In the run-up to the start of the 2011 F1 season, Drive Cult grabs a few minutes with top F1 photographer Darren Heath.
Drive Cult: How did you get started as a photographer? How did you break into top level motorsport?
Darren Heath: I loved F1/motor sport from an early age so attended as many events as possible when growing-up. Since I also loved photography it seemed obvious to combine the two. I attended college for two years and then started at the then top F1 photo agency in Jan '88 as a junior black & white printer. It was then a case of proving I could take pictures so as to shoot at events for the agency.
DC: Looking at your photo blogs from each Grand Prix, how do you manage to cover so much of the event?
DH: I plan each weekend's coverage thinking of light, track time, photo requirements, the nature of the track etc., and I then push very hard to cover as much as possible so as to offer as wide a variety of shots as possible.
DC: What are the greatest lengths you've gone to in order to get a shot?
DH: I can't think of anything specific other than arriving at a position very early to bag the spot.
DC: There seem to be a lot of photographers covering F1. Is there a good camaraderie amongst the group, and how do you make your images stand out from the pack?
DH: There are about 45 snappers who do every race and then anything up to 60 more who do one/some. Mostly we get on as well as can be expected in a very competitive environment, but of course conflicts do arise. As for standing out, I guess that comes down to application, planning, desire, natural talent, etc.
DC: What are the toughest conditions to cope with at a motorsport event for a photographer?
DH: Overly-zealous security. It's the bane of my life; getting shouted at by ignorant oafs who are ignorant of the rules as to where photographers can stand. I treat all security staff with complete and utter contempt.
DC: Have you found the demand for your images has changed with the rise of Internet motorsport coverage?
DH: They have certainly changed. Untold wannabe media tycoons can now make websites in a couple of hours and then request free pictures and in return offer a link. Well, thanks, but I'm afraid British Airways don't offer me free flights and hotels cost a lot! I answer a number of requests every week from people almost assuming that they can have pictures for free. Have the time pressures changed? Yes, but one adapts to service the market one is working in.
DC: Which of your images do you look back on and either remember most or are most proud of?
DH: I don't have a particular favourite but the one of a Jaguar – testing at Valencia in December 2002 – throwing-up a plume of spray lit up bright orange by the setting sun always gets a favourable reaction.
DC: What tips would you give to amateur photographers trying to improve their motorsport shots?
DH: Practice, practice, practice. Don't even think about shooting F1. Concentrate instead on local rallies, club events, hill climbs, car shows, sprint meetings, and so on. You won't need to worry about passes as such and will get very close to the action, unlike F1.
DC: Which photographers have inspired you and your work?
DH: When I was aspiring to be a photographer, Bernard Asset's work in F1 was a favourite. I love William Egglestone's work too, and I get inspiration from the motion picture work of Director of Photography Roger Deakins.
DC: Do you still find photography interesting as a hobby away from work? What sort of photography do you enjoy?
DH: Take a look here to see what I enjoy shooting away from F1.
DC: What would be your dream commission?
DH: To shoot F1 exactly as I see fit in return for bundles of cash. I've got the first part sorted but certainly not the second!
Many thanks to Darren for taking the time to speak to us. You can follow him on Twitter where he is, appropriately, @F1Photographer and there is an extensive collection of Darren's F1, automotive and off-track work as well as his thoughts on each event on his blog at his website.