Racing Photographer NHRA NASCAR IMSA PWC CCS ASRA
This narrative is written under the heading of "Racing Photographer NHRA NASCAR IMSA PWC CCS ASRA". There is so much more to being an effective motorsports photographer than just a passion for motorcycle, truck and automobile speed contests. It is one thing to go out to a race track and randomly shoot the action as it unfolds. As a photographer you can choose different locations on the track, use different lenses for a change in perspective, employ motion blur techniques to convey the feeling of speed that these vehicles travel at. Any good photographer working without art direction can capture some great images at pretty much any track. It is another thing altogether to be a racing and motorsports photographer for editorial, advertising and public relations assignments. On these type of assignments the artwork is often pre-visualized by other creatives. Perhaps it is the editor responsible for an upcoming feature. He or she probably has in mind the look and layout of the feature and will have specific requests regarding subject placement, negative space, color tone, etc. The same holds true when working on an advertising assignment. When shooting for these projects I am required to shoot into a tight comp of the advertisement that has been approved by the client ahead of time. Sometimes we can offer alternative images for a client to consider but more often than not we are bound to create the exact advertising layout that the art director designed and the client approved. Other factors come into play when creating images for editorial, advertising and public relations purposes on race day. The first should be obvious…the driver, ride and crew members are at the track to race…not to create art. I come to the track very well prepared. I have spoken to my subjects and/or their representatives ahead of time. They are aware of the necessity of getting the shots and I am aware that they have more pressing things on their minds. A fine balance between photography and racing is established. Often I only get mere minutes to capture the shots I need. Often, when the assignment calls for actual riding or driving shots we try to schedule shooting on a day other than race day. Many race tracks have open track days when cars and motorcycles can use their road courses. This is an ideal scenario as we get to do multiple, controlled takes of every shot ensuring that we have the exact art we need. If I can be of assistance in creating the perfect art for your next project give me a call.