In my three years of being on The Prowler, I have only picked up the camera five times. Even with my experience with The Pride, the Starr’s Mill High School yearbook, I tended to avoid the camera. I have always done writing. 

I knew photography was not my strong suit, so I stayed away from it. After a three-day experience at Atlanta Motor Speedway taking photos of the NASCAR races, I do not know if I could say the same.

I worked as a full-access photographer for three days of racing. I have never taken photos in my life. Believe me, I was struggling to put the lens on the camera and did not even know how to adjust the settings.

To be honest, I learned how to take photos at the race. The saying “getting thrown into the deep end” happened to me. It was “sink or swim,” and I did both.

When I found out I was taking photos for NASCAR, I did not set any standards for myself. I knew my capabilities in photos and I did not think anything highly of them. My intention was to cruise and just make it through the three days.

Having full-access as a media photographer at an event this big is something you cannot take for granted. You learn valuable lessons and also learn things about yourself.

After three days, I found that sports photography is a journey in itself.

Granted, my first day on the race track was a little rough. I was still getting the lay of the land and was still learning how to use the camera. 

I was surprised and proud of my first photogallery. After never picking up a camera, I was thoroughly shocked that my photos could be somewhat decent.

Continuing into my second day, my goal was to improve. At the very least I accomplished that. By the end of Saturday, I was getting serious and worthy photos to put in my second photogallery.

My entire mentality changed. I decided that my photos had potential and could mean something. 

Taking photos is an interesting experience, especially at a big race like the Ambetter Health 400. When those cars have 200 laps to go, you take a second to debrief and look around.

By the last day, I was crouching over and considering angles for shots subconsciously. In only three days I had my own photography habits, my own shots, and my own favorite angle. And that showed in my last photogallery.

I watched everything. As a photographer, you do lots of observing. You look for a photo angle or try to capture a moment on camera. You do not talk. You watch.

Being so close to the pit stop, you get to see hard work and effort up close. You get to see how much goes into NASCAR.

You get to watch the effort the pit stop members put in and all of the behind-the-scenes action. As a photographer it is something only you get to see. While fans are focused on the outcome of the race, a photographer gets to see the journey. 

In the beginning of my story, I mentioned how inexperienced I was in photography. While I saw everyone else’s journey, I also had my own.

Learning that skill proves useful in photography and in everyday life. Most of the time people, myself included, get carried away with their own life. We talk a little too much, we listen a little less. Photography has taught me to watch and observe.

Take a look around and watch what people do, see what they are going through. More importantly, watch yourself.

Doing so much people watching makes you reflect on yourself. 

As a full-access photographer, you see the highs and lows of everybody. Every driver, every crew member, every public relations leader, and every fan. You see it all. Having that “eye-opening” experience is something I am incredibly thankful for.

Sure, I might have wandered into some restricted areas but I also might have taken the best picture there. This past weekend was a journey for me. And the rest of my adventure in photography is my destination.

If this experience was anything to me, it was a learning experience. I learned so much about photography. It was absolutely insane. I picked up so much knowledge in three days, and I am grateful.

I made connections, learned tips and tricks, and ultimately did a lot of watching.

After lots of help and hard work, I finally understood the appeal of sports photography. It is a crazy experience in general, but if you allow it, it can be a journey of self-discovery as well.