A couple of months ago, we were contacted by photographer Oana Hogrefe about being her "photographer family" for the Roadside Families project. This was our first introduction into a new project started by John Michael and Dalisa Cooper of Alt F. This is a "pay it forward" project that can best be summed up by this statement on the Roadside Families website -

"Kicking off on the VeryAltF tour of ‘08, John Michael and Dalisa Cooper start a Pay-It-Forward project to help photographers get in front of the lens with their families. Something photographers are notorious for not doing. These are their stories."

At our last PUG (Pictage User Group) meeting, we decided to have a photography shoot out to do something on the really fun side. So, twelve photographers and two couples headed out into the darkness to see who could get cool images. There was just one catch,  Available Light Only - NO Flash Allowed!  As professional photographers, we often are challenged by things such as no flash ceremonies, both inside and out, and we still have to deliver great images. There's nothing like a night time outdoor candle light ceremony with no lights!

Below are some of our favorite images from the night! Oh, and we have to thank Anna and Spencer, also photographers, for putting down their cameras long enough to be models for us! Thanks guys!

Mike's Images...













Cat's Images...

"Hey, can you guys come take some pictures for us?" This was the call we got from our friend Amy as she told us she was sending her husband Jim to racing school as a gift for his retirement from the Airforce. Jim is an avid car and race fan, so I couldnt wait to go see what race school was all about. This was the Speed Tech Racing School being held at the massive Atlanta Motor Speedway. Jim started early in the morning with classroom and track trials with the Speed Tech instructors. We caught up with Jim mid-morning and prior to his 18 lap solo run around the track.




Drivers being briefed before their solo runs.



This dash board means business!



Almost time to go. The school only allows 5 or 6 cars to run together at one time, so the drivers were divided up into groups.



As the first group runs the track, Jim takes a few thoughtful moments as the excitement builds. The cars run 600+HP and with no instructor in the car, Im sure all the track rules and operation of the car are running through Jim's mind.





Its time to roll!





Drivers are assigned cars based on their physical dimensions, as distance to pedals, steering wheel, etc. are all fixed and non-adjustable. Jim was lucky enough to draw the number 3 Dale car!



Lap one at speed!



Jim blows by the #1 car in a pass down the long straight in front of the grandstands!





Did I say massive Atlanta Motor Speedway?!! This will give you some idea.





With Jim in the #3 "Dale" car, I thought this was cool as I noticed the big sign on the first turn on the track!



Some more shots at speed down the main straight!





Eighteen laps later its time to pit!



I think from Jims smile, it was quite an experience.



Jim, I hope you enjoy these pictures! Its been quite a few years since I have been to the racetrack! We had a lot of fun watching you run this track and sharing in your excitement at this opportunity!