When you see a stunning motorsport photograph, especially one that perfectly captures the drama, the emotion, and the heart-pounding action, it’s tempting to think it was all about being in the right place at the right time. But here’s the secret: the best shots don’t just happen. They’re planned. And it all starts with something simple but powerful, a trackwalk. So how can track walks make such a difference?
At iJAG Photography, we make a point of walking the circuit before the event. It helps us prepare for the day, connect with the people who make motorsport tick, and plan how to capture the race in a way that feels alive. At some circuits, you can even drive around an inner access track instead if mobility or time is an issue!
Here’s how that works—and why it matters.
1. Trackwalks Reveal the Story Before the Race Starts
A track walk is more than just a wander around the circuit. It’s a tactical, creative recon mission. It’s not like a relaxing walk with your dog across the fields, but rather the notebook is at hand, with eyes and ears switched on!
During our walk, we are always looking for certain features and potential challenges:
- Study elevation, lighting, and visibility
- Find natural vantage points and potential blockages. Our recent blog about hidden hazards may make you think more about this one!
- Plan how to tell the story of each car and driver through smart positioning. Ensure not just the race itself but also free practice and qualifying too!
Every track has a personality. By walking it, we can learn how to show that off in our photos and not miss potential opportunities!
2. Motorsport Photography Requires Tactical Thinking
We don’t just look, we imagine! What does that mean, though? Well, Izzy has a practical background in cars as well having originally studied engineering and automotive maintenance. This technical knowledge often helps her to look at circuits differently, and is often demonstrated
- Where will the car’s weight shift dramatically? This will be different for different car racing series. For example, the City Car Cup races Peugeot 107’s (and other small city cars), and Izzy drives one of these herself. Whereas a VW Beetle or Mazda Miata have different weights and different points of balance that will affect their handling differently.
- Where will drivers push the limits? More experienced drivers will push more, but local drivers may know the track more.
- What corners encourage bold overtakes? This thought came into itself recently at Oulton Park in Cheshire, where Izzy has a couple of favourite locations.
This helps us predict and prepare for high-action moments, ensuring we’re always one step ahead with our camera trained and ready.
3. Communication Is Key – With Teams, Drivers & Fans
Of course, we don’t actually work in isolation, and talking to other people around the track really helps us do our job better. However be mindful of when you approach individuals and try to arrange a chat in advance if you know them personally.
Talking to Teams:
- Understand their strategy
- Learn which car elements they want featured
- Identify key moments they want photographed
Chatting with Drivers:
- Discover where they’ll be aggressive
- Understand their relationship with the track
- Personalise shots that reflect their style and personality
Listening to Spectators:
- Learn about fan-favourite spots
- Spot high-energy zones
- Capture authentic crowd atmosphere
4. It’s Not Just About Cars – It’s About Character
We want to shoot more than cars on tarmac. We want emotion, intensity, and energy. A track walk lets us find the best spots to:
- Capture mechanics mid-pit stop
- Photograph fans waving flags or cheering
- Show drivers in the zone or celebrating a win. Allow time to get to the podium from other areas of the track and think about your priorities.
This adds depth to the visual story we’re telling.
5. Better Planning = Better Safety
A hot topic and an essential topic is safety! Safety is essential, and track walks help us at each circuit. Whether you have visited a track before or not, remember things change: Track walks will help you identify new safety barriers, additional spectator seating, track access points, and much more.
- Learn where marshals and barriers are. Dont distract them, but they can also be a really useful source of information.
- Consider avoiding high-risk areas. Izzy has been hit by debris before from a car hitting a barrier!
- Always know and respect circuit rules, no excuses here.
When we’re confident in our surroundings, we can focus fully on being creative and responsive.
6. Iconic Angles, Accident Zones & Creative Framing
Trackwalks also help us locate the shot. The one that fans, teams, and sponsors will love.
Recognisable Landmark Shots
We always seek out famous, iconic, locations that motorsport lovers will instantly recognise:
- The Lodge at Oulton Park, for sweeping views and classic, dramatic shots
- Final Straight at Silverstone, where history is made and chequered flags are waved
High-Risk, High-Action Zones
We identify:
- Heavy braking zones
- Common overtaking spots
- Corners known for spins or crashes
These areas deliver raw emotion and split-second intensity, which are perfect for storytelling through a lens.
Multi-View & Terrain Advantages
Some circuits offer brilliant terrain tricks:
- Elevated banks with views across several corners
- Infields where multiple turns converge
- Hilltops that overlook entire sections of track
At tracks like Anglesey, we even get stunning sea views. That contrast between nature and machine is visually striking and totally unique.
Framing with Nature & Infrastructure
Creative photography thrives on contrast and texture:
- Trees for framing and depth
- Fences or bridges for layers and leading lines
- Fan silhouettes or sun rays for dramatic atmosphere
These elements turn motorsport photos into artwork.
Final Thoughts: Why We Recommend Track Walks Before We Shoot
For us at iJAG Photography, every shot is earned through curiosity, preparation, and passion. By walking the track, talking to the people, and studying the circuit’s layout and light, we get ahead of the game. And that’s what lets us deliver photographs that not only capture the race, but everything that surrounds it.
Want to see what this looks like in action?
👉 View our latest motorsport galleries here
👉 Follow us on Instagram @iJAGPhotographyServices for behind-the-scenes stories
Got a race coming up?
Whether you’re a team, principal, team owner, driver, or event organiser, let’s work together to capture your best moments. Contact us today
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