How to BECOME an F1 PHOTOGRAPHER!

[@VinceFowler]

Wow... I love your back story, Kym. If my math is right, you're 62 at the time of this video, which means you were roughly 55 when you took on a whole new career. Sounds like left your ego at the door, trusted your son, and amped up your KZbin channel. I appreciate your response to, "I love to do what you do," comment... Really? On the road, away from family, food isn't great, 14 hours days... Your work ethic is outstanding! Keep on keeping on, Kym - something tells me the best is yet to come!

[@KymIllman]

I never stop working and few people are prepared to do that. Cheers Vince.

[@elusive-B]

@vincefowler this is the best comment I've read in a long time 😊👌🏾

[@VinceFowler]

@@elusive-B Oh? Thank you.

[@Dani-it5sy]

Sounds like my work schedule. But I drive a massive concrete pump through the country of Norway.One of the toughest jobs still in existence. 😜 Next week I drive a 50 ton 14 wheeler to the north of Norway. Takes about 5 days 😅 So yes. His job sounds like a dream job to me🤩

[@vikramchandrasekar]

@@Dani-it5sy wow that is one hell of a tough job mate !

[@PinkPetraPhotography]

1.) Amazing marketing skills 2.) Be lucky as hell (good time, in good place) 3.) Be a great photographer

[@CJ-gp9yh]

I’ve recommended Kyms KZbin channel to every F1 fan I know, it’s become a regular part of our race week content!

[@David-vz5hg]

All your photography is genuinely honest, you obtain your quality from your perspective, that is so fantastic

[@KymIllman]

Thank you so much 😃

[@paulmerritt418]

Yet another fascinating and well produced post. Thank you once again for your contribution to F1 fans!

[@KymIllman]

Many thanks!

[@haydenwilson9685]

I keep coming back not only for the amazing content. But because you’re an amazing human. Your down to earth and seem very nice. You’re not disrespectful and looking for the next big click no matter how you get it. KZbin and the world need more people like you. Thank you for all you do.

[@gcm747]

A lot of people want the trappings of success but not the hard work that goes into achieving it behind the scenes. There’s no doubt that Kym is where he is today due to many, many years of hard work. Well done and thanks for the back story.

[@KymIllman]

Correct, most people only see the last bits. They don’t see the toiling away for the 40+ years in my case.

[@wallyroyal]

I live in the UK but I remember downloading AFL games back in 2008/9 era and distinctly remember the messages on hold signs at the west coast games, especially the time Geelong kicked a shedload, little did I know that I'd be watching the man behind them signs all all these years later. You've encouraged me to pick up a camera and I will be at the British grand prix next month which will my first attempt at doing some photography with f1 cars so thank you as your videos have taught me an awful lot.

[@JRacerActual]

As somone who is trying to become a full-time photographer, this is pretty valuable info. It also show the massive mountain I have to climb if I want to do F1.

[@KymIllman]

Fewer than 7 of us have shot all races since 2021.

[@JRacerActual]

@@KymIllman Im on the US. Unless I get a paid gig, the best I can probably do is Austin.

[@ATH_Berkshire]

@@JRacerActualproblem is that’s a very busy race. I suspect you stand a much better chance of getting accreditation for pre/post season testing or a race in an off the beaten track country like as Azerbaijan. The investment will be much higher, but the chance to get a foot in the door will also be higher.

[@BasedNova]

I loved hearing about your backstory and the reality of becoming a pro sports photographer!

[@miltonbrownrigg8409]

I think we have established how grateful I am for your efforts. A race weekend wouldn't look the same without you.

[@KymIllman]

Let’s hope you don’t have to endure a race weekend without me for many years

[@53rat]

We F1 fans need to share Kym and his content with everyone as big as F1 is no way he should only have 340k on KZbin…pass it on to five of your friends..carry on great video Kym

[@rebekahanderson5439]

26 and I’m only just beginning. If I can accomplish a third of what you have, I’ll be proud of myself. Thank you so much for the content 😊

[@handicappedhoods]

I reckon you strike a great balance of racing photography and the new social aspect of F1. It’s a new era where people are more conscious of the people behind the wheel and I think the ratio is kind of perfect right now.

[@betonburger2743]

Well "shoot first ask questions later" might actually be great advise in photography.

[@riotrob]

No, that’s the opposite of what Kim said.

[@betonburger2743]

@@riotrob And despite that it might still be true. Nether the less if I remember correctly he said he no idea who the celeb was he was photographing and just held the camera at people who had lots of attention on them. Which I Interpreted as „shoot fist ask questions later“. I meant it more as a joke really.

[@Wafflecombo54]

Being a Photographer is definitely an underrated talent. Alot of people think you can just point a camera and shoot you might get a couple good ones but not consistently.

[@Sangamkr]

One of the best things i enjoy from Kym's socials is the behind the scenes stuff of the weekend

[@johnwilson8156]

Hey Kym love your channel. In 1983 I attended the Detroit f1 race. Met everyone from Phil Hill to Nelson Piquet. Being fresh out of High school funds were short. But the photographer pit pass was a cool 100 U.S. Worth every penny. Even today I cherish those photos. Keep bring the content. Cheers.

[@guenthermichaels5303]

Thank-You Kym, this is what I was interested in. 2016, You're just beyond a Rookie. You are already long on your way to becoming Iconic. Much appreciation From Toronto

[@AanuOG]

As a woman in photography looking to get into F1 photography, this is so helpful. It sounds daunting at first, but I know it’s possible. “F1 needs another GREAT photographer”… well said!

[@KymIllman]

You can do it!

[@markcapilitan3484]

Good man Mark Sutton! I worked for Keith in 2002 to end of 2006…a golden era as I look back on it….golden era of cars, certainly not the pay of working for an agency like Suttons!! Thankfully before social media! Keep up the work…not easy doing F1 from Oz….That shot pf Thommo is epic!!

[@stevecarrillo]

thanks for being so transparent. looking forward to Las Vegas

[@SandraPhillips-cb5og]

Well done! The effort and passion are evident.

[@KymIllman]

Thank you very much!

[@RacingBlind9]

What amazing timing to grab hold of the F1 market just before it took off with drive to survive! I'd say it was luck but it has become apparent that you are a greatly talented photographer and businessman. I've been watch F1 for 25 years and your shots are some of the best. Cheers

[@KymIllman]

And cheers to you.

[@jodymark]

Kym this is one of my favourite videos of yours, thanks for taking us behind the scenes. You really need to be on the F1 tv channel.

[@lubindachingumbe2291]

Thank you for the back story. Helps humanizing our favorite F1 photographer ❤❤❤

[@lisavitale8410]

I love your back story, Kym! Your KZbin content is so spot on and well edited. I love ❤ everything about your channel and yes, I follow your Instagram page too. I think your personality is so engaging and genuine. You make watching/learning about F1 interesting. It keeps me coming back to watch your videos.

[@Stillcage]

When I tell you I have never clicked a video so fast. Thank you for sharing your insite.

[@Bear_Shortz]

Great Guy has a lot of passion and works hard.

[@thegoforitgirl]

I watched your older videos on how you came into the sport as a photographer a few days ago, so this came at the right time 😊 very honest words, it seems like its a though field

[@antonoat]

Truly inspiring story Kym, good on you mate, all the best from the UK. PS everyone needs to realise it's bloody hard work !

[@KymIllman]

And it doesn’t get any easier.

[@geoffneish2074]

AMAZING INSIGHT into the world of sports photography, thank you for sharing your time with us! It remind me of a favorite saying I have "it's not what you know, it's who you know!" This has served me well in my 4 decades of the Automotive Service industry!! GOOD TIMES!! 🤙 😎

[@TonyEbikemeJr]

Brilliant. Thanks Kym! As a photographer myself, this has been the video I've been waiting to see! Thanks again.

[@KymIllman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BryanSnider]

Kym, thank you so much for an informative video. Love your content! Last 3 years personally have been challenging for me. I’ve been dealing with an illness and some days it’s just hard to get out bed…because I have no energy and just don’t feel good. F1 and channels like yours have uplifted me so many times. I absolutely love traveling and seeing a global sport and someone to document it, has really made my life so rewarding during a tough time. Thank you! I

[@KymIllman]

Good to hear my friend.

[@stephenkeough7975]

Well done Kym, outstanding advice for those who want to chase their dream, working in the event industry is hard work indeed, I find photography to be one of those areas that is extremely creative and consider it a form of art and looking at your content and photos you've certainly mastered the art. great stuff!

[@sickbale]

1. Have a *shitload* of money

[@sickbale]

2. Have a shitload of luck

[@samelmudir]

Anything with F1 really. $1 million entry fee

[@peterabbott1974]

And the shit load of contacts helps

[@thefinch5861]

@@sickbale Money would buy you Luck

[@MrGazzaj]

You best read Kyms history on his website. He is a very accomplished entrepreneur. A great deal of commitment is needed.

[@randymwiebe]

I have shot Motocross,Supercross,Drag Cars,Flat Track,Dirt Oval and even RC cars started in 2008 and Kym is right show people your stuff or just even ask if you can shoot or sometimes it could be a friend of a friend that gets you that pass 👍

[@terryrobertson8382]

You chose the path less traveled, and that has made all the difference. That's what Robert Frost said anyway. Cheers Kym.

[@KeLlErBoY1992]

We met in imola, it was my first f1 race. But I have to say that it's more interesting to photograph the people than the cars. Because everyone sees the race on TV, but nobody sees behind the scenes and that's the interesting thing. I'm looking forward to Monza, I'll be there again. Hope to see you again

[@erikastiesch4705]

You're very lucky to go to f1 races ..do u live near those race tracks? I'm an aussie and would give my left arm to go to the f1 race here but my bank says no 😞

[@KeLlErBoY1992]

@@erikastiesch4705 no, its a 7h Car trip:) And yes, i’am work for a publisher. But its a great feeling to be there.

[@squished1879]

Amazing advice and perspective. Thanks for sharing! The way to be among the best is to learn from them, and you're certainly proved that you've got the goods in being a fantastic marketer.

[@glennpeters9360]

Kim, you never cease to amaze, a remarkable story you make me proud to be an Aussie. May you ever be successful. Cheers.

[@tomporcinus]

Your YT delivery is smooth, the cadence of your voice is perfect, and I see not long ago you "only" had 300k subscribers. Now you have 340k. Thank you for your content, and it would be sad when you decide to hang up your camera. A fan from western Canada

[@KymIllman]

Cheers for the high praise

[@adamclark-lynch6068]

Love your videos Kym! Thommo is one of my cousins best mates and an absolute top bloke. He gave us a tour of the paddock when we were in Barcelona last year, something we’ll never forget and were so appreciative of. Keep up your good work, your videos my wife loves watching too. 👍

[@KymIllman]

I have a lot of time for him.

[@jeffvader2675]

Great content again Kym - I love your gentle, non-shouty style. Keep 'em coming. Thanks.

[@dimitrisath13]

the greatest thing is the exclusive acces views

[@cherangelalingat8418]

Thank you Kim! One of the reasons Why i kinda understand how F1 works and really intersted with the sports , I am a new F1 viewer/fan

[@KymIllman]

Music to my ears, my friend

[@stevens8744]

Hi Kym, I love this video and enjoyed your back story. Its encouraging to hear that you only entered this world fairly recently. I always wanted to be a sports photographer - particularly F1 and AFL, but have carved out a great life working for myself as a real estate and architecture photographer in Melbourne. As much as I love it, Its still my dream to be a photograph F1.

[@KymIllman]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@erikastiesch4705]

I love your videos, as an Aussie too i love to see the other side of f1 too and you provide that , makes me love f1 even more than i ever did now ❤

[@KymIllman]

Glad you like them!

[@vitgar416]

GREAT video. I know this video has answered a lot of the questions I’ve asked myself. Keep up the great work Kym

[@KymIllman]

I will do as instructed. Thanks.

[@melissanoonan3301]

Amazing Kym, congrats on a stellar role - nothing like following your passion. I admire your tenacity, it takes a lot, but having passion and dedication for excellence of what you do is a huge part of the recipe to make it work!

[@KymIllman]

Thank you so much!

[@michaelron7811]

From a fellow Perthian, I love your content. Always look forward to the next video! Always interesting and very well done.

[@KymIllman]

Hey, thanks!

[@nytram1612]

Great video, thank you. Would love to see one that takes us through all your tech gear and how you use it. I'd also love to see a vid on the behind the scenes operations and logistics at Grand Prix, particularly the building of the 'village', hospitality structures etc. Thanks again.

[@elusive-B]

Amazing..! Yet again you've produced an awesome video and why I use the word amazing is that you are literally supplying the blueprint for people to do what you do..! That in itself proves you are a great guy with great intentions and a good heart. More power to you sir. 😎👌🏾

[@KymIllman]

Regards to tou

[@justbeingrenae2995]

I stumbled upon your channel after Melbs this year - which I went to (amateur photog) my first time shooting F1 and we had great seats in the Jones stand so I did get some good (for me) pics! I LOVE your channel and socials… THANK YOU!!!

[@KymIllman]

Thank you for following

[@MarkoVukovic0]

What an interesting journey, Kym. Thanks for sharing. Great that your boys are involved also.

[@KymIllman]

Cheers.

[@echolaoful]

I will take your advice by heart. Not necessarily for F1 Photography. But in photography in General.

[@ItsJustPreVR]

Your business background makes so much sense now, good stuff Kim. This is a great video

[@KymIllman]

Glad you think so!

[@MeatZer0]

Always love your videos Kym! Interesting to see how you got into F1 photography. Cheers from Canada

[@KymIllman]

Thanks so much!

[@Kessoku]

I mostly love your travels vlogs. please keep doing that, very informative.

[@KymIllman]

Filming one right now at Montréal Airport

[@theloungeroomracer1015]

Been subbed for a month or so, when you went into your back story re messages on hold, I then remembered you from Targa Tas, I’m a fellow targa Evo alumni, well done on your photography and VLog career Kym. I’ll be sure to watch more and more VLogs

[@KymIllman]

He certainly enjoyed my Targa days and then probably lucky to have survived them

[@tedm.3961]

Even more impressed by your path and success than previously!!!

[@KymIllman]

Good to know. Thanks.

[@marciabigg469]

Great insight Kym, love your videos behind the scenes

[@josephbennett4236]

Thanks for popping in the apostrophe at 7:49, Kym. Much appreciated.

[@KymIllman]

I will do more of this

[@F1Fanatic76]

Fascinating information Kym! I already know I definitely don’t want to be an F1 photographer or be employed in the sport, even though I love it so much. I’m way too much of a homebody to want to be gone for weeks and months at a time. I attend COTA each year and that’s good enough for me. I wouldn’t mind going to back to back races or a flyaway race sometime but living on the road? Nah, not for me.

[@teamredgutz399]

Great video. Having observed your work at a number of races I think your real secret is work ethic, which is second to none. That and strong marketing skills. It’s also quite a physical job, which people may not fully appreciate unless they go to the Paddock and see it in action. Those pictures certainly don’t take them self and they do require long hours at the track from the early morning until late. And multiple professional cameras (Canon R3s) and their professional lenses being carried around at the same time are really heavy.

[@KymIllman]

I forgot to mention I walk some 60kms over a typical 4-day event.

[@stew411]

I love all the great content you put out. Thanks for all of your hard work.

[@KymIllman]

I appreciate that!

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

Just an amazing episode Kym! Great look inside your profession. To be honest, one of your best episodes, I learned quite a bit. As far as Netflix’s “Drive To Survive,” I have only watched a few episodes. I stopped streaming Netflix two years ago due to the fact their service kept rising. These days, I stream YouTubr more than anything.🏁

[@KymIllman]

Awesome, thank you!

[@cswrighty]

Been hoping for this video since I stumbled across your channel many months ago. I'm so glad I did too. Best F1 content around for sure.

[@KymIllman]

Cheers.

[@ethanmoore3504]

Nice job Kym I remember following you on instagram when you had 10k or so, to see an aussie’s take on F1 photography. It is impressive how you have scaled it into different genres and still keep it interesting. 👍👍

[@KymIllman]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@egg7lvl50]

Lets gooooo love the vids mate.

[@JoeNunez.83]

Love your work!!! Keep moving!!!

[@KymIllman]

Thank you! Will do!

[@watchlover8297]

Great video Kym. So gracious of you to give tips on how to be a tog. Really nice of you. I'd like to now what Getty pay their staff togs and what a freelancer can earn if they're good. Being nosy I know. Brilliant vid, thank you.

[@raydriver7300]

Love your work Kym. Interesting, well written and presented as always. Thank you for sharing 🌞

[@KymIllman]

You are so welcome

[@xRicCi]

Great video as always! Looking forward to seeing you this weekend in Montreal!

[@KymIllman]

I’ll be looking for you

[@Nick_Selleck]

Great background on your story Kym. I would be interested if you did a video on the financials of being an F1 shooter- what does it cost you each year / how do you make $$

[@bevamaphoo]

The many layers of the Kym Illman cake! Thanks for sharing. Vice should do a documentary on you.

[@KymIllman]

Bring it on

[@kardush]

You are such an inspiration!

[@rafaelborrego36]

Thanks for sharing you story, maybe it was a story we all were specking..

[@ChrisBrownFazer1]

Thanks for this insight love your and your team's work.

[@KymIllman]

Thanks for watching!

[@santiagocuellar1757]

Thanks Kym! Great content

[@KymIllman]

A Canada travel video coming up in a couple of days

[@yT579]

I don't remember how found you but it's the best find todate! You provide a great variety of videos and I love that! Great talent!

[@KymIllman]

Welcome aboard!

[@Dani-it5sy]

This is a man that is enjoying life 😎

[@DJAlexParker]

Thankyou for so much detail, this has been a very interesting video 😊

[@KymIllman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@elqniemi]

Really appreciate all the hard work you put into this. Even if you receive total financial freedom, not many people would want to be gone from their families for this long and push 80h workweeks.

[@RowanFlynn-o5o]

I am working on being a full time photographer in Motorsport so your story is definitely interesting! I am currently doing lower Motorsports at the moment and aiming to move onto F4 more now

[@KymIllman]

You are a step ahead of most then

[@RowanFlynn-o5o]

@@KymIllman that's great to hear! And a good confidence boost. Just about to be featured in my first publication

[@MyNameIsDanielYT]

Great Video Kym Super Helpful as i wasnt to photograph Sports more specifically Motorsport.. This video has some good points. Also i think Money shouldve been mentioned , for Gear and Travel you gotta have money.....

[@PenguinGaming1]

I love your channel mate. Keep up the great work!

[@KymIllman]

Thanks a ton!

[@kaiserofive4250]

Seeing you in the Mercedes post on X while Hamilton was caught signing Ferrari merch was hilarious.

[@rafibenatar2519]

Great info 🙌👍🏻

[@azrrrrrrrr]

Hi Kym! As a photographer i feel inspired by your best work! I have a few questions: 1. Would you recommend attending races as a "regular visitor" and taking photos from stands to build up my portfolio for sending it while trying to get accredited? 2. Are other racing disciplines(motogp,rally...) welcome in portfolio or they dont matter in particular for F1 photography? 3. If i would do that would you recommend making special IG account where i would post only Formula/autosport related content or it is OK to upload it on my "regular" IG photo account where i post all kind of the photos(landscape,portraits,product photgraphy...) Thanks!

[@PoppyHowe-d6w]

day 2 of asking for a "pack with me" for a race including camera bag - it would be so interesting!

[@mjpt57]

Great video. I’d have loved to do something like this. I took up photography as a retirement hobby. And of course your videos popped up in my feed as I subscribed to various photography channels. I’ve been an F1 fan since Alan Jones’ popularity soared as he clinched the ‘80 title and Australian TV started covering F1 and to a lesser extent, Motorsport in general. This then culminated with SBS covering Wayne Gardner’s attempts to win the 500cc Motorcycle GP title (which he did in ’87). It was a plan to try to attend as many F1 and MotoGP races as possible in one year, but cost and health issues put paid to it. So I live vicariously through your content and that of one or two others. Keep it up. It’s fantastic what you do and from an Aussie’s perspective. Too many so-called “F1” channels rely on other people’s content and stock footage and the annoying AI commentary. At least what you report on is actual news, not mostly wild speculation that others rely on for their click bait channels. Thanks.

[@KymIllman]

I just tell you what I see.

[@mjpt57]

@@KymIllman which is all good info.

[@williamryan3254]

Thank you.

[@KymIllman]

You're welcome!

[@fredrikfurtenback8790]

Great video as always! I don't know if im the only one who've noticed that there are a lot less Photographers these days compare to early the 10s,especially during the Parc Ferme celebrations after the race.And there's also less Broadcasters in the media/interview zone,it alomst looks empty at some races.Are Liberty the reason for that?

[@DK-bh4yh]

Get the non stopper from Heathrow to Perth 😉, that's how what my niece uses when visiting UK, but now she's over the other side in Melbourne, though now she goes to the GP (some positive) 😁. Keep the videos coming enjoy the different angle. By the way, you need a bigger had, that one is quashing yer lugs.

[@KymIllman]

Thanks for the tip!

[@DK-bh4yh]

@@KymIllman Only approx 17hrs (you can learn the fiddle 🎻) 😂

[@crystal8537]

Woah head spinning aft listening to how complicated being a f1 photographer is! No idea its so difficult !!!

[@RetailRipper]

in the f1 trading card world, the driver portrait cards are far and away more sought after than the cards with images of cars too.

[@KymIllman]

You’ll see a number of my pics on some of those cards.

[@RetailRipper]

@@KymIllman wow, that's great to hear !

[@marsac9892]

I have excellent photos of Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna when Phoenix was hosting the F1 race. They are beyond awesome! I was down on the track at a 180* turn and you can see their eyes concentrating on the turn while the rest of the photo is blurred from the speed. You have to know how to do that kind of photo... Anyway, I thought about approaching F1 to see if they were interested in them, but I never did...they're just my private treasures. And I do mean treasures!

[@colinpotter7764]

What an interesting and enjoyable video!

[@KymIllman]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@4xExploringAustralia]

Love your work kym from perth

[@KymIllman]

Awesome! Thank you!