Behind the Lens at Brands Hatch: A Day with DPR Motorsport and the BTCC
Brands Hatch, with its storied curves and roaring engines, is a haven for motorsport enthusiasts. Recently, I had the privilege of immersing myself in this world, capturing the essence of speed and precision alongside DPR Motorsport and their fleet of Caterham Sevens.
An impressive set up from DPR motorsport
Morning: The Dance of the Caterham's
The day commenced with the sun casting a golden hue over the paddock. DPR Motorsport's Caterham Sevens stood poised, their modest design disguising the raw power within. As the engines ignited, a symphony of mechanical prowess filled the air. Positioning myself trackside, I aimed to encapsulate the agility and fervour of these machines as they weaved through the circuit, each lap a testament to engineering excellence.My role this weekend is to observe and capture the day, not so much what goes on, on the track but more so what happens behind the scenes. Documenting all the meticulous work and hero like efforts of the team that travels the country week in week out through the summer to get the best results on the tarmac. This content will be used in DPRS currently under development, new website.
DPR MOTORSPORT
Midday: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
Venturing into the paddock, I was granted an insider's view of the meticulous preparations that underpin each race. Mechanics fine-tuned engines, strategists huddled over data, and drivers mentally rehearsed their lines. The atmosphere was a blend of intense focus and edgy excitement, a behind-the-scenes ballet that often goes unnoticed. All of this time and energy to get the drivers and their cars ready for 24 minutes of pure concentration. The focus in their eyes as they left the paddock was unwaivered. 
Afternoon: The Roar of the Porsche Sprint Challenge
As the day progressed, the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB took centre stage. The 718 Cayman GT4 Club sports glistened under the sun, their sleek forms a stark contrast to the rugged Caterham's. Capturing these vehicles in motion was a thrill—their speed and grace a photographer's dream. Each frame aimed to freeze a moment of pure racing artistry. And because I had paddock and pit lane access managed to position myself in the perfect place when the cars returned after the race.
I honestly believe my years in London practising street photography primed me for situations like these. You never know what your going to get when you take to the streets but the reward for getting a great shot when the moment arises is so exciting. 
Driving back down to the paddock - post race
Evening: The Crescendo of the British Touring Car Championship
The climax of the day was the British Touring Car Championship races. The atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stands, their cheers merging with the thunderous roar of engines. From the pit lane, I documented the high-octane drama as best i could—the split-second decisions, the overtakes, the sheer determination etched on drivers' faces. I have no idea how these guys can handle all that power with such precision whilst being a whisker away from total carnage throughout the race.
I'm also in total awe of the photographers that line the track with their meter long lenses. I looked some of them up after the race and the images they captured of the day are amazing. Motorsport track photography is a fine art and probably massively undervalued.Its something I'd like to do more of but it will take a lot of practise to get to the level of these seasoned pros. I can freeze time like this decent shot of the BMW M3 here but some of the shots I've seen have movement and speed engrained in every last pixel. Something to work towards for sure.Reflection: A Day Etched in Motion
As dusk settled over Brands Hatch, I reviewed the day's captures. Each photograph told a story—a narrative of passion, precision, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Collaborating with DPR Motorsport and witnessing the grandeur of the BTCC first-hand was an experience that I wont forget in a hurry. Its only been a few months since I left my old career behind and embarked on this new adventure and I've already been asked to shoot a pro race team at one of the world most renowned race circuits. I'm so good at never seeing the positives and only seeing the negatives, its part of my make up I guess, So in documenting it here I will always be able to look at this every now and again to remind myself I'm doing ok.Next stop - im shooting a lotus, and guess what - its not mine!!! Stay tuned, im very excitied
