The life of an F1 photographer
Published on 15 March 2017 by Stefan Meens
Formula 1 photographer Peter van Egmond attends all the Grands Prix on the Formula 1 calendar including the pre-season tests. Verstappen.nl caught up with the Dutchman in Barcelona as he gives us an insight into his profession.
Peter’s passion for F1 started when he was a kid, when his dad took him along the Circuit Park Zandvoort. The track in the dunes used to host the Dutch Grand Prix until 1985. Over time Peter’s friends lost the spark of going along the races, but Peter was hooked. He even tried his luck at a career as a driver. He had to give up the dream after he crashed his only racing car. “Luckily I still had my racing license which meant I had great track side access. Armed with my mother’s small compact camera, I started taking pictures.”
Life as a Formula 1 photographer is less glamorous than often thought. “I’ve been able to make a living out of my hobby and passion, which sounds to many like the dream. However, people often forget about the many days from home and the hard work that goes into earning a living.”
“For the cost of travel, accommodation and equipment alone, I could’ve bought a nice car. Luckily I’ve got a bunch of regular clients like Exact.” Furthermore, Peter sells his photos on www.petervanegmond.nl.
Being a photographer in motorsport can be risky business. In 1993, Peter came up close and personal with Gerhard Berger’s Ferrari at the Italian Grand Prix. “During qualifying I was looking through my lens to find Jean Alesi who was waving to the fans. I suddenly heard something. When I looked up, I saw Berger in his Ferrari hitting the tires at 250 km/h. Alesi hadn’t paid attention to the fact that Berger was on a flying lap.” The footage of the crash shows Peter was the only bystander to not duck for cover.
Peter’s most memorable moment happened last year, at Barcelona. “My whole career I hoped to witness the Dutch national anthem during a Grand Prix weekend. When I saw Max on that podium I had a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. I really admire Max. He is six months younger than my son so I can see how special his achievements are. And the way he stays down to earth is amazing to witness.”
“I still feel goose bumps when I think back of Max on that podium with the Dutch flag and anthem in the background. Not many people will understand that emotion but I enjoyed every moment of that historical achievement. The fact that my pictures were seen everywhere was a nice bonus.”
