Camera: NIKON D2Hs
Shutter: 1/8 s
Aperture: f/6.3
Exposure Setting: Manual (Pattern Metering)
ISO: 400
Strobe Flash: Detected
Lens Focal Length: 28 mm
White Balance: Auto
Editor's Note: This is a great portrait on a lot of levels. The slow shutter speed allows the light in the background to come up, so that the signs on the walls provide context. Cathie is probably lying in a position pretty similar Tonya's - with her elbows on the ground, holding the camera. She may even have the camera resting on the floor, allowing it to be steady for that very long exposure (most photographers can't reliably hand-hold a camera like the D2Hs at shutter speeds slower than 1/60s, although resting your elbows on the ground can lower that to 1/8s).
From the reflections in Tonya's eyes, you can see that there are at least two light sources for this photograph. Cathie used two strobes - one that is on the camera, and another on a light stand.
The intense expression, the lighting, and the position of the camera and the subject all serve to show Derby Girl at her best. Confident. Relaxed. Lastly, sporting a few tattoos and at least two large bruises.
-- Lara Neel, visual editor
