When I think about my journey as a motorsport photographer, it’s impossible not to be filled with a sense of pride and exhilaration. I’ve spent years chasing the thrill of the racetrack, capturing moments of intense competition, and turning them into frozen memories. My passion for motorsport photography began in 2010 with buying a small CANON DSLR, and it has been a rollercoaster ride ever since.
My first “proper” shot below. Long before I understood how
- focus
- aperture
- exposure time
- iso
and the other interesting functions on my camera work together.
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The Nürburgring: My Starting Point
My journey started at the Nürburgring, a legendary racetrack in Germany known for its challenging and treacherous corners. Armed with my camera, I entered a world of roaring engines, squealing tires, and adrenaline-pumping action, which I already knew since 2001 as a spectator. There’s something truly mesmerizing about the raw power, speed and sound of racing cars that I couldn’t resist capturing through my lens right behind the fence.
Hours of Dedication
My passion for motorsport photography didn’t come easy. I spent countless hours at race tracks, patiently waiting for the perfect shot. Racing is about split-second decisions, and as a photographer, I needed to anticipate those moments and be there at just the right time.
But the work didn’t stop there. The hours invested in post-processing were just as crucial. Each photo needed careful editing to bring out the vibrant colors, the sense of speed, and the raw energy of the race. The Adobe toolchain is very helpful in this case. It’s a painstaking process that requires a keen eye and unwavering commitment.
Learning and Collaboration
Motorsport photography is a continuous learning journey. I constantly exchange ideas and experiences with colleagues who share the same passion. I’ve attended meetings and studied the work of renowned Nürburgring motorsport photographers, always striving to improve my skills and capture the essence of the sport. Back then, what I failed to grasp was the importance of how I presented the pictures. Given my passion for software development, I promptly created my own image gallery, ensuring both minimal traffic usage and optimal picture quality. However, I struggled to draw a substantial audience to my website at the time: MD-Freizeitfotos.de.
From behind the fence to the 24h Nürburgring
After years of dedication, I had the incredible opportunity to become a team photographer at the 24h Nürburgring. It was a dream come true, being right in the heart of the action, documenting the race from an insider’s perspective. The experience was both exhilarating and challenging, as I had to balance the demands of the team while still delivering stunning visuals.
The Realities of Monetization
As passionate as I am about motorsport photography, I soon realized that making a money to even cover expenses from it is no easy feat. The field is highly competitive, and turning a profit is tough. I had never received a return on invest of a hughe amount of money for my camera and equipment. Some floody moments like the one below in Spa Francorchamps were actually pretty terrifying when having a tool in hand worth of some months of income.
Supporting Motorsport Events
Despite the challenges, I couldn’t let go of my love for motorsport and photography. I chose to support motorsport events through my passion, and it eventually led me to the pinnacle of endurance racing: the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a race like no other, a true test of both man and machine. I had the privilege to capture the intensity, the camaraderie, and the sheer determination of the participants. It was a surreal experience, and it reinforced my belief that my passion was worth every second spent on the track.
Motorsport photography is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to freeze moments of triumph, adrenaline, and sheer speed. It’s an art that connects people with the raw emotions of racing, and I am proud to be a part of it.
Heads up
My journey in the motorsport world has been a thrilling adventure filled with countless memories and breathtaking captures. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about freezing moments in time and sharing the passion and excitement of motorsport with the world.
My portfolio contains about 30.000 pictures, all meaning a memorizing moment to me.
From the fence at the Nürburgring to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, I’ve come a long way, and my passion for motorsport continues to burn brightly – nowadays also in other roles.
Explore below the gallery featuring my most recent coverage – the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans, celebrated as the #centenary race marking the 100th anniversary of this remarkable event.
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The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional guidance for specific issues or concerns.
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