Digital Photo Gallery of Ted Szukalski
Fine art digital photography, photographic news, reviews, articles and resources.

Motorcycle Speedway Racing

I have never seen Motorcycle Racing from up close so a race at a local speedway was a perfect opportunity to see what it is all about. Well, it is certainly about speed, competition and a lot of dirt thrown around. The racers featured riders from 14 years and up. Almost every race the organisers reminded people to keep the distance from certain areas and how paramount the safety is. It was semi dark and the distance from public stands to actual track was considerable thus my 70-200mm lens was really being tested for reach. This is the best photo I’ve managed on the night.

Motorcycle-Racing-Accident_MG_3951

In the very next race after the top photograph was taken a tragedy struck. A racer came out of the second high speed corner straight into the wall. He lay on the dirt motionless for what seem like eternity before anyone got to him. The race was naturally red flagged and an ambulance called for as the paramedics suspected major lower back injury. I hope it’s not the case.

Motorcycle-Racer_MG_3958

Here is a portrait of one of the fellow racers, who after leaving the track looked bewildered and concerned at his racing rival laying on the track in the remote end of the speedway. These guys race hard against each other, but otherwise I could see great camradery in the paddock.

Christmas-Eve-Sky_MG_3836

As we were sitting down to Christmas Eve supper, which in our tradition is a bigger event then the actual Christmas Day a lost dog was scratching to the door, possibly attracted by the smell of the food. Children found the dog very entertaining and discovered it was well trained and to their amusement it responded to many commands.
While I was watching them play in front of the house I went a big further down the driveway to check out some unusual light. Once my vision was not obstructed by all the houses around I was treated to this Christmas Eve sunset.

Meroo Meadow MG_3400

I’d like to wish all the visitors to my blog Merry Christmas. I hope you have a peaceful, joyful and fulfilling year.

Today’s photo was taken from Cambewarra lookout and could be easily mistaken for shot from an air balloon as the lookout is located very high over the local fields and villages. The view from the The Cambewarra Mountain lookout spans approximately a very impressive 110km. The lookout is located at elevation  of 620m.

A little warning: there is a high power antenna located at the peak of the mountain and there are visible postings about strong electromagnetic interference.  This may have an affect on your electronic devices (cameras, music players and even car systems.)

Callala Beach MG_3446

Callala Bay is famous for having one of the whitest beaches in Australia if not the world. However, our experience has shown it should be also known for one of the most menacing skies. In the few days we stayed there we had nothing but rain.

old broken wheel MG_3329

This old, broken wheel is a part of decoration surrounding a small set of country shops on the way to Callala Bay. Conversion of old buildings to shops and utilising country tools as props works here very well and provides ample photographic opportunities.

Speed skaters: Andrew McNee and Krysia Child

I’ve been photographing speed skaters Andrew McNee of Short Track Australia and Krysia Child for a while now and although the photos were OK, none of them were what I was really pleased with. Finally, last night I managed to nail the shot I’m satisfied with. The photo was aided by a very low sun giving me more light and contrast and thus helping the auto focus. Surprisingly, this photo was taken during a very intensive speed training, where speeds were even higher then usual. It took me a while to find a perfect spot and 170 photos later I got the “one”.

Werri Beach MG_3549

Werri Beach is located few minutes drive South from Kiama on the picturesque South Coast of NSW.

This photograph and many others in the Werri Beach gallery have been taken from the headland on a private farm located at the North end of the beach. I have been a bit hesitant to enter the farm but after talking to one very old local I was assured it is OK and he even has shown me a remote gate to enter the headland. Apparently many locals go there fishing and the owners do not mind as long as the gates as closed properly preventing the cattle from escaping.

I’ve mentioned to the old man how beautiful I find this landscape and he replied “This is God’s country, mate”. I think this summarises it very well as it is hard to find more beautiful settings.

I invite you to explore the Werri Beach photo gallery.