I was able to gain press credentials for the Tacoma Arenacross. Originally, I had an assignment to follow around a couple local riders throughout race day, but those two individuals ended up not racing at all that weekend.  So I decided to go shoot the event anyways, who wouldn't?  

After picking up my media vest- which was the sickest photographer vest I have EVER worn (so many creature comforts, and BIG pockets)-  I worked my way around the pits.  Never attending an Arenacross event, I was intrigued at how the pits were setup.  I'm used to the typical outdoor, out of the back of a truck pits.  This however was just a bunch of pop-up canopy's and bikes everywhere all willy-nilly like.  

I then made my way out to the track, and was happy with the layout.  Typically, at a Supercross race, there are very few areas you can shoot from.  Due to the tight confines of stadiums, and the unpredictability of riders at time, it's important to keep photographers in a "safe" spot to avoid any collisions that may occur between an out of control rider and any media person that isn't paying attention.  Tacoma's layout was great, I could navigate from lane to lane without having to cut the track (which, by the way, is a no-no).  Lots of room to stand means I'm not pigeonholed with all the other photographers, and getting the same photos.  

The remaining evening was spent running up and down the stadium, getting different angles and enjoying the freedom of being able to go wherever I needed to get my shots.  Although I was unable to get the shots of the riders I was originally there for, I did meet some cool people, and got some sick shots.  

Shout out to Mike Vizer (@mikevizerphoto) for giving me the run-down before the start of the show.  I had no idea what to expect or how the night show was going to play out.  It was a bit different from a Supercross, and a lot more fast paced.