A Day at the Races

Author: Antonio M Rosario
Published: Fri 14 Feb 2025
Episode Link: https://switchtomanual.podbean.com/e/exploring-daytona-with-a-new-perspective-wards-photographic-journey/

Walk up to sentimentality but don’t become it.

-- Larry Sultan

If you like something that someone is doing, tell them!

-- Todd Hido

In this episode, Antonio kicks things off with a hands-on review of the Fujifilm X-M5, a compact, feature-packed mirrorless camera that’s quickly become a favorite. He shares his impressions after testing it during the Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown, highlighting its speedy autofocus, convenient film simulation dial, and the nostalgic charm of the silver-top design. While the lack of a viewfinder presents some challenges in bright conditions, Antonio praises the camera’s versatility—especially when paired with manual lenses and a fun little retro flash he recently picked up. Two thumbs up!

Ward recounts a recent encounter with acclaimed photographer Todd Hido, who visited Calgary for a public talk. Ward recounts Hido’s approachable, candid style and reveals some interesting behind-the-scenes tricks, like using glycerin on windshields for a rain-soaked effect. They discuss the emotional depth of Hido’s work and the compelling presentation of his new book The End Sends Advance Warning, with its large-format images and translucent family-photo insert.

The episode wraps with Ward’s recap of his trip to Daytona for the 24-hour endurance race, where he had rare access to pit lane and behind-the-scenes action. Armed with a telephoto lens borrowed from Antonio, Ward describes the challenges of capturing high-speed cars at night, with the blur of headlights and motion adding an artistic dimension to the shots. He shares how the event’s unique lighting conditions pushed his ISO settings to their limits and gave him a chance to experiment with different shutter speeds and compositions. From sleek Ferraris under the lights to candid moments in the pits, Ward reflects on the thrill of documenting a world where precision and speed are everything—both on and off the track.

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Ward's Daytona Pix: