I’ve been going to the Reno Air Races for a long time – always as part of my job. This year I get to attend just to shoot – no special workspace – no special connections – no obligations to interfere with shooting.

Today was my first day and it was certainly different. I got to talk to pilots, mechanics, other photographers doing the same thing I was trying to do. Everyone I met was excited about what they were doing.

The early days this week are for the pilots to qualify for the actual races that start Thursday, It’s the days before the real action start and a chance for them to get the planes tuned up and polished and ready to go. 

Below is a short gallery of todays efforts – lots of cleaning, turning, polishing.