Trying New Things: BMX Event

“The aim of every artist is to arrest motion, which is life, by artificial means and hold it fixed so that a hundred years later, when a stranger looks at it, it moves again since it is life.”
― William Faulkner

In March, while I was taking a class (more about that in a future post), I was inspired by one of my instructor’s images to branch out and begin some exploration of things in motion.  During that time frame, I explored two places near my home where I was certain to find people in action:  The  US National Whitewater Center located in Charlotte, NC, and the BMX Supercross Track located in Rock Hill, SC.

I am always looking for ways to stretch myself with photography.  I seem to “specialize” more in photographing things that don’t move, such as rocks and static scenes.

Although the BMX track is less than 30 minutes from my home, I had never gone before that day in March.  Luckily, the day I visited, there was a practice session happening.  This practice session allowed me to get a feel for the sport and the facility.

I was drawn to the curves of the track and positioned myself on the bleachers in a place where I felt riders entering would make a good composition.  I also wanted to include an odd number of riders in my scene.

That weekend, USA BMX Carolina Nationals were held.  I enjoyed spending a morning during the event photographing with friends.  I loved the energy of the day.

It was such a fun-filled morning.  I saw not only the event, but the lifestyle of the families involved.  While Jeremy was growing up, we spent hours at the ball field and at scouting events.  We created so many wonderful memories while Jeremy participated in those activities.  While this was so much different from our experiences, I could feel the positive energy and impact that the activity had on families there.

I ended up finishing my day back at the track in order to see things in different light.

As the events wrapped up for the day and the light danced along the track, I was reminded of how light moves across sand dunes.

I had a wonderful time practicing what I love to do and experiencing such a great event close to home.