Okay, here are some more lawn tractor pulling shots.

Young competitors must wear helmets


Serious wheelies!


This one is loud and F-A-S-T


Lots of impromptu repairs.






I got on the announcer's stand after I was nearly pummeled by an out-of-control John Deere.

NEVER NEVER NEVER EDIT OR ALTER YOUR LITIGATION PHOTOS in any way. If necessary, an demonstrative exhibit can be made showing the original product as is, but with specific portions pulled out, enlarged and/or highlighted.
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Wow, I was so excited to finally see a thread covering a subject to which I could contribute. I do know the answers to these questions as they apply to courtrooms. If the photographer supplies an Affidavit of Authenticity citing the photographs accurately depict the subject matter as it appeared at the time it was taken, that will be enough in many states. Sometimes, however, the custodian of the evidence (here, the photographer) may have to testify. Short, sweet, not hard. Following are some excerpts from the above thread that caught my attention:


"He may ask you are you an expert in photography. Never answer yes!"
Response: If you are an expert, then answer truthfully. An expert is allowed to offer opinions; a lay witness is not. Expertise, education and experience are the qualifying factors in determining if someone is an expert.

"If he then asks a question about optics..."
Response: Not all attorneys are "he"

"...some horses patoot lawyer gets it thrown out..."
Response: Ouch

"...does this truly and accurately depict what was shown in the photo."
Response: Excellent information


"THIS IS TIME YOU SPEND FOR A LAWYER AND HIS CLIENT TO SUPPORT THEIR CASE. DO NOT FORGET TO CHARGE FOR YOUR TIME BY HOUR AND ANY EXPENSES (PARKING) YOU INCUR."
Response: I, nor anyone from my firm, is allowed to cheat, discredit, disrespect and or dispute a legitimate, reasonable expense for actions relating to my case.

Yes, I'm female. Yes, I'm a trial attorney. Yes, I do know about camera functions, and readings, etc. Yes, I do know how to admit evidence. Yes, I do advise my experts, regardless of the field, how to respond to anticipated cross-examination questions about the authenticity of their work. No, I do not think I am a horse's patoot, but I know some lawyers/doctors/farmers/truck drivers/ receptionists/ students/teachers/nurses/etc., who are. :-)

Ultimately, the jury decides the weight of the evidence and how to apply that evidence to the case.

I have an old Nikon D70 (hey, I'm old too). I primarily use the following lenses, all Nikons: 55-200; 70-300; and 50 prime 1.8. I take LOTS of sporting events, particularly football, basketball and soccer. My nephews start college this fall. One plays soccer (goalkeeper) and the other plays football (wide receiver). Based on their positions, they both fly, dive and jump a lot. For the most part, their games will be in early afternoon. Sure beats the night games of high school!

My dilemma is what to do with my limited secret photo equipment fund. Should I buy a faster/newer camera body and continue with current glass? Should I shoot with the old body 'til she dies but buy a longer/faster lens? Looking at 70-200 f/2.8. Buy Nikon at twice the money or Tamron or Sigma?

Also, it should be noted the "coolness" factor is in play. The longer lens with the flower petal hood simply looks cool. I shoot with a monopod. I will have access to get as close to the fields as I want, a luxury I do not take for granted.

Suggestions?

No problem at all. The guy on the left is my brother. On the tractor, one of his best friends. They built the hydraulic sled from scratch, with no instructions, using leftover/recycled parts. The rain, however, was not their favorite part of the day.

YUCK! Not to the shots, but to the bugs. So realistic they made me say "Yuck." Yuck, in this case, is a compliment.

Allis Chalmers orange! This is the customized competitive lawn tractor belonging to my niece, Avery. Not too many people can claim their niece has a custom lawn tractor! :-)

The first one was so powerful, I actually squinted. (Was taught to never look directly at welding light.) Nice job!

It was pouring! And cold! Yet hundreds of people came out for the first non-competitive tractor pull of the year. They're crazy. They're loud. They're loads of fun!

My brother helping my great-niece with her pulling tractor


Dedication to her "sport"


Pure Midwest Americana -- nice pickup truck and Old Glory


Not a great shot, but shows the emotion of the participants.


The camera was out and I was already wet so shot some more before I went home.


Tractor pull and tulips in the same day. At least I'm diversified! :-)

tfran: I live in Springfield but grew up between Bolivar and Springfield. My brother lived near Jericho Springs for years. Love Hammons Black Walnuts! Thanks for the response.

I am an official "lurker" here. Love looking at the beautiful shots and learning new techniques. I have a demanding day job and look to photography and digital embroidery/sewing as hobbies. I have no specific photo specialty, but do take thousands (!) of sports shots. My nephews are elite high school athletes and will be starting their collegiate careers in August. Because of my constant presence at the games, many of my shots are used in local newspapers and school functions, even at the request of the opponent. This afternoon I am attending a lawn tractor pull (yes you read that right) as my brother has a company that travels with a hydraulic sled. Some great and usually hilarious photo-ops come from these pulls. Thanks for providing a source for real-life useful information. Maybe someday I will post some of my favorite shots, but am afraid I will get yelled at because I posted it in the wrong forum. :-)