Speed frozen in a Frame: My First Track Day at Blyton

My photographic journey to Blyton Park began with a deep-rooted curiosity and a burning desire to explore a new realm of photography that I had not yet ventured into. Until that point, my focus had primarily been on capturing the essence of human emotions through portraits and the vibrant energy of urban life through street photography. Each click of the shutter in those genres allowed me to tell stories, evoke feelings, and connect with the world around me. However, the exhilarating world of motorsport had been tempting me for quite some time, sparking a fascination that I could no longer ignore. The roar of engines, the blur of colors, and the sheer adrenaline of speed were all elements that intrigued me. Blyton Park, with its reputation as a hub for motorsport enthusiasts and its array of thrilling events, seemed like the perfect venue to take that pivotal first step into this exciting new territory. I envisioned the opportunity to capture not only the high-octane action of the races but also the intricate details of the vehicles, the passionate expressions of the drivers, and the electric atmosphere that surrounded the event. This was more than just a new subject; it was a chance to challenge myself creatively and expand my photographic skills in ways I had only dreamed of before.

Before my photographic adventure, I carefully selected my gear, knowing the right equipment was crucial. I chose the Fujifilm XT5 for its impressive image quality and versatility, perfect for dynamic shooting conditions. I also selected the 100-400mm zoom lens for its wide range of focal lengths, allowing me to capture both distant and close subjects without frequent lens changes.

I prepared for fast shutter speeds to capture sharp images of moving subjects and planned to experiment with panning techniques to convey motion. I packed extra batteries, memory cards, and a sturdy tripod for stability. With my gear ready, I felt a surge of anticipation, eager to capture the fleeting beauty of the world.

The moment I arrived at the track, I felt the atmosphere - the roar of engines, the smell of fuel, and the rush of excitement among drivers and spectators. It was a completely different world compared to my usual photography settings. Within minutes, I realized this wouldn't be easy, but it would definietely be exciting.

Photographing racing cars brought unique challenges:

• Speed - capturing sharp images when cars flash by in seconds.

• Technique - panning quickly proved essential, but it required a lot of practice.

• Light - changing weather conditions meant I had to constantly adjust my settings.

One of my favourite photos happened when Peugeot 308 was flying on a long straight and my panning technique started giving me quite impressive results. These fleeting moments are what make each photo special.

This first outing taught me that:

• Patience is key - not every shot will be a keeper.

• Motorsport photography is all about predicting movement.

• Emotion matters as much as technique - the best photos capture the atmosphere as well as the action.

When I finally packed up and left Blyton Park, I was exhausted but exhilarated. My memory card was overflowing with images – some messy, some sharp, but all part of the experience. That first track day confirmed it for me: motorsport photography has a special kind of magic. It’s unpredictable, fast, and sometimes frustrating, but also deeply rewarding. Blyton Park may have been my first, but it certainly won’t be my last. The next track is already calling, and I can’t wait to see what my camera captures next.