2011 INDY 500 :: Celebrity Event Photographer

Born and raised in Indiana, I never cared much for racing; football has always been my passion. However two years ago, my racing world changed. I've been fortunate enough to have spent the past few years shooting the Indy 500 weekend celebrations organized by event guru Jen Beaver. This past year was a celebration of many things, not only was it the 100th anniversary of the race, but it was also the kickoff of the Indy Car and Facebook joining together with the MiCar allowing Facebook users like YOU to become an "owner" and have your profile picture on a car for the whole racing season. Whether you're a race fan or not, you gotta check it out.

What I love about the Indy 500 now is that I get incredible access to the cars, drivers, celebrities, REAL fans, and of course - amazing food (such as the yummy deliciousness at Sensu downtown)! The weekend kicked off with a party at Sensu and the talented DJ Irie in from Miami. The MiCar was introduced and people were tweeting about it like crazy! Saturday we took a few laps around the track in a pace car and then rested up for the big day Sunday. Sunday we hung out on the track before the race took off and I got "stuck" against the wall as the cars took off for their first lap. I've posted the video on my Facebook. It was... as some would say... EPIC! We spent the rest of the race in a couple pits and then up on the top of the Pagoda, literally!

I could go on and on about the whole weekend and how amazing everyone was, but I need to stop somewhere, so I'll let the pics below speak for themselves. If you want to see all the pics, hit me up on Facebook! If you want to hear some crazy stories, buy me coffee!

DJ Irie spinning it @ Sensu

MiCar Introduced

Omar Benson Miller (actor: CSI Miami)

Zachary Levi (actor: Chuck)

Jay Glazer (NFL Analyst)

Anthony Castonzo (Colt's 1st Rd. Draft Pick)

Jay w/ Troy Polamalu

Omar, Jeffrey Donovan (actor: Burn Notice), & Zachary

Omar serenading???

Mario Andretti

Jerry Rice

HotWheels!!!

I'm here because Jen Beaver brought me here...

So, if you are into pop culture then you probably recognize Ludacris (rap artist on the left)and Carlos Diaz (Extra host on the right), but if you are really lucky then you know the woman in the middle—Jen Beaver. Like Ludacris kept announcing at The Race Party, “I’m here because Jen Beaver brought me here;” I too was there because she brought me. Jen, an Event Planner, worked in the most tireless manner to orchestrate three major events that comprised THE Race Party and additional gatherings surrounding a movie premier and the Indy 500. Little sleep, even less food, keeping celebrities at the right place at the right time, and making everything appear seamless are just a few of the job qualifications that make Jen amazing. The more important personal ones are her dedication, sincerity, approachability, kindness, and ability to not be “starstruck”. No matter what profession you are in, when you have someone who believes in your ability, encourages you endlessly, sacrifices their own time to direct you, gives you rare opportunities, and exists outside of the small circle of people who would seem required to do all of the above (i.e. your mom); it is an awesome boost to your belief in yourself and quite worthy of the time to say THANK YOU! Are you fortunate enough to have your own “Jen Beaver” to recognize; if so, I would encourage you to acknowledge them today!

THE Race Party - Sneak Peek!

WHAT AN AMAZING WEEKEND!!! From Dancing with the Stars, to RACING with the Stars, and EVERYTHING else in between! Stay tuned this week for more pictures to come and a new website featuring THE Race Party photos! And... WAY TO GO HELIO!!!

Mark Ballas & Derek Hough send their support to their favorite driver AND Dancing with the Stars previous winner Helio Castroneves!

Helio celebrates!!!