My interest in photography goes all the way back to high school. I enjoyed taking pictures and even took photography classes, learning the fundamentals of capturing an image.
While serving in the United States Air Force, I was stationed in England, where I had the opportunity to experience Formula 1 racing firsthand. One of those experiences was the 1983 European Grand Prix at Brands Hatch. It was the era of turbocharged Formula 1 cars, legendary drivers, and some of the most exciting machinery ever built. Nelson Piquet won that race in his Brabham-BMW, but for me, simply being there was an experience I would never forget.
Naturally, I had my camera with me. There was something fascinating about trying to capture those incredible machines at speed. The cars, the sounds, the atmosphere, and the challenge of freezing a moment that was over almost as quickly as it began.
Photography was an expensive hobby in those days. Film cost money, developing cost money, and every time you pressed the shutter, you were spending a little more. It wasn't until digital photography came along that I could really begin developing my skills. Digital photography opened up an entirely new world for me.