Eight - Photographed

Danica Patrick is one of the more popular drivers in IndyCar, for multiple reasons. She's probably the most polarizing as well, especially since everyone figured she'd be moving to NASCAR at the end of the racing season. That didn't stop crowds of people from trying to get her photograph though. Her pit was always the hardest to get to because of the crowds she drew. Thankfully my over-the-wall access meant I could walk through the pit box boxes by the cars and bypass the narrow walkway crammed with people.

I was making my way down the pits when she pulled in to hers after some practice laps. She's well known not to be very accomodating to photographers, as the intern that was working with us found out first hand that day. So I was pleasantly surprised when she took her time getting out of the car, stood still next to it with her visor up for a few seconds, before she removed her helmet, and posed for a few more seconds before donning the sunglasses and turning her back to talk with her crew chief. I took that as a complement. It has to get tiring of people always shoving a camera in your face. I kept a bit more distance from the drivers when they were out of the car, especially compared to some of the other photographers, but not to the point that it compromised any of my photos - I was there to do a job just like the drivers.

The fan photographing her at the same time as me is what makes this picture for me, and demonstrates that she lives in a fish bowl, although some of that is self imposed.

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