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Flickr has again created the yearly group, Your Best Shot. Members of the community are invited to submit their best shot of 2011. Here are 10 photos I’m considering – not sure which one I’ll pick, but please feel free to chime in.

Sit back and enjoy. Mostly pictures here on out. Thanks!

1) Some images are down to luck and timing. This is one of them. An adoring fan looks on as Takuma Sato signs autographs. It was one of the few times the lensbaby lens actually did what I wanted it to do.

Happy fan

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Filed under: Flickr, Photography by Daniel
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The reason I’m in Japan is because of the race at Twin Ring Motegi, so I’d be in contempt if I didn’t at least mention it.

Growing up, some of my favorite drivers were Japanese. And when my parents owned a race team in the 1990′s, they had a couple of Japanese drivers race for them – Hideki Noda and Shigeaki Hattori – both of which won in Indy Lights. So let’s just say I’ve always had a soft spot for Japanese drivers.

Of course, it’s an honor to actually come here as a professional and experience this event first hand. My role for this race is part web support and part photographic support. And I’ve taken a good number of pics, including the one below. It’s quickly become a favorite of mine.

Happy fan

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Filed under: Japan, Motorsports by Daniel
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Early today I got to shoot an IndyCar race. I’ve taken many racing photos. But never of actual on track action. My previous shots were limited to pit lane or the garage or a stationary car. Turn 1 at the end of a fast, long straight was an entirely different proposition.

I know the racing culture very well. Mainly because of my father. I’ve come to have immense respect for the mechanics that work on teams and the photographers that capture such captivating imagery. I could never be a mechanic (I can barely handle something from IKEA) and I only dabble in photography. So I quietly respect from afar.

I can’t hold a disposable camera to my photographic colleagues from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, LAT Photo USA, Japan media, Firestone, local media and many, many more. But today I was a willing and very, very happy imposter. In fact it was unforgettable. I went out in the field and actually shot cars at speed. For real.

Dude, I shot the start of a race

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Filed under: Flickr, Motorsports by Daniel
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There have been a lot of surprises from my new job (started in March) but one of the biggest perks has to be the freedom to snap photos. It’s not something I really expected when I started, but on my first day I was handed a pretty cool camera as something I could use throughout the year. I didn’t argue.

Takuma Sato at Watkins Glen

I tend to look at things differently when holding a camera. This has provided a unique point of view working in racing and traveling – walking through pit lane, the garages, and various locations we visit. It gives me a greater appreciation for the effort that goes into this industry – especially the crew members that work on IndyCar teams. (more…)

Filed under: Flickr, Motorsports, Photography by Daniel
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