Denver GP 2006 Pics

[Chiphead_Dave]

Here are a some of the pictures from my
visit to the Denver GP.

Some of the pictures are there because they are good.
Some are there because they tell a story.
Some are there because I am sleepy.

Shot w/ 20d, Sigma 170-500 APO, Sigma 28-70 F2.8, Tamron 28-200 F4-5.6, Canon 50 1.8


Notice the funky pitot tube on the nose of SB's car (taken during practice)
http://theotherdave.smugmug.com/photos/88914395-M.jpg

AJ testing the reds during practice, on the radio he didn't like them.
http://theotherdave.smugmug.com/photos/88914114-M.jpg

This was the lap or 2 before AJ passed for the lead.
http://theotherdave.smugmug.com/photos/88915858-M.jpg

What do you mean NO ROOM, well I will just drive offroad to make this pass.
http://theotherdave.smugmug.com/photos/88913221-M.jpg

Some of of the others are here:
http://theotherdave.smugmug.com

[Dr. Corkski]

Notice the funky pitot tube on the nose of SB's car (taken during practice)Must be some sort of N/H cheat device that no one can prove. :gomer:

Looks like the fencing didn't bother you too much. :thumbup:

[Chiphead_Dave]

Fencing was a bummer on some pictures.

Look at this one.

http://theotherdave.smugmug.com/photos/88913119-M.jpg

This was the pass for the lead. Think about how nice it would have been without it.

Some are even worse.

[Chiphead_Dave]

A few more.

AJ roasting a set of rears (and probably an engine) after the win.
http://theotherdave.smugmug.com/photos/88913257-M.jpg

The jumbotron view of the pushing, just kinda liked it in an
artsy way.
http://theotherdave.smugmug.com/photos/88913336-M.jpg

Justin at the "end" of his reds, I really felt sorry for the guy.
http://theotherdave.smugmug.com/photos/88913186-M.jpg

Did you know santa is a Champcar fan
http://theotherdave.smugmug.com/photos/88914661-M.jpg

[Chiphead_Dave]

Oh and couldn't resist taking these two.

Eric G. of overheard at the track fame what could
you be lounging and looking at.
http://theotherdave.smugmug.com/photos/88914195-M.jpg

Oh could it be the Champcar girl contestants that just walked by....hmmmm could be.
http://theotherdave.smugmug.com/photos/88914202-M.jpg

[rabbit]

http://theotherdave.smugmug.com/photos/88913119-M.jpg
Look at all those people cheering. There must be some beach volleyball going on on the other side of the track.

[grungex]

This proves there were only 27 people there.

[Don Quixote]

Great shots. The jumbotron pic is a classic. :thumbup:

[Wheel-Nut]

Look at all those people cheering. There must be some beach volleyball going on on the other side of the track.

They're yelling at Dave to take their picture.

[Chiphead_Dave]

Look at all those people cheering. There must be some beach volleyball going on on the other side of the track.

Not everyone was cheering. This dude (holder of the down thumb) was flipping PT off and cursing everytime he went by. If I had had my kids there I would have had to ask him to stop as it was out of hand (verbally).
http://theotherdave.smugmug.com/photos/88915511-M.jpg

[Chiphead_Dave]

Look at all those people cheering. There must be some beach volleyball going on on the other side of the track.

Here is a better crowd shot. I didn't take many...didn't think about it.

http://theotherdave.smugmug.com/photos/88915438-M.jpg

Also notice between the 2 fences the Guy in Blue next to the girl in pink next to the girl in olive (shirts). They somehow got photo passes but took very few photos w/ the disposible camera that one of them had. :shakehead

[racer2c]

This proves there were only 27 people there.

I count 30. There's a couple of kids on dads shoulders. :)

Although, you probably meant ticket buyers. Gotcha.

[Dirty Sanchez]

Also notice between the 2 fences the Guy in Blue next to the girl in pink next to the girl in olive (shirts). They somehow got photo passes but took very few photos w/ the disposible camera that one of them had. :shakeheadhi. nice photos :)

I am a credentialed photographer and was in denver. what you describe above is a problem at every track in every country I have ever worked. someone knows someone who knows someone. sometimes it's local track worker types... sometimes they are guests of the teams (they should know better)! you'd be surprised how many people I have seen standing next to the track holding camera phones, disposable cameras etc. it is a constant struggle for the real working photographers.

the way we fight back is by taking pictures of these tards and bring them back to powers that be within the series :D

[chop456]

the way we fight back is by taking pictures of these tards and bring them back to powers that be within the series :D

,,,atta boy. Citizens arrest! ;)

[Chiphead_Dave]

hi. nice photos :)


Thanks for the comments.



you'd be surprised how many people I have seen standing next to the track holding camera phones, disposable cameras etc.

Actually I wouldn't. I shoot photos for a RC flying magazine (FlyRC) and I get asked at least once a week by someone
if they can do reviews or photos themselves (we get paid + free RC equipment sometimes into the $10k range so they want in). When I ask them what kind of equipment they have they usually say somthing about a 6 MP point and shoot w/ maybe a 3x zoom.

Then I tell them about that I shoot with Canon 20d and $3k worth of lenses on a monopod tied to a belt support that (in the max configuration) gives me 22:1 zoom ... "really do you need that much zoom".

Then I tell them that after a shoot I can hardly hold my arms up from holding the 5+ pound camera and lens up in the air for 2 hours....."really does it take that long".

Then I tell them that I take between 400-2000 pictures (depending on the plane) to get 10 really good ones......"how come so many".

Then I tell them sometimes it takes me 3 hours of looking at the shots and post processing to get a cover shot...."it can't be that hard, don't you just let the computer do it".

Then I smile and say ok go take some shots of your own planes and submit them to a magazine and see what they say :rolleyes:

[dando]

hi. nice photos :)

I am a credentialed photographer and was in denver. what you describe above is a problem at every track in every country I have ever worked. someone knows someone who knows someone. sometimes it's local track worker types... sometimes they are guests of the teams (they should know better)! you'd be surprised how many people I have seen standing next to the track holding camera phones, disposable cameras etc. it is a constant struggle for the real working photographers.

the way we fight back is by taking pictures of these tards and bring them back to powers that be within the series :D
Well back in the day, MO used to sell a Super Photo Pass ticket, which allowed for photo access for fans like me. My wife bought me one back in '98 or so for $250, so I was one of these yahoos you described with an underpowered camera taking pics with the big boys. We paid good $$$ for the privilege, I attended the necessary meetings, obeyed the rules, and tried not to interfere. Keep that in mind the next time you encounter one of us dweebs with a short lens, Crappy.

:)

-Kevin

[Chiphead_Dave]

I attended the necessary meetings, obeyed the rules, and tried not to interfere

my biggest beef is when people (not just non-highpowered photographers) just stand in the photo holes not taking pictures. The yahoos I described were doing just that.

I try to shoot through the holes (even from way back) when I can. Those 3 moved into every hole I was shooting through
while I was shooting the whole race. :flame:

[Dirty Sanchez]

Well back in the day, MO used to sell a Super Photo Pass ticket, which allowed for photo access for fans like me. My wife bought me one back in '98 or so for $250, so I was one of these yahoos you described with an underpowered camera taking pics with the big boys. We paid good $$$ for the privilege, I attended the necessary meetings, obeyed the rules, and tried not to interfere. Keep that in mind the next time you encounter one of us dweebs with a short lens, Crappy.

:)

-Kevinwhy not go ahead and let people pay to be pit lane officials for a day? as long as they attend meetings it shouldn't be a problem, right :laugh:

I have mixed feelings on this deal. it is a great experience for sure... being that close to the action. and at some tracks it is not such a big deal, like road america or mid-ohio. there is probably room for everybody. but honestly there is also room and great access from the spectator areas as well.

they do this at other places though like toronto where space is much more limited. and these "super"photographers are enjoying themselves at the pro photographer's expense. and while harmony usually prevails, the track is setting up a potential adversarial situation between fan and photographer. and that's not cool.

I don't mind the way long beach handles this deal. they have 4 or 5 designated superphoto locations... and the people that paid for them are the only ones with access. we stay out of their way and they stay out of our way. everyone is happy. actually, I'm never happy in long beach... it's a difficult race to work!

[racer2c]

my biggest beef is when people (not just non-highpowered photographers) just stand in the photo holes not taking pictures. The yahoos I described were doing just that.

I try to shoot through the holes (even from way back) when I can. Those 3 moved into every hole I was shooting through
while I was shooting the whole race. :flame:

That's not right. A credentialed photog should have the authority to choose his hole. If they have meetings prior to the race for everyone with photo passes then they should tell the amateurs to make way for the pros.

[Chiphead_Dave]

then they should tell the amateurs to make way for the pros.

To play devils advocate...why. They have the same rights.
The "superpass" owner paid his money. Why does a "pro" have any more access rights than me.

My problem is with people "real" photogs or not that hog the holes.
I do think the people with P&S or cell phonecameras are just funny, I just can't justify paying a bunch of money to take pictures w/ a cell phone.

I didn't have a "superpass" but I was trying to shoot from behind the second fence through holes in the main fence and inevitably someone would be hogging the hole I wanted, usually not taking photos.

I comes down to common courtesy, DON'T HOG THE HOLES.

I also fail to understand why both fences are above eye level. The first fence I can understand, but the second fence is to keep people away from the main fence and they won't even let you go near it for long.

[Chiphead_Dave]

but honestly there is also room and great access from the spectator areas as well.


I have to disagree with this (at least as far as Denver). The view through the fence/s is allways screwed up (at least a little) and there are very few unobstructed views that you can get (especially on race day) without being in the photo areas.

Some of the best ground level viewing areas (especially in turn 1) actually had banners covering up the view.

On practice days you can usually (usually) get high enough on the stands to get unobstructed views but not on race day.

[G.]

This is the most Elitest, Snobberific, Arrogant set of posts I have seen on this board!!! :flame:

I'll have you know, that my 4.0 MPixel P&S takes photos WAY better than Chippy or Dirty could ever DREAM of! Maybe it's just the photographer runnin and gunnin the lens. (to quote) That's what I think.

I'd prove it to you, but I forgot to take off the lenscap. Twice.

And I don't know how to post images, except the red X kind. I can do those real good. Gooder than you, I'll bet!

:gomer: :p

Thanks for the photos, Chiphead! And as always, Mr Sanchez.

Very nice.

(back onto topic derailment...) Anytime I see a photog with a lens bigger than my arm or more expen$ive than my car, I get the hell outta the way.

Happy Friday!

[Dirty Sanchez]

I have to disagree with this (at least as far as Denver). The view through the fence/s is allways screwed up (at least a little) and there are very few unobstructed views that you can get (especially on race day) without being in the photo areas.

Some of the best ground level viewing areas (especially in turn 1) actually had banners covering up the view.

On practice days you can usually (usually) get high enough on the stands to get unobstructed views but not on race day.I was speaking about the larger road courses. space at street courses is very limited, even for credentialed media.

[Chiphead_Dave]

I was speaking about the larger road courses. space at street courses is very limited, even for credentialed media.

I remember my trips to Laguna Seca......oh the joy.

You could get good views from just about anywhere.

Maybe I can talk the SWMBO in to RA next year.

[grungex]

To play devils advocate...why. They have the same rights.
The "superpass" owner paid his money. Why does a "pro" have any more access rights than me.
I guess we're supposed to be impressed that they spent more money on lenses...

[gpflepsen]

Nice shots Dave. I took quite a few Sat and Fri through the photo holes by shooting through the holes in the chain link of the outside fence. All were taken with a Nikon D50 w/ a 70-300 lens.

PT putting the smack down on SB :)

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/a.jpg


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/b.jpg


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/c.jpg




All were taken from the 2nd from the top row of GS 2.

[gpflepsen]

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/d.jpg

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/e.jpg


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/f.jpg


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/g.jpg

[racer2c]

I can't wait to buy my first superpass and camp at the best hole. :gomer:

[gpflepsen]

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/i.jpg


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/j.jpg


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/k.jpg

[gpflepsen]

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/l.jpg


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/m.jpg

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/n.jpg

[gpflepsen]

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/p.jpg


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/q.jpg


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/r.jpg

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/s.jpg

[gpflepsen]

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/t.jpg


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/u.jpg


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/v.jpg


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/w.jpg

[Ed_Severson]

To play devils advocate...why. They have the same rights.
The "superpass" owner paid his money. Why does a "pro" have any more access rights than me.

The Devil's answer, as I'm sure you understand, is that the amateur is shooting for fun, and the pro is shooting for a living.

Have your fun, but be respectful of the people who have a job to do. :thumbup:

[gpflepsen]

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/x.jpg


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/y.jpg


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/z.jpg

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/za.jpg

[gpflepsen]

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/zb.jpg


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/zc.jpg


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/zd.jpg

[gpflepsen]

and... the obligatory crowd shot.


http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/zf.jpg

[gpflepsen]

And some of the fence... with AJ passing seabass in the background.

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/dsc_0087.jpg

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/dsc_0088.jpg

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/dsc_0089.jpg

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/dsc_0090.jpg

[gpflepsen]

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/dsc_0091.jpg

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/dsc_0092.jpg

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/dsc_0093.jpg

[gpflepsen]

NP puts Justin behind him. It sucks to be JW on the last stint on those Reds. :flame:

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/49.jpg

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/50.jpg

http://temp.corvetteforum.net/c5/gpflepsen//pics/CCF/denver/51.jpg

[Chiphead_Dave]

I guess we're supposed to be impressed that they spent more money on lenses...

Hold on now....I get lens envy over lenses that are
cheaper than some of mine but they are ones I don't
own...yet.

The majority of pros spend 2x what I do on lenses, not 10x or 100x.

My wife hates it when I go to races....I have a particular
need for a 70-200 F2.8 right now....just don't tell my wife :D

[Chiphead_Dave]

The Devil's answer, as I'm sure you understand, is that the amateur is shooting for fun, and the pro is shooting for a living.


How about this for another point of view.

Without me directly paying for my ticket and motorsports coverage and indirectly through buying things that are advertized by vendors who give money to the series the "pros" wouldn't have any job to do.

Maybe the "pro" should get out of my way..... :eek:

I feel the same way about truckers...(whom I have one as a relative)...he thinks everyone else should get out of his way and watch out for him because he is the "pro" driver.
I think because he is the "pro" he should be looking out for all of the people just "playing" around at driving.

It's a chicken and egg thing. Make me mad to many times about lack of shooting oportunities and I might not go back to a venue...no ticket sales no race.

I say everyone should be nice to one another...can't we just get along.

Somthing else to think about....when I am driving to work should everyone else just "crusing" around get out of my way because I am going to work?

[cameraman]

Hold on now....I get lens envy over lenses that are
cheaper than some of mine but they are ones I don't
own...yet.

The majority of pros spend 2x what I do on lenses, not 10x or 100x.

My wife hates it when I go to races....I have a particular
need for a 70-200 F2.8 right now....just don't tell my wife :D

If you want a good dose of lens envy go to Miller Motorsports Park. I had never seen anyone using a Canon 1200 mm f5.6 at a race before. That guy spent closer to the 100x more than you. :eek: It is a strange place, you can stand in one spot, facing one direction and find use for a 70-210, a 400 and a 600 all at the same time.

Bad thing about the place is the intense sunlight makes for deep shadows. At many of the better locations you have to shoot with a flash if you want decent results. Which just adds more weight to haul in the 105 degree heat.

[Chiphead_Dave]

I I had never seen anyone using a Canon 1200 mm f5.6 at a race before.

Bad thing about the place is the intense sunlight makes for deep shadows. At many of the better locations you have to shoot with a flash if you want decent results. Which just adds more weight to haul in the 105 degree heat.

Flash and a 1200 mm lens.....what kind of batteries do you use for that flash...a pony sized nuke.

[cameraman]

The flashes were on the 100-400mm, 300 and 400 fixed lengths and they were cabled to something the size of a car battery.

[Chiphead_Dave]

The flashes were on the 100-400mm, 300 and 400 fixed lengths and they were cabled to something the size of a car battery.

Walk in front of those when they go off and you get...instant tan....and later...cancer.

[cameraman]

Think of the drivers facing into them...

[Chiphead_Dave]

Think of the drivers facing into them...

Driver:"Did you know the sun just exploded"

Pits:"Don't go twards the light"

[G.]

Driver:"Did you know the sun just exploded"

Pits:"Don't go twards the light" :laugh: :laugh:

[Chiphead_Dave]

Canon 1200 mm f5.6 at a race before. That guy spent closer to the 100x more than you. :eek:

They are around $80k New but finding one is the problem
as I don't think they make them anymore.

SI is reported to have 2. Another 10 or so are supposedly owned by Canon and "loaned out" to "qualified" people.

[grungex]

Will they fit my cameraphone? :p

[Chiphead_Dave]

Will they fit my cameraphone? :p

Only if you reinforce it. The thing weighs 40 lbs.

Here is a page about it.

http://www.dvinfo.net/canon/images/images17.php

[grungex]

I do hope you realize I was kidding. Heck, my phone doesn't even have a camera. ;)

[Chiphead_Dave]

I do hope you realize I was kidding. Heck, my phone doesn't even have a camera. ;)

My camera doesn't have a phone...nor do I.