A lot of automotive photographers tinker with the idea of shooting high level motorsports like NASCAR, Formula 1, and IMSA – while making money doing it.
You can’t just go to a race and get an all-access pass because you have a nice camera and you like fast cars. You have to be hired by a team, company or media outlet to get the right credentials.
With that in mind, I still wanted in on the action. My goal for the summer was to dive into motorsport photography and begin to create a body of work.
If you follow the photographers at the upper echelon of the sport, they recommend to start shooting at your local tracks or series, those which have the most attainable access.
Luckily, dirt track racing is alive and well here in Ohio and there are several tracks close enough to my house for me to explore. That’s where I would start. The problem is – I didn’t know s*** about dirt track racing.
Growing up in SoCal, dirt racing wasn’t really on my radar. Even now, the top levels of dirt racing like World of Outlaws or High Limit Racing aren’t aired on national TV. You have to really know where to look to consume this type of action.
The first order of business was to reach out to local tracks for access. I was met with a lot of unreplied emails, and “We’ve already got a photo guy.” Feeling discouraged, I reached out to Wayne County Speedway and was told to email somebody called Porkchop. After sending my spiel to Mr. Chop, he replied back with, “Yes. Let me know when you’re comin, bring a high vis vest and I’ll put you on the list.”
Armed with my Canon R6 MKII, Tamron 24-70 f2.8, Canon 70-200 f2.8, and safety vest proudly emblazoned with my logo, I set out to WCS. At first, the pit shots were timid and at a distance, and the racing images were pretty vanilla from the infield – panning as the cars went by.
As the season progressed, so did my shooting. I began to explore different spots and opportunities that weren’t being used by the other photographers setting new challenges for myself. I was also guided by the others: Chris, Kyle, Jim, Nate, and Mike on the ins and outs and “who’s who” of the scene.
As I showed up more often, I got to know some of the drivers and teams, and I built a good report with them at the track and online by sharing my photos on Facebook. I even got some opportunities for paid gigs and selling images.
My goal is always to keep progressing and keep pushing. Equally important though, is supporting and shooting grassroots racing.
Even if you’re not making a ton of money, it still benefits you as a photographer, the drivers, and racing in general.
I’ve always kind of turned my nose up at dirt track racing just because it didn’t really seem like my type of scene, but your photographs really capture it in a different light. It’s still racing so I would probably enjoy it even if it’s not tarmac. Great work! Those midwest sunsets never hurt.
Dirt track racing must be surreal it’s like as if you’re seeing the roots and humble beginnings of Nascar and those action shots are spectacular great angles love the gritty style