Need for speed: photographing Max Verstappen at the British Grand Prix made me want to become a sports photographer

Drew Eaton, a young sports photographer, credits his father as the inspiration behind his passion for photography. His father, an avid landscape and nature photographer, gifted him his first camera on his 21st birthday. From then on, Eaton spent countless hours photographing wildlife, which he believes honed his skills in patience, organization, and capturing the perfect shot – invaluable qualities for a sports photographer.

Eaton's focus shifted to sports photography in 2023 when he attended his first British Grand Prix. Armed with a Canon R7 and a Sigma 150-600mm lens, he attempted panning for the first time. After numerous unsuccessful attempts, he finally managed to capture a sharp image of Max Verstappen mid-race, which ignited his ambition to become a full-time sports photographer.

Since then, Eaton has dedicated himself to sports photography. He attended the British Grand Prix in 2023 with a Canon R7 and a Sigma 150-600mm lens. The experience solidified his desire to pursue sports photography as a career. His work covers a wide range of sports, including Formula 1, American Football, and Football, among others. This variety has helped him understand different shooting angles, ideal lenses for specific sports, and adapt to various environments.

Eaton's photographic training is primarily self-taught, utilizing online videos and tutorials. His father played a crucial role in teaching him the basics of photography. Recognizing the lack of job opportunities in his area, Eaton decided to pursue a degree in photography. He chose the world's first sports photography degree at Nottingham Trent University, which offered networking opportunities and specialized training in his field of interest.

The feedback on Eaton's work has been overwhelmingly positive, particularly from athletes and coaches. He values the trust and invitations he receives to cover various fixtures. However, securing media accreditation for bigger events remains a significant challenge. Eaton acknowledges the importance of networking and building relationships with publications and venues, as his photography skills alone may not be enough to gain entry to high-profile events.

Among his inspirations, Eaton admires the legendary motorsport photographer Rainer Schlegelmilch. Schlegelmilch's work in motorsport photography is widely recognized, and his images captivate enthusiasts, regardless of their sports interest. Eaton's preferred equipment includes a Canon EOS R3 and a Canon EOS R6, along with three lenses: an RF 400mm, 70-200mm, and 24-70mm, all with an f2.8 aperture.