing, consider enhancing contrast and clarity to make the vehicles pop against the bright salt flats. Pay attention to color balance, ensuring the whites remain true without losing details in blown-out highlights.

Who Participates:

Depending on the the day, photographers can range from 2 to 10 participates. Between the two separate start lines, you’ll have the opportunity to talk to other professional automotive photographers and videographers, and meet new friends who share your passion. Our guests join us from all over the world, with some traveling from as far as Europe, Japan and South America to experience this unique, one-of-a-kind adventure.

What’s NOT included:

• Transportation to Wendover, Utah

• Hotels and lodging

• Meals, Snacks, (some water will be provided while on the salt)

Please note: Our photography guide will always be on the lookout for interesting images during our photo adventure and for this reason, our itineraries are always subject to change. Weather plays a major role in capturing the best images possible. Changing light and weather conditions will always be assessed and changes in the schedule will be made accordingly. Flexibility, patience, and a sense of adventure are key to having a great time and capturing stellar photographs.

SEE YOU ON THE SALT !

Bonneville Weather (Website)

Save the Salt Organization (Website)