"Your photography business isn't just a job, it's a journey. Enjoy it, learn from it and make it uniquely yours."

Adrenaline & Burning Rubber

Hey Reader

Last week I went to a motorsport photography event at Brands Hatch, and I absolutely loved it.

I’m a big motorsport fan.

For my 40th birthday, I drove a single-seater around the Silverstone circuit. What a thrill.

I’ll never forget it. I was slightly too short to reach the pedals properly,only managing with my toes if I stretched. I was eye-level with the top of the tyres, and as for the mirrors? Useless. Couldn’t see a thing!

The motorsport photography day out was just for fun, something my husband and I don’t do nearly enough.

As we arrived, I squealed, “OMG, we’re here… listen to the engines!”

We grabbed our camera bags and tripods and joined the crowd.

Most photographers had huge telephoto lenses mounted on monopods or tripods. I had my brand new Nikon 80–400mm lens, which I’d only tested once, in ancient woodlands.

Needless to say, today was a whole different story.

There was a mix of classic and modern cars, mostly old Minis, and a gorgeous black vintage Aston Martin.

Because it was a photographer-only day, we had free rein of the trackside. No spectators to battle for space. We started on a hill with a clear view of the paddocks and start-finish straight. The cars were quick. My panning skills got a real workout.

It was my first time photographing motorsport like this, and I’ll be honest, it was harder than I thought.

I shoot in Manual mode most of the time, but my first batch of shots?

Massively underexposed.

I couldn’t get it right, no matter what I tried.

So I switched to Program mode, took a few test shots, jotted down the settings, then switched back to Manual and used those settings as a starting point. It worked.

I wanted to capture that mix of blurred red and white track edges, wheels in motion, and sharp cars, and eventually, I did. I found my rhythm and actually got some images I was really pleased with.

There were a few walk-and-talk tutorials running (which I was too late to book), but I managed to eavesdrop and pick up a few great tips from the pros.

Lunchtime rolled around. We headed up to the roof terrace of the main building and were blown away by the view of the entire track. While we had a bite to eat, we flicked through some of our images.

Not bad, but not quite what I’d hoped for.

From the terrace, we spotted the perfect shooting spot. It overlooked a series of corners, followed by a straight and a sharp right-hand bend.

We made our way down.

It didn’t disappoint.

The fence was low.

We were practically eye-level with the drivers.

The cars flew out of the bend and charged down the straight before braking hard into the corner.

Some of the Minis even tipped up onto two wheels.

It was exhilarating.

My camera was set to Manual mode, continuous high-speed burst on.

The smell of rubber, the adrenaline, the occasional driver misjudging a turn and skidding onto the grass…

I was in my element.

The day flew by.

But I left buzzing, and with a few shots worthy of submitting to a stock library.

Running your own business is hard work.

The never-ending to-do list.

The social media treadmill.

The hours of editing and submitting.

It all takes a toll.

Sometimes you just need a day out.

No pressure.

No client work.

Just fun.

If you’re like me and sell to stock libraries, you might even come home with some bonus images.

That day gave me space to reconnect with my camera.

It reminded me why I love what I do.

It left me feeling relaxed but also fired up again.

I want that for you too.

So, when was your last “just for fun” day?

What did you do?

Share a photo, I’d genuinely love to see it, here's a snap I took on my phone.

I’m working on my next blog:

The Truth About Stock Photography in 2025.

Until then, keep doing what you do, and stay brilliant.

Nicky x

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