DON'T FORGET THE BASICS! WHY MOST MOTORSPORT PHOTOGRAPHERS FAIL!

There are some amazing, outstanding, motor racing photographers working at racetracks around the world. But not every shot they take is a masterpiece - in fact editors and PR people often don't want the best photos - they (we - because I'm an editor and photographer) mostly want functional images.
That's not to say that well crafted pieces of photographic art will always be discarded, but there are reasons why your best panning work might be ignored in favour of a rival delivering some incredibly vanilla photos.

[@marcmcmullan1002]

Thanks, appreciate the insight !

[@42mag]

You're exactly right. I have done video work for a US college football organization for over a decade. When it comes down to it, all they really want is that check presentation shot held for 25 seconds. Cover the event first and tell a story. Anything fun and artsy is just a bonus.

[@touringcarmagazine]

Always! Football is a sport I'd love to shoot (just for a game or two - I wouldn't want to step in front of photographers who have the right to be there.) I've been an avid fan since NFL launched in the UK on TV in 1982, and NCAA in 2002, played a bit myself in the 80s. It looks a challenge though!

[@cynical1952]

Honest, down to earth advice and many thanks. I am a 71 year old happy snapper that normally takes wildlife shots. However, Brands Hatch is only a short drive away and I love going to track days etc for a good days shooting. Just subscribed 🙂 Steve

[@touringcarmagazine]

Thanks Steve. Brands can be a real challenge with those fences! I think it's a really rewarding place - I've shot both sides of the fence there and I love the place. Won't be back there until BTCC at the end of the season - hopefully it'll be crazy hot like last October.

[@UnknownS0und]

Awesome insights. Thanks man!!!

[@touringcarmagazine]

Cheers!