The Journey Behind the Lens
All images by Russell Cole.
From that first experience with auto racing in 1983 at the IMSA Grand Prix of Miami, and armed with a Minolta XG-1, he braved the elements to photograph the race. A severe rainstorm ultimately brought the event to an early end after just 34 laps. But the shortened race didn’t dampen his enthusiasm. Quite the opposite: Rusty was hooked in the same way, I suspect, that most of us were too.
He was captivated by everything he had witnessed. From the speed, the sound, the atmosphere, and the challenge of capturing it all through a camera lens, he vowed to return for another race.
From that point forward, Rusty began attending as many local racing events as possible. Over the years, he followed IndyCar racing through the streets of Miami and St. Petersburg, as well as at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Then, in 2001, a co-worker invited him to attend the 12 Hours of Sebring.
…except this one. Photog credit unknown!
He had never been to Sebring before, and the experience was transformative. The atmosphere surrounding the race, the fans, the teams, the cars, and the sheer energy of the event, completely captivated him.
By then, his Minolta had been replaced by a Nikon N90 and several lenses, allowing him to take his photography to another level. Sebring ignited a passion for motorsport photography that remains with him to this day.
Later that year, he purchased his first digital camera, a Nikon D100. Digital photography opened up an entirely new world of experimentation, allowing him to refine his technique and prepare for his next major event: Road Atlanta. He attended in 2001, and has returned every year since.
What began with a rain-soaked afternoon at the 1983 IMSA Grand Prix of Miami has grown into a lifelong journey through some of the world’s most iconic racing venues.
Over the years, his travels have taken him to Daytona, Watkins Glen, Circuit of the Americas, Road America, Laguna Seca, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Each race offers something different, but the mission remains the same: to capture the speed, emotion, atmosphere, and personalities that make motorsport so compelling.
From that first Minolta XG-1 at Miami to today’s digital cameras, the equipment has changed dramatically.
The passion hasn’t.
We’d like you to join us in welcoming Rusty to our ranks. As an old friend, he brings with him not only knowledge and expertise, but a whole lot of fun too. Make sure to say hi to him at the track, and in the meantime, take a look at a selection of his favorite shots.
