How to Photograph Motorsport Without Track Accreditation: A Guide for Enthusiasts
Motorsport photography is thrilling—it’s fast-paced, dramatic, and full of raw energy. But what if you don’t have trackside accreditation? Is it still possible to capture compelling images without the coveted media pass? Absolutely. With the right approach, gear, and mindset, you can still take stunning motorsport photos from public areas. Here's how.
1. Understand the Limitations—and Work With Them
Without accreditation, you won’t have access to the paddock, pit lane, or inside track photo holes. That’s okay. Many circuits offer surprisingly good sightlines from general admission areas. The trick is to know the layout of the track and scout the best spots where the fence is low, non-existent, or close enough to minimize obstruction.
Tips:
Arrive early to explore the venue and claim a good vantage point.
Study the track – use online map services or previous race footage to work out the best places to stand
Look for elevation changes—hills or banks can give you a clearer view over barriers.
Use long focal lengths to compress distance and isolate the action.
Motorsport photography is thrilling—it’s fast-paced, dramatic, and full of raw energy. But what if you don’t have trackside accreditation? Is it still possible to capture compelling images without the coveted media pass? Absolutely. With the right approach, gear, and mindset, you can still take stunning motorsport photos from public areas. Here's how.
2. Choose the Right Gear
You don’t need a pro-level kit, but having the right tools helps. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with fast autofocus and a telephoto lens (at least 200mm, ideally 300mm or more) is a great start.
Recommended gear:
Camera body with good burst rate and tracking autofocus
Telephoto lens: 70–300mm, 100–400mm, or a prime 300mm/400mm
Monopod for stability during long sessions (not essential)
Circular polarizer or ND filter if shooting in bright light or to reduce glare
3. Use the Fence to Your Advantage
Fencing is the biggest challenge in non-accredited motorsport photography. But it doesn’t have to ruin your shots.
Strategies:
Shoot wide open (e.g., f/2.8–f/5.6) to blur the fence if you're close to it.
Place your lens against the fence (or as close as possible) to shoot through gaps.
Use the fence creatively as a compositional element—blur it into the foreground for a unique aesthetic.
Shot at f4 with the lens as close to the fence as possible
4. Master the Art of Panning
Motorsport isn’t just about freezing motion. Panning—where you track a moving subject with a slower shutter speed—adds drama and conveys speed.
How to practice panning:
Start with shutter speeds around 1/250s, then gradually slow down to 1/125s or 1/60s.
Keep your motion smooth and horizontal, following the car's path.
Use continuous autofocus (AI-Servo/AF-C) and burst mode to increase your chances of a sharp shot.
5. Tell the Full Story
You may not be in the pit lane, but you can still document the atmosphere and experience.
Don’t miss:
Fans in team gear
Drivers’ parades, car displays, or support races
Wide-angle shots of the circuit environment or grandstands
Use Pit walks and autograph sessions to get up close with drivers and teams
6. Respect the Rules
Always follow the circuit’s guidelines for spectators. Don’t climb fences, step over barriers, or sneak into restricted areas. Not only is it dangerous, but it can also ruin your chances of being welcomed back—or even getting accreditation in the future.
7. Build a Portfolio and Network
Some of the best motorsport photographers today started shooting from the stands. Use your time trackside to:
Hone your skills
Build a portfolio
Share your work on social media or motorsport forums
Connect with local race teams or smaller series who might need photos
As your skills and connections grow, so will your chances of landing accredited opportunities.
Conclusion
You don’t need a vest and media pass to capture the thrill of motorsport. With preparation, patience, and creativity, you can take remarkable photos from general access areas. Treat every event as a chance to improve, tell a story, and enjoy the incredible spectacle of racing—from the outside of the fence.