This might sound dumb to most of you, but one of the biggest challenges of being a globe-trotting automotive and car culture photographer is knowing when to pause and actually tell the story.
As I sit on a plane headed to my next adventure while writing this, I realize that’s exactly why I need an outlet like Turnpike; a reason to stop, reflect, and share what all of this really means.
This year marks my 21st anniversary photographing cars. Over the last seven, I’ve dived deep into storytelling through video – whether on my own YouTube channel (formerly Hoonigan Autofocus) or my show Capturing Car Culture on the Hagerty channel.
But that also means I’ve spent less time behind the camera as a still photographer, which has always been my favorite medium to tell a story. These days, I really cherish the moments when I can slow down, put all my focus (pun intended) into photography, and create the best images possible.
That’s why I want to share my recent trip to England for the Goodwood Festival of Speed. This was my second time covering the event as a photographer – the last time was back in 2017.
One unique thing about Goodwood is that media outlets aren’t allowed to shoot video of the hill climb itself, which actually worked in my favor. It forced me to concentrate entirely on stills.
Unfortunately, many of the iconic shooting locations I loved in 2017 were no longer accessible. For example, the famous “Flint Wall” was closed off due to safety concerns, forcing us photographers to shoot from farther back.
The start line – arguably one of the most photogenic areas – was also heavily restricted. In 2017, it was where drivers mingled, cars gathered, and burnouts filled the air. This time around, I had to adapt and spend more time working other angles.
Thankfully, Goodwood officially expanded into a full four-day event, packed with rally, hill climb, and drift action. I dedicated three straight days just to shooting and walked away with nearly 20,000 photos
Of course, that number shows how brutal the hit rate can be. But photography has always been about the final selects – the handful of images that truly capture the essence of what you’re shooting. It’s not about the outtakes.
What made this year especially exciting was the leap in technology since my last visit. Cameras, sensors, lenses, and software have come so far in just eight years. With three Canon R1 bodies and the latest RF glass, including the 100–300mm f/2.8, I felt like I had an unfair advantage compared to 2017.
The results pushed me to think about what’s possible in the next stage of my career.
I almost regret not spending that fourth day shooting stills as well, especially after seeing how beautiful the lighting was on the rally course. Now I’ve got a perfect reason to return – to focus more on rally and off-road photography.
Here’s a selection of my favorite images from the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed. If you ever get the chance, I can’t recommend the pilgrimage enough. There’s nothing else like it.
If you’d like to see more, we also put together a behind-the-scenes video for the Hagerty YouTube channel – shot almost entirely on that final day.
Awesome story, Larry!
Just love it Larry, thank you for taking us along with your journey. The Goodwood festival is one of my favourites to watch, still on my bucket list to attend.
Great writing and amazing photos as always Larry! Excited to see you shoot more rally, stage rally is my favorite Motorsport to shoot. Hopefully I’ll make it to Goodwood one of these days!
Fantastic to meet you at goodwood larry and to grab a picture with you thank you.
Amazing shots as usual. Would appreciate a wallpaper section with high quality pictures so we can use as desktop wallpapers not only on mobile.
Excellent Photos…. I am Glad you found a Place to post your still medium. I have set a goal to go to the Goodwood Festival one day
A pilgrimage event for me. To one day attend. I am sure when, but it’s a must.
I was watching the event on 2 days at work, my god….. It was incredible, I could only imagine the sounds, the weather, everything looked surreal. That’s definitely an event to be in my scheduled event list each year.
I watched a lot of those runs, and seeing your pics of them, oh my god. Out of this world, every shot, I feel like I can feel the moment in your shots!
Serious awesome, Im really exciting for type of media to return. As you stated in the start of article, taking time to pause.
This gives us pause, a moment to breathe, and enjoy a moment to see the event read and digest the festival of speed.
incredible shots as always Larry, I’m very happy to have turnpike to turn to as an outlet to see everything you shot now as I haven’t been able to see anything from you on IG for the last 4 years (stupid bug in the app, we’ve discussed before). I look forward to seeing what else you shoot and write on in the future.