What it takes to get the perfect 'shot'

For a photojournalist, the ultimate shot has perfect composition, emotion, tells the story, has a dynamic perspective and good lighting.

But sometimes the photos that stay in our minds as important may not be the most interesting photo we have taken, it is the process to get the image that was very thrilling and unique for us.

In Sebring, the biggest event for me is to shoot the 12 Hours of Sebring. It is the one internationally recognized event that brings photographers from around the world to our doorstep.

This year, my second year shooting the race, was very intense as I was the sole photographer.

As I shot various race-related features and spectators in the days leading up to the final race day, I got a feel of the track again, which I usually don't visit throughout the year.

The hustle and bustle of the paddock and the loud sounds of the speeding cars along the track get you pumped up.

The day of the race starts out very early for photographers, as we have a group meeting at about 6 a.m. with the chief marshal of the track going over rules and regulations.

Only certain photographers can get into the pit on race day and they must have a fire suit and the right colored vest. Only a few this year received credentials to be on the hot side of the track/pit during the race.

Before the race, the start area on the track is opened to press and then to the public.

After shooting there, I quickly huff it to the first turn and climb some scaffolding to get a small space to shoot the start of the race from. This is a very important shot as after the start the cars are spaced much further apart.

The day goes on as I carry all my heavy gear while sweating in my fire suit shooting crew and drivers in the pit, then getting around to various turns and shooting other events going on in the spectator areas.

Often I visit the media center on the paddock side to download pictures, cool off with a drink and charge batteries.

As it gets darker and closer to the end of the race, my adrenaline kicks in for one last push. I spend time around the Audi tent in the pit as they are the expected winners.

With the right credentials, once it gets close to the last few rounds, the track marshals will let you jump over the pit wall and cross into the center wall alongside the hot track.

Now the speeding cars are at a very close distance, and even with my ear protection on the sound and feeling of the cars coming by is intense.

It is pitch dark now except for some lights hitting the track. Getting the checkered flag shot can be very difficult; you have to use a technique called panning and your flash to catch the moment.

Once the checkered flag goes and the last car rides through the finish line, all the photographers jump over the wall and prepare for the winner to come in. Tension is very high at this point as everyone needs to get the winning driver shot.

The pit crew members and marshals have us stay back, but once the winner pulls in, it's complete chaos. Everyone runs toward the car, and photographers are elbowing each other to get into the front of the huddle.

The driver, Allan McNish, gets out and pulls his helmet off. Hands and cameras are in my face; I push myself forward to get the first expressions of the winner as his team mates come to greet him.

Emotions are high, flashes are firing off, my heart is beating very fast as I try not to fall over onto the car while being pushed and shoved from all directions. I remember at one point the car jerked forward and the fender got me in my foot. Just a little bruise!

Once I think I got the perfect shot with good emotion, in focus and the right lighting, I race to get back over the wall with all my gear and through the large crowd that has formed.

After I have reached the media center, I quickly upload the photos and choose the ones to send.

After some technical issues, the images are finally sent to the page designer who is waiting back in the Highlands Today office to ready to get the page sent to Tampa by deadline, which a very short time after the actual race ends.

In the end it's all worth it when I see the paper the next morning!