Aiken Trials 2017

“There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.”
― Garth Stein, The Art of Racing in the Rain

This weekend my camera and I went on a new adventure.  Thanks to great friends and fellow photographers, I had my first experience at the Aiken Trials, located in Aiken, South Carolina.  You can read all about the Aiken Trials and get information about the history of this great event here.

I arrived in Aiken, SC, when the gates of the event opened.  I watched as an empty field around the track came to life with activity as people arrived and began to set up their areas in preparation for a day of festivity.

Before the races began, two planes flew over the field.  The crowd also enjoyed seeing the Wells Fargo Stage Coach, a display of lassoing, and a visit from Miss South Carolina.

I was excited,  yet nervous about photographing the trials.  I tend to photograph things that don’t move:  rocks, trees, etc.  I have not had much practice or prior success with photographing things moving at high speed.  Fortunately, my friend, Ted, took time to give me a tutorial right there at the track.  I was so thankful for his help.  I ended up walking away with a couple of images of the horses in motion that I did not expect to be able to capture.

Although I was thrilled to get a couple of action shots, my favorite images of the day were the details that I was able to capture throughout the event.

This was my first visit to the Aiken Training Track.  I certainly hope it will not be my last.

I am so thankful for great friends, photography, and new adventures.  Where will you go on your next adventure?