Can motorsport photography get your engines revving? You might not realise it, but motorsport photographers are kept pretty busy. That’s because for every competition, track day or meet, there’s a driver and team wanting quality photos.
A motorsport photographer’s job is to keep up with the action, capture the unmissable moments and take memorable photos of everyone involved – including their standout vehicles.
This is a fairly niche type of photography, and it comes with a few specific problems. Here are the issues you or your photographer might face with motorsport photography…
What Is Motorsport Photography?
The role of the motorsport photographer is to immerse themselves in every skid, brake and celebration of the diesel-fuelled occasion. Motorsport photography covers events such as races, drifting, trials, cross country and even E-sports. It can also feature cars, bikes, karts and any other motor vehicle of choice!
This is a fast-paced sport, and you’ll find that motorsport photography is equally intense. The photographer will often be right in the thick of the action, trackside and behind the scenes.
Professional photographers are often hired for these occasions to take photos of the teams, the vehicles, the venue and, of course, the main event. You can use these photos for promotions, publications, marketing and memories. But whatever the purpose of your motorsport photography, it needs to show off the adrenaline of the moment and the passion behind every wheel and piston.
Unfortunately, some motor enthusiasts come away with disappointing snaps either from their phones or from inexperienced photographers. That’s usually because they’ve encountered some of the most common problems of motorsport photography.
Common Problems With Motorsport Photography
If you’re thinking about hiring a professional photographer, you’ve probably wondered whether it’s worth it. Can’t you take your own photos? When it comes to motorsport photography, your photographer needs to know how to overcome some fairly basic problems as they arise; otherwise, all you’ll get is blurry, overexposed shots of the tarmac.
Blocked By Fencing
If you’re DIYing your trackside photos, you probably don’t have a media permit to get right up close. That means you’ll be fighting with the fencing all day long. For obvious safety reasons, there’s usually fencing or netting around tracks, sometimes even just a wall of people if you’re unlucky.
Rather than have lines of white fence bordering every shot, a professional motorsport photographer knows how to overcome this. By easily widening the camera’s aperture, it will essentially be able to see around the obstruction.
The Wrong Lighting
Lighting is one of the biggest challenges in motorsport photography. Poor weather, cloudy skies or low light can ruin a photo. A professional motorsport photographer will know how to adjust their camera’s exposure, contrast, and focus settings to get the perfect shot.
Going Too Fast
Vehicles in motorsport photography are notoriously fast, and capturing a moving car or bike is a skill. Professionals know to position themselves in corners or slower sections of the track for better shots.
Benefits Of Professional Motorsport Photography
Hiring a professional ensures high-quality motorsport photography that captures the energy of the moment. Here are some benefits:
- Getting Behind The Scenes: A professional motorsport photographer can access restricted areas such as pits or paddocks to capture unique, behind-the-scenes shots.
- All The Gear: Professionals use high-quality equipment, including mirrorless cameras, long lenses, and specialist mounts.
- Safety First: Professionals are trained to stay safe while getting the best photos, using appropriate clothing and positioning.
Should You Hire A Motorsport Photographer?
Motor racing, drifting, rallies and circuits are a thrill. High-quality motorsport photography reflects the passion and effort that goes into these events. Whether you need promotional material, marketing content, or personal memories, a professional photographer is worth the investment.
For more insights into the importance of photography in motorsports, check out Motorsport UK. If you want to find out how much motorsport photography could cost and what’s included, get in touch with the professionals at F7 Visuals.
