Motorsports photography is exhilarating. There’s the thrill of high-speed action, the roar of engines, and the challenge of capturing the perfect moment in a split second. But with that excitement comes risk—sometimes significant risk—not just to competitors but also to photographers. Whether you're covering motocross, rally, Formula racing, or an Enduro event deep in the wild, you need more than just camera knowledge. You need awareness, respect for safety protocols, and a solid understanding of how to operate in fast-paced, potentially hazardous environments.

I recently photographed an Enduro race, an event that reinforced just how vital it is to blend passion with professionalism. Unfortunately, not all photographers present understood the risks. One individual ignored the briefings and safety instructions, leading to a serious incident. His camera was struck by a fast-moving bike after he stepped into a blind spot, bouncing on gravel before plunging into a river. He left with a broken wrist and a destroyed camera. This wasn’t bad luck—it was avoidable.

This article outlines the fundamental principles every motorsport photographer should follow. We'll cover four major areas:

Understanding the Environment
Personal Safety Measures
Technical Photography Know-How
Respect and Professional Courtesy

Let’s take a closer look.

1. Understanding the Environment

Before you even unpack your gear, you must understand where you are, how the event operates, and what the moving parts (literally) are. Every venue has its own layout, quirks, and dangers.

Know the Track or Trail Layout

Whether it's a rally circuit, motocross loop, or a long-distance Enduro trail, familiarize yourself with the full layout before the event begins. Pay attention to:

Corners – Tight corners often lead to unexpected loss of control. Good for action shots, but risky.
Runoff areas – These are escape zones where vehicles go when drivers lose control. Avoid standing here.
Jumps or drops – They make for dramatic images but are highly unpredictable.
Blind spots – Never position yourself where riders or drivers can’t see you until the last second.
Start and finish lines – High tension, high energy, and frequently, high-speed movement.

Designated Spectator and Media Zones

Organizers create designated zones for a reason. If you're attending as media, obtain the appropriate media pass and stick to marked media-safe zones. These areas are usually scouted and deemed safe for coverage.

If you’re not authorized to be beyond the barrier, don’t go there. Not only does it put you at risk, but it also puts competitors and spectators in danger. Marshals may have to act to prevent further incidents, which disrupts the race and puts people at unnecessary risk.

Barriers and Fencing

Do not bypass, climb over, or lean on barriers. They are your first line of defense in the event of a crash or debris flying in your direction. Even if you're confident in your ability to move quickly, vehicles move faster than your instincts—especially in loose dirt, mud, or gravel.

2. Personal Safety Measures

Your camera doesn’t have a brain, but you do. Use it. When it comes to motorsports photography, your safety always comes first. A compelling shot isn’t worth a trip to the hospital.

Dress for Safety and Comfort

Footwear: Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots. You may be walking across rough, uneven, or muddy terrain.
Clothing: Layer up. Choose breathable materials that protect from sun and wind, but allow movement.
Visibility: A high-visibility vest isn’t just helpful—it’s often required. It also makes you more identifiable to marshals and competitors.

Stay Vigilant and Minimize Distractions

Situational awareness is key: Always keep your head on a swivel. Don’t stare through the lens too long. Use both eyes when shooting with one in the viewfinder. Understand where competitors are coming from and going to at all times.
Avoid tunnel vision: A long telephoto lens gives a narrow field of view. What you see through the lens is not your actual surroundings.
Limit distractions: No texting, reviewing shots for extended periods, or social media browsing when you’re trackside.

Don’t Overextend

This is one of the most important—and most violated—rules. The moment you lean over a barrier, hold your arms out into a track, or step too close to a trail, you're gambling with safety.

Your arms don’t belong in the racing line. Period. Your body doesn’t belong leaning forward for a better angle. Let your lens do the work.

Secure Your Gear

Use a neck strap or a wrist strap for your camera.
Anchor your backpack or gear bag to something stable, away from pathways.
Protect your gear from the elements—dust, water, and debris are all part of motorsport environments.

Take Care of Yourself

Hydration and sun protection are essential. Bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.
Take breaks. Long hours in the sun, wind, or rain will exhaust you faster than you think.

Ask and Learn

Never assume you’re in the clear. If in doubt, ask a marshal or official. These people know the event, the drivers, and the dangers. Also, attend all track briefings—media-specific ones if available. These sessions will define where you’re allowed, what the safety plans are, and how the event will flow.

3. Technical Photography Know-How

Motorsports photography is an art—and a science. The right technical skills can make the difference between a forgettable snap and an award-winning image. Here's a high-level overview of what to focus on:

Master the Panning Technique

Panning is essential in motorsport photography—it conveys speed and energy. To pan correctly:

Use a slower shutter speed (e.g., 1/100 to 1/320 depending on the sport).
Stabilize your stance—feet shoulder-width apart, body relaxed.
Follow through with the movement as the vehicle passes.
Practice—this is one of those skills that takes time to master but rewards you with dynamic, motion-filled images.

Use the Right Lens

A telephoto lens (70–200mm or longer) allows you to stay safe and still get close shots. Depending on your distance and style:

Long primes (e.g., 300mm, 400mm) are great for distant corners and straightaways.
Zoom lenses offer flexibility when you're covering dynamic areas like pit stops or mixed terrain.

Know how each lens handles depth of field. A wider aperture (f/2.8, f/4) helps isolate subjects and blur backgrounds, creating pleasing bokeh. This is useful when you want to focus attention solely on the car or bike.

Control Your Shutter Speed

Freezing motion isn’t always best. An image of a car with stationary wheels looks odd. To capture movement:

Use moderate shutter speeds (e.g., 1/250) to retain wheel blur while keeping the body sharp.
For dramatic motion effects, go slower (1/125 or even 1/60), but ensure you stabilize well.

Understand ISO and Exposure

The relationship between ISO, aperture, and shutter speed is critical. Motorsports often happen under variable lighting conditions: harsh sun, shadows, dusk, or even floodlights.

Use ISO to adjust exposure without compromising aperture or shutter choices.
Don’t overdo ISO unless necessary—high ISO introduces grain.

Shooting Through Fences

Sometimes the only position you’ll get is behind a fence. To shoot through:

Use a wide aperture (e.g., f/2.8) to blur the fence completely.
Get your lens close to the fence—as close as possible.
Use a lens hood to reduce reflections or glare.

Always Be Aware of Your Shooting Position

Don’t stand directly in front of or behind vehicles—especially in pit lanes or acceleration zones.
Watch for changes in terrain—mud, loose rocks, puddles—that could affect your footing or camera stability.

4. Respect and Professional Courtesy

Professionalism doesn’t just mean knowing your camera settings—it’s about how you behave. You're sharing the space with other photographers, marshals, competitors, and fans.

Don’t Block Others

Be aware of where others are shooting.
Don’t step in front of someone else's shot, especially during high-action moments.
Share good vantage points fairly, especially if you’re not on assignment.

Follow Staff Instructions

Marshals and officials are there to keep everyone safe. If they ask you to move or redirect, comply immediately—no questions, no argument. You can always ask for clarification later.

Leave No Trace

Bring your own rubbish bag if necessary. Don’t leave plastic bottles, wrappers, or broken gear behind. Motorsport venues are often in natural areas or are expensive to maintain. Treat them with respect.

Be Mindful of the Competitors

Avoid using flash, waving your arms, or distracting racers. Your job is to capture, not interfere. Respect their concentration and space.

Final Thoughts: Safety First, Image Second

Motorsports photography is incredibly rewarding—but only if done safely and respectfully. It combines the energy of the sport with the art of visual storytelling. However, it's not for the careless or the unprepared.

The most important rule is simple: you cannot take a great shot if you're injured—or worse. Keep your arms in, your awareness up, and your gear secure. Learn from the mistakes of others and stay humble in the face of fast-moving danger.

Capture the moment, but never at the expense of your safety, the competitors’, or that of the spectators.