Feature

26 Jul 2022

Shutter Speed: The French GP in Focus

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Circuit Paul Ricard's unique track atmosphere and the Provence sunshine allowed for photographers to take a wide range of stunning pictures during the French Grand Prix.

It was a very special weekend for Aston Martin, as it commemorated 100 years since its Grand Prix debut, but there was also plenty of dramatic imagery on and off the track.

Join Aston Martin F1 Team and Motorsport Images photographer Zak Mauger as he explains the details behind his favourite shots from the French Grand Prix.

Shot on a Canon 1DX Mark II, 50mm Lens

"I had originally planned a wide shot of Sebastian getting out of the car on the grid, but his car was directly beneath a gantry. This meant that half of the car was in shade and the other was in bright sunlight.

"So, I decided to expose for the shadows to create this high contrast, almost studio-like image instead."

Shot on a Canon 1DX Mark II, 70-200mm Lens

"The sun was shining brightly all weekend in France. This is Lance pulling out of the garage – exposing the bright sun with the garage left in darkness."

Shot on a Canon 1DX Mark II, 70-200mm Lens

"This is another high contrast shot. This time I exposed to highlight Lance's eyes which were in the shade as he sits in the cockpit with the screens placed in front of him."

Shot on a Canon 1DX Mark II, 50mm Lens

"The sessions for most race weekends are run later than they have in previous years. This can create a good opportunity for some low sun late in the afternoon.

"Shooting through the trees creates these quite cool pockets of light that shine on the floor."

Shot on a Canon 1DX Mark II, 600mm Lens

"Paul Ricard is famous for its lines on the run-offs – I have tried to use them here to guide the eye through the picture. The cars come quickly here so this is shot on a fast shutter speed (1/2000th of a second)."

Shot on a Canon 1DX Mark II, 24mm Lens

"We were briefed to shoot the original Aston Martin logo on the cars this weekend to commemorate 100 years since the marque's Grand Prix debut.

"I thought that the grid might be a quite nice place to shoot it; this is shot very close on a wide-angle lens with a wide-open aperture to focus on the logo."