Behind the Lens: My Motorsports Photography Experiences
Today, I want to share some of my personal experiences through my journey in motorsports photography so far. For those who may have taken the time to read my early blog posts, you know the story, but for those who don’t, you can check out my blog post about that by clicking here. Long story short, in late ‘20 or early ‘21, I came across the work of a top-tier motorsports photographer and dove headfirst into the world of motorsports. So, here are some of the things I’ve experienced since then.
The Thrill of the Track
The thrill of being at an active track is a unique experience. The sights, sounds, and smells all culminate into an unmatched atmosphere. It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere but at a race track. Being there as a photographer also has its own unique feeling compared to being there simply to spectate.
When you go to a new track for the first time as a photographer (especially road courses) it’s all about scoping the place out. You have to learn your way around and find the best places for some of the most interesting shots. This can be both a thrill and a challenge. It’s worth doing some research ahead of time to cut down on the challenging side of that coin. Another one of those exciting yet challenging aspects would be capturing the shots themselves. In motorsports, there are many factors when it comes to getting a variety of shots. For example, panning is a popular technique in the realm of motorsports photography. It can be a real challenge to match the speed of your movement with the speed of the car you’re shooting just right so that the car is in focus, but when you get that shot you’re looking for, it’s oh-so rewarding.
Fun fact: my first time feeling any hint of the thrill of the track was actually not at a race. In 2021, my stepmom booked my dad the NASCAR experience for their anniversary, and I got to tag along. Being that I was, by this point, wanting to try my hand at motorsport photography, I of course decided to take the camera. And my love for motorsports and photography (much less the combination of the two) only grew from there.
One of my favorite shots from that day at the NASCAR Experience at Talladega Superspeedway.
Iconic Events and Locations
My journey has seen me at several iconic locations and events. I’ve been fortunate to have opportunities to go to Bristol Motor Speedway, Charlotte Motor Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, and Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta. I’ve also had the opportunity to cover on-track action at the Chattanooga Motorcar Festival over the past couple of years.
My favorite track of the handful of tracks I’ve had the opportunity of going to is probably Road Atlanta. It’s a decently sized track with some interesting sections and many options for photographing various shots. I’ve been there for three events now, and can’t wait to go back!
That said, my favorite event I’ve been to so far is probably NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. While I haven’t made it far enough on my journey yet to secure NASCAR photo credentials, I have gotten some solid shots from this event as a spectator. This event is definitely on my credential bucket list one day, but until then, I’ll have a blast enjoying it from the stands. Being one of NASCAR’s crown jewel races, the atmosphere is always amazing at the track, and there typically proves to be plenty of action with it being the longest race of the year.
Behind the Scenes
When preparing for a motorsports photography shoot, it is essential to research the event beforehand to understand the track layout, lighting conditions, and key spots for capturing dynamic shots. Planning the logistics such as travel arrangements, media accreditation, and access permissions is crucial to ensure a smooth experience on the day of the shoot.
Key equipment for motorsports photography includes a camera (obviously), telephoto lenses for capturing close-up action shots, a sturdy tripod or monopod for stability (not a MUST, but definitely helpful), and memory cards with ample storage capacity and a fast write speed. Additionally, carrying lens cleaning tools, extra batteries, and rain protection for gear is advisable to be prepared for variable shooting conditions.
Challenges in motorsports photography may include unpredictable weather conditions, restricted access to certain areas, and fast-moving subjects making it hard to frame the perfect shot. These challenges can be overcome by adapting to changing conditions, anticipating the action, and being patient to capture the decisive moment amidst the chaos of the race.
Capturing the human element
Of course, the cars are what everyone sees, but there’s also a human element that can be captured in motorsports. From drivers to crew members, joy to sadness, there’s a lot to be seen among the human element that deserves to be captured.
Conclusion
My journey has definitely been a journey. I’ve had opportunities to attend and photograph several cool events at some iconic locations. I’ve taken several photos that I’m very proud of. I’ve made connections I wouldn’t have had I not gotten into motorsports.
If you’re reading this as someone who’s interested in photographing motorsports yourself, the biggest piece of advice I’d give you is this: Just get out there and shoot! Early on, you’ll likely have to start building your portfolio from spectator areas, and that’s okay. Many tracks have spectators’ areas with amazing views for photos, one of them being Road Atlanta. While I have had credentials for two of the three events I’ve shot there, most photos I’ve taken there were from spectator-accessible areas.
It’s been an awesome journey so far, and I can’t wait to see where it continues to take me!
If you’ve read this far, thank you! Take a second to leave your thoughts or feedback with a comment below, and take a minute to check out my website and more of my work! If you see a photo here or elsewhere on my site that you’d like a print of, head over to my contact page and let me know, I’d be glad to make it happen for you!
Happy shooting,
Ryan
