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When I shot the Rodeo over the 4th of July weekend in 2013 I never imagined that it would lead to returning to the same venue to photograph a demolition derby just a few months later. I also never imagined that it would be just as rainy and muddy either…
I brought my son along again as my assistant (aka: umbrella holder) it was raining pretty solidly when we arrived early to shoot some of the cars before the demolishing began. I shot some HDR of the vehicles and ended up talking to a few of the drivers, these guys are all a little crazy and judging by all the beer cans inside the cars probably a little drunk as well…
Enough talking let’s get to some smashing! Warning: There are a lot of images!
The “Pre” demolishing view… Most of these cars see 4-5 events before they can’t use them anymore.
Click to keep looking as the action is still to come!
Here’s the Demolition Derby’s version of Mutton Bustin’
Bringing out the first cars
And here we go!
A fisheye HDR of the arena as they clear it for the next round
And GO!
For the next round I went high up in the grandstand
Now for the team driving!
When they blow they really blow!
There was some great camaraderie between all the team drivers! Everyone gathered afterwards for hugs and high fives. 
The next round was crazy loud with the lightweight cars taking the arena.
They look like this and keep driving! Yet one wire gets out of place in my car and it all falls apart…I miss old reliable cars
Next up were the Trucks! This was the most violent series by far as they move fast!
And for the final event the winners of the various car events (that were still running) all went head to head.
#23! We have a winner!
While I was transitioning positions a couple entered the arena supposedly as winners of a random drawing to drive a car against other “random winners” instead it turned out to be an elaborate wedding proposal, how can you not have a great marriage if it started out in a muddy Demolition Derby Arena? Seriously how cool is that?
She said yes!
What a great night for my son and I, it’s been at least 25 years since I’ve been to a Demolition Derby and it was the first for my son. It was loud, smokey, I had mud all over me and my gear and loved every minute of it! If I have the opportunity to shoot one again I’ll take more motion blur shots using a slower shutter speed and panning as I think those shots are more dynamic and exciting. The challenge I found was in following the action especially at the beginning when all the cars are running since there are so many different “stories” being played out, it gets easier as they start to drop out, sadly this wasn’t a multi-night affair like the rodeo so I’ll have to wait for the next opportunity to shoot it better.
Thanks as always for stopping by today, I really hope you enjoyed the post I know it was a long one and I appreciate you making it all the way through. I hope if you ever get a chance to attend and especially shoot a Demolition Derby that you’ll go for it.
Happy Shooting!
Howard
What a terrific set, Howard, I feel like I was right there with you! Many of these shots have great composition, really showcasing the energy and drama found in one of these events. Loved being able to enjoy this from the safety of my comfy chair! Great post!
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