Photographing the Speedway Classic '25 Media Day at Bristol Motor Speedway

Photographing the Speedway Classic '25 Media Day at Bristol Motor Speedway

On a hot and humid Tuesday, June 24, I had the chance to photograph for Bristol Motor Speedway (BMS) at a media day open house for their upcoming Major League Baseball game.

The event was for the upcoming Speedway Classic '25, where the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds will face off on August 2, 2025 inside the infield at Bristol Motor Speedway. I’ve been covering races here since 2010 and led the track photography team for Nigel Kinrade Photography from 2021 through 2024 but had been a part of the track photo team since 2015. I’ve seen this place from every angle, but watching it turn into a ballpark is something completely different.

Bristol Builds a Ballfield

To make room for a full MLB field, the speedway had to remove half of the frontstretch and backstretch pit walls, along with part of the Goodyear building. That’s not a small adjustment. It shows just how big this moment really is for both baseball and Bristol.

We weren’t allowed to step onto the construction site, but even from pit road, you could see how much work had gone into the build already. Bulldozers were running, gravel was being leveled, and the shape of the future field was starting to take form right in the middle of a NASCAR short track.

Props, Personality, and a Sword

Bristol Motor Speedway provided me with a few custom props: a branded helmet, baseball, and bats made specifically for the Speedway Classic '25. I used them throughout the track, pairing them with the gladiator sword that drivers receive in Victory Lane. It was a fun way to blend the energy of Bristol racing with the tradition of Major League Baseball.

The mascots from both teams showed up and brought some humor to the day. They weren’t allowed into the construction zone either, but they climbed on nearby equipment and played around on a gravel pile like they were part of the crew. It made for some great images that captured the spirit of the event.

Why This Game Matters

The Speedway Classic '25 is more than a baseball game. It’s part of Major League Baseball’s effort to bring the game to meaningful venues with history and heart. Events like the Field of Dreams game in Iowa or the tribute at Rickwood Field are proof that the setting matters. And Bristol is about as iconic as it gets.

I’ve been lucky to spend years photographing motorsports in this place, and this project was a reminder that storytelling can take a lot of forms.

Looking for a photographer who knows how to capture big moments with personality and purpose? Whether you're hosting a corporate event, launching a brand campaign, or need professional photography in Southwest Virginia, I’d love to help you tell your story. You can see more of my work and get in touch with me through my contact page.

Capturing Conservation: My Experience Photographing the ATC’s Hardcore Trail Work at Trail Days 2025

Trail Days weekend in Damascus, VA is always a whirlwind—and this year was no exception.

Over Friday and Saturday, I worked with a brand to provide event photography coverage of their vendor booth setup, helping them create engaging content for their social media marketing. As a photographer based in Southwest Virginia, I always enjoy opportunities to document events that bring people together—especially something as iconic as Trail Days, which draws thousands of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to town each year.

But Sunday was where the heart of the weekend really hit home.

I was hired by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) to photograph their annual Hardcore Trail Work Day, a long-standing tradition held the Sunday after Trail Days. I arrived early at the Appalachian Trail Center in downtown Damascus, where volunteers were gathering for breakfast, receiving custom event shirts, and getting signed up for a day of trail maintenance on the Appalachian Trail.

Two crews formed that morning—one headed across the state line into Tennessee, and the other made the 45-minute drive to Elk Garden Trailhead, where I tagged along to document their efforts. Before we left, I captured a group photo of all the volunteers—a moment of camaraderie before everyone set out for a hard day's work.

Once we arrived, the ATC staff led a quick safety briefing, thanked the volunteers, and the crew hit the trail. The group split into three teams. One focused on rerouting drainage to prevent erosion, while the others tackled blowdown cleanup from Hurricane Helene, which had damaged parts of the trail in late September 2024. Volunteers also built new steps to help hikers navigate washed-out and altered sections of the trail.

The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for trail work photography—cool, clear skies and ideal lighting for documenting the teamwork, effort, and passion of everyone involved. I spent the day hiking alongside the crew, capturing authentic moments in the forest and connecting with people who truly care about protecting the Appalachian Trail.

And the view from the trailhead? Absolutely stunning. One of those classic Southwest Virginia landscapes that makes you stop in your tracks and remember why these mountains mean so much to so many.

iPhone panorama image of where I parked my vehicle.

Looking for authentic, professional photography coverage in Southwest Virginia?
Whether you're planning an event, running a nonprofit initiative, or need brand storytelling for your social media, I’d love to help tell your story through impactful imagery. Check out more of my work on Instagram, Facebook or reach out here to book a session or start a conversation. Let’s create something meaningful together.

- Ben Earp