Mastering Motorsports Photography: How to Maximize Your Camera's Potential.
- Will Monda-Morawski
- Oct 6, 2025
- 14 min read
Updated: Dec 7, 2025
Are you passionate about racing and interested in getting into motorsports photography? Maybe you have already photographed events but still have lots to learn, or you're an experienced photographer seeking a refresher. This one stop motorsports photography guide is for you. Together we'll explore the essential settings needed to enhance your skills, discuss the necessary equipment, and provide you the tips and tricks on how to prepare for a day at the track. Whether you're a beginner or simply looking to refine your expertise, this guide will transform your photos from blurred and unfocused to sharp and stunning. You will gain a clearer understanding of the funny numbers on your screen and how they influence the final image alongside your technique all the way to publishing.
Understanding Your Key Camera Settings
When shooting motorsports photography, it is crucial to master your camera settings to capturing stunning images that reflect your vision and creativity. Each setting plays a vital role in how your photographs will turn out, influencing everything from exposure to depth of field. Together, we will dive into the fundamental camera settings that every photographer should understand, providing a comprehensive overview of their functions and how they effect the final image.
Starting with aperture, Aperture is one of the three pillars of exposure, alongside shutter speed and ISO. It refers to the opening in the lens through which light passes. The size of this opening is measured in f-stops, for example you may see or hear an image was shot at f/2.8, f/4, or f/8. A lower f-stop number signifies a larger aperture, or opening in the lens allowing more light to enter the camera. On the other hand, a higher f-stop number indicates a smaller aperture or opening, resulting in less light entering the camera. On top of this aperture also significantly impacts the depth of field, which determines how much of the image is in focus. A wide aperture (low f-stop) creates a shallow depth of field, perfect for isolating a subject to have them stand out sharp against a blurry background. Whereas a narrow aperture (high f-stop) will create a sharper image with a much larger focus area, creating a larger overall scene.
In the image pair below note the difference in the tree leaves, and the aperture numbers below the images.
Shutter speed indicates how long the camera’s sensor is exposed to light. It is measured in seconds or fractions of a second, such as 1/1000, 1/60, or even several seconds for long exposures. A fast shutter speed such as 1/1000 often completely freezes motion, capturing extremely sharp images, but lacking any motion, often looking like cars are sitting still. While a slow shutter speed like 1/80 captures motion blur, which can be artistically used to convey motion and communicate the high speeds of cars and how quickly things happen at a race track. Generally when shooting race cars you want a slower shutter speed to capture the motion, experiment with your shutter and find out how slow you can shoot images and get a result you like. For me I try and go as low as 1/15, but that is extreme and I am typically shooting at higher rates such as 1/80 to 1/320. Understanding the relationship between shutter speed and the sharpness of images is crucial for capturing visually appeasing motorsports photos.
In the image pair below see the effects of shutter speed and the difference it makes conveying motion and sharpness of images.
ISO measures the sensitivity of your camera's sensor to light. A lower ISO setting (such as 100 or 200) is ideal for bright conditions, as it produces the cleanest images with minimal noise. As the ISO setting increases (to 800, 1600, and beyond), the sensor becomes more sensitive to light, allowing you to shoot in darker conditions. However, higher ISO settings can introduce noise, which adds grain into your images. Balancing ISO with aperture and shutter speed is critical for achieving the perfect exposure. In low-light situations, you might opt for a higher ISO to compensate for the lack of light, but it’s essential to keep in mind potential trade-off in image quality.
Had to move away from cars for this one to really demonstrate the difference of ISO, take note of the grain of the image of the MIG versus the F22 raptor. One image was before sundown, the other while the sun was almost set.
White balance is a setting that adjusts the color temperature of your images, ensuring that whites appear white and colors are rendered accurately. Different light sources emit different color temperatures; for example, sunlight is warmer (more yellow) compared to fluorescent lights, which tend to have a cooler (more blue) hue. Most cameras offer several white balance presets, such as daylight, cloudy, tungsten, and fluorescent, as well as the option to manually set the white balance. Understanding how to adjust this setting can significantly enhance the color quality of your photographs, allowing you to capture the true essence of a scene. By familiarizing yourself and practicing with these key camera settings, you will gain greater control over your photography. Understanding how each setting interacts with the others, and mastering them will empower you to enhance your creative expression. Experimenting with these settings in various conditions will not only improve your skills but also allow you to develop your unique photographic style. Remember, practice is essential, and the more you explore the more confident you will become in your ability to capture stunning images.
File type is a crucial setting to locate in your camera's settings and should not be ignored. Many cameras come with .JPEG as the default image file type. If you do not plan on editing photos or performing any post-processing, this option is the most straightforward, as images are ready to use directly from the camera. However, if you desire higher quality images and are ready to engage in editing, you should change your camera's file type to .RAW or the highest quality lossless compression option available. .DNG is a also common option and is very similar to RAW with some slight optimizations for file size. Since different brands use different file extensions, do your own research on how to find and adjust your settings to achieve the best possible images for your needs.
Shutter Speed:
- Use fast shutter speeds to freeze motion, stopping cars in their place. 1/1000 and higher will typically freeze almost all motion, making cars appear sharp and stationary on track.
- Experiment with slower speeds such as 1/100 to convey motion blur.
Aperture:
- Choose a wide aperture (low number) for shallow depth of field, and narrow (high number) for wider depth of field
- Experiment to understand the impact of aperture on exposure and background focus.
ISO:
- Adjust ISO settings based on lighting conditions.
- Understand the relationship between ISO, noise, and image quality.
Lens Choices for Motorsports
Now that we've got the basic camera settings out of the way, let's transition to lens and camera talk. For motorsports photographers, selecting the right lens can significantly affect the quality and impact of your images. There are two common lens types that you may carry in your gear bag, each serving a distinct purpose that aligns with the dynamic nature of motorsports photography.
Telephoto Lenses:
Telephoto lenses are the staple go to for serious motorsports photographer. These lenses are ideal for capturing distant action, which is crucial when photographing high-speed vehicles racing around expansive tracks. With a telephoto lens, you can zoom in close to the vehicles as they tackle the turns or fly down the straightaway, allowing you to capture the intensity and speed of the race up close from a safe distance.
One of the main benefits of a telephoto lens is its capability to isolate subjects against backgrounds that are blurred and compressed. This feature enhances focus on the cars, bringing them closer and reducing distractions from the surrounding environment, making the viewer feel even closer. This is particularly useful in motorsports, where the action can be chaotic, and you want the viewer's focus to remain on the performance of the vehicles rather than the crowd or other possible distractions in the background.
Additionally, telephoto lenses often come with a variety of focal lengths, allowing photographers to choose the level of zoom that best suits their shooting style and the specific demands of the event. Whether you opt for a 70-200mm lens or a more powerful 100-400mm lens, or even 800mm and beyond each choice provides unique opportunities to capture different angles of the race.
Wide-Angle Lenses:
On the other hand, wide-angle lenses play a crucial role in capturing the broader context of motorsports events. These lenses are great for showcasing the environment and atmosphere of the races, allowing photographers to convey the excitement and energy of the event as a whole. A wide-angle lens can capture the grandeur of the racetrack, the enthusiastic crowd, and the surrounding landscape, all in one frame.
Moreover, wide-angle lenses are particularly useful for close-up shots of cars in the pits or on the starting grid. These intimate shots can reveal intricate details of the vehicles, such as the mechanics at work, the tire changes, and the teamwork involved in preparing for the race. This type of photography not only highlights the cars themselves but also tells the story of the people behind the scenes who contribute to the success of the teams.
In conclusion, both telephoto and wide-angle lenses are essential tools for motorsports photographers. By understanding the strengths and applications of each lens type, photographers can effectively capture the thrilling moments of the race while also portraying the vibrant atmosphere that surrounds these high-octane events. The choice of lens ultimately depends on the desired outcome of the photographs and the specific scenarios encountered during the event.
Lens Filters and Accessories:
Another aspect of selecting a lens involves considering what can be added to the end, top, or bottom of the lens. When photographing motorsports, many vehicles have reflective windows or glossy body panels, which can create glare or reflections that detract from the overall quality of your images. It is essential to use a CPL or Polarizer filter and adjust it appropriately for the camera orientation and lighting conditions to reduce glare and reflections effectively. For long panning shots with a blurred background on a bright day, an ND Filter may be necessary. These filters attach to your lens and are often adjustable to control light entry, functioning like sunglasses with adjustable tint. There are also various artistic filters that manipulate light in different ways, though this guide will not cover them. Feel free to explore those options independently.
Consider the use of a tripod or monopod when shooting. These tools can help you achieve steadier images and significantly reduce fatigue, particularly when using a large telephoto lens. It is common for motorsports photographers to attach a monopod directly to the bottom of a telephoto lens. Managing a three to eight pound camera throughout the day, along with additional lenses, accessories, batteries, and other essentials, can be exhausting. Identify the equipment that suits your needs and preferences, and continuously refine your camera bag.
Pre-Event Preparations
Research the Track:
- Familiarize yourself with the layout and best shooting locations. It is crucial to study the track map in detail, noting key turns, straightaways, and elevation changes that could impact the race dynamics. Watch replays or highlights of races you may be shooting from past years and look at other photographer's photos. Understanding the layout will help you anticipate the action and position yourself strategically for the best shots.
- Identify areas with optimal lighting during the event. Lighting conditions can vary significantly depending on the time of day and weather. Keep this in mind when shooting you may have to wait until late in the afternoon to hit a spot you saw in the morning, scout out areas where natural light is most favorable. Pay attention to the direction of the sun and how it will change throughout the day, as this will help you plan your shooting schedule and adjust your camera settings accordingly for the best exposure and clarity in your images.
Equipment Check:
- Ensure your camera, lenses, MEMORY CARDS and accessories are in good working condition. Before the event, inspect of all your gear. Test your camera's functionality, including autofocus and shutter speed, and clean your lenses and to avoid any dust or smudges that could ruin your shots. It's also wise to check for any firmware updates every now and again that may enhance performance. Make a checklist of all your equipment to ensure nothing is forgotten.
- Carry extra batteries and memory cards for uninterrupted shooting. Given the high-paced nature of events, running out of power or storage space can be detrimental to your ability to capture key moments. Prepare by charging all batteries the night before and packing several spares in your bag. Additionally, bring multiple high-capacity memory cards, formatted and ready to use, to accommodate the large volume of images you may take. Consider organizing your cards in a way that allows for quick changes during the event, minimizing downtime and ensuring you are always ready to shoot when the action unfolds.
Personal Needs
One thing that is very often overlooked in motorsports photography, even by seasoned professionals is the importance of self-care. It can be easily forgotten behind the demands of managing extensive equipment, and all we've discussed so far in the guide. To maintain both physical and mental well-being during long shooting days, which often extend over several consecutive days, it is crucial to prioritize personal needs. Ensure you have plenty of water and snacks, and wear shoes suitable for walking long distances, often on rough or uneven terrain when working trackside. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen on your hands, face, and any exposed skin, especially during peak summer events, and consider wearing a sun shirt for added protection. The heat on the track and in the pits can be intense, and your ability to capture quality images will be compromised if you are distracted by fatigue or heat exhaustion. Similarly, for colder events, dress appropriately for the weather and bring extra clothing for changing as conditions vary. Remember, the weather at noon may differ significantly from that at six in the morning.
Techniques for Capturing Race Action
Panning:
- Develop your panning skills to produce dynamic images while maintaining a sharp focus on the subject. Panning involves synchronizing your camera movement with the subject's motion, which is crucial for capturing the sensation of speed in motorsports photography. To excel in this technique, practice at varying speeds and distances and learn what settings allow you to keep the vehicle sharp while blurring the background nicely. This effect not only highlights the race car's speed but also conveys a sense of motion that static images cannot achieve. Remember, your focal length significantly impacts your panning shots; for instance, panning at 35mm is considerably easier than doing so at the same shutter speed with a focal length of 200mm or more.
- Utilize slower shutter speeds to enhance the perception of speed. By experimenting with shutter speeds, you can create various artistic effects. A shutter speed between 1/60 and 1/250 of a second can produce substantial motion blur, depending on the speed, causing the background to streak while keeping the car in focus. This technique demands a steady hand and precise timing, as you must smoothly track the vehicle throughout the exposure. Additionally, employing image stabilization features or a monopod can help minimize unwanted vertical camera shake, ensuring your panning shots are as sharp as possible.
Timing and Positioning:
- Anticipate key moments, like overtakes or pit stops. Understanding the dynamics of a race can significantly improve your photography. Familiarize yourself with the track layout, the "hot spots," how cars handle certain sections, and the behavior of drivers during different race phases. This will help you predict when and where exciting moments are likely to occur, such as when a driver is about to make a large dive bomb or cars entering the pits for a high stake stop. Positioning yourself at strategic points around the track can increase your chances of capturing unique moments.
- Use burst or successive shooting mode to capture sequences of action. When the action gets intense, using burst mode allows you to take multiple shots in quick succession, giving you a series of images to choose from. This is especially useful during critical moments, as it increases the likelihood of capturing that perfect shot where the cars are in the optimal position or a spectacular crash reel. A good editing software makes selecting the best photo from the burst easy, ensuring you have the most dynamic and impactful image to showcase the intensity of the race. Keep in mind your camera’s buffer capacity, as high-speed shooting can quickly fill up memory cards, not allowing you to shoot until it catches up again
Static Shots
When shooting motorsports, static photography plays a crucial role, capturing not just the cars but also significant moments; a large crowd in awe during an overtake, the tense anticipation following a major crash as everyone waits to see if the driver is unharmed, teams preparing for a high stakes pit stop, and drivers emerging from their cars filled with emotion. Including images like these in your sets sets you apart and highlights your ability to capture the atmosphere, not just the on-track action. When attending an event, consider exploring the paddock and taking candid photos of teams and drivers as they collaborate or engage with fans. This approach also provides an opportunity to get close to the cars and teams, giving opportunity to network and build relationships.
Post-Event Review and Editing
Reviewing Images:
- Begin by loading all of your files off your camera's SD card(s) onto your computer for editing.
- Utilize software tools that allow for efficient organization and management of photographs. Flagging is a critical step, as it helps streamline the editing process by focusing on the images that have the most potential.
- Consider creating multiple categories or folders based on various criteria such as lighting conditions, subjects, or specific moments during the event. This can make it easier to navigate through the images later on.
- Make note of specific images that may require special attention during editing, whether due to unique lighting, candid expressions, or other noteworthy elements.
- For high volume shoots, doing a second round of review after some time has passed after the initial sorting is good practice to ensure that no shots worth saving have been left out.
Editing Techniques:
- You can use presets to help greatly speed up your editing process, you can get my Race Day preset pack Here
-Begin the editing process by adjusting exposure levels to ensure that the images are properly exposed.
- Fine-tune contrast to add depth to the images, making them more visually appealing and dynamic. This can help to create a more engaging viewing experience by highlighting textures and details.
- Enhance colors by adjusting saturation and vibrancy sliders, ensuring that the images reflect the true atmosphere of the event while also making them pop. Be cautious not to overdo it, as too much saturation makes the images look too artificial and over processed. Be sure to keep the car colors relatively true to real life, keeping them recognizable
- Experiment with various editing styles and presets to find the one that best fits the mood and theme of the event. This might include applying filters, adding vignettes, or even converting some images to black and white for a classic touch.
- Crop and straighten images thoughtfully to improve composition and focus on the main subjects. This can involve removing distracting elements from the edges of the frame or aligning horizons for a more balanced presentation.
- Finally, consider exporting images in different formats and resolutions based on their intended use, whether for social media sharing, printing, or archiving. This ensures that the final product is versatile and ready for any platform.
Conclusion
That was quite a bit of information, but you can come back as many times as you want to refresh and practice continuously. Remember how shutter speed, aperture, and ISO interact to form your basic images, how white balance influences your color palette, and which lenses are best suited for different scenarios. including your positioning. Practice your panning shots, but keep your head on a swivel for unique photo opportunities and safety. Prioritize safety, as anything can happen at a race track. Also do not underestimate the power of editing; it will elevate your photos to the next level. With practice, your skills will grow, so attend your next local event and start shooting!
Thank you for reading and I hope you learned something! Check out my portfolio here for inspiration and remember to always keep shooting.
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