GT Winter Series: Motorsport Photography Workshop 2026 (Media Accredited)
at Circuito Estoril, Portugal
Wednesday 21st January - Sunday 25th January, 2026
-
Media Accreditation including pit lane, trackside and media centre access.
4 x days of bespoke and personalised photography tuition and coaching from motorsport photographer James Roberts.
Pre-workshop online introduction session and portfolio review.
Post-workshop image editing review session.
Small group size of just 4 people.
Shoot the GT Winter Series as an Accredited Media Photographer
Join us for an unforgettable winter motorsport photography experience at Circuito Estoril in Portugal. This unique opportunity provides you with full media accreditation, giving you the kind of access usually reserved for professional photographers. Get up close to the action at this thrilling GT racing series - from the intensity of the pit lane to exclusive trackside vantage points that are off-limits to the general public.
With your media credentials, you’ll capture powerful, dynamic images in a real race environment while building an impressive portfolio of images. Whether you're looking to break into motorsport photography or take your work to that next level, this workshop offers the access and guidance to make those dreams and ambitions possible.
-
Transform the way you shoot motorsport with this motorsport photography workshop, designed to help you make the most of every race weekend, teaching you how to approach the racing action and more crucially the circuit with a trained and media accredited photographer’s eye.
Do you know which turn to position yourself? Do you know which turn the cars typically struggle with for grip? How about the heaviest braking zones to capture those glowing brake discs?
Do you understand how to work with a media pass? Where do the pro’s stand to get those epic images? How does the track layout differ when you have a media pass? Do you know how to follow a team’s race strategy from the media centre? Can you safely navigate a live pit lane?
On this media accredited motorsport photography workshop, you will learn far more than just how to take photos. You will leave with a wealth of knowledge and an understanding of where to position yourself for the best shots, how to anticipate key braking and acceleration zones, key overtaking spots and which corners offer the best light at different times of the day. With expert guidance, you'll maximise your time at the track, accompanied by your media pass, ensuring you capture dynamic, high-impact images every time.
Leave this workshop with a solid understanding of just what it takes to make it as an accredited motorsport photographer.
Don’t waste another race weekend guessing where to shoot. Join our motorsport photography workshop and start taking control of your motorsport photography today.
-
Learn what it takes to work as an accredited motorsport photographer. Shoot like a pro and enjoy full media accreditation on this workshop, allowing you to get up close to the heart-pounding action - from the adrenaline-fuelled drama of the pit lane to the exhilarating moments on track. Every perspective from the pit lane, team garages, access to prime trackside locations is yours to explore, experience and capture. Plus enjoy access to the media centre for editing sessions.
-
Master the fundamentals of motorsport photography, then push your creative boundaries even further with advanced techniques. Develop the skills to craft powerful visual narratives that leave an impact. With expert coaching, you'll refine your style and take your images to the next level, leaving with a stunning portfolio to help give your motorsport photography journey a major boost.
-
This workshop includes a pre-workshop online session where you can showcase your portfolio and receive valuable tips before heading to Portugal.
After the workshop, join a post-workshop editing and review session to receive further feedback and guidance.
Media Accreditation
Step into the world of professional motorsport photography with a coveted all-access media pass, provided exclusively for this workshop. This unparalleled opportunity offers you a perspective usually reserved for professional media or industry insiders.
With your media pass, you’ll enjoy:
Prime trackside locations for capturing high-speed action from dynamic angles.
Pit lane access, where you’ll document the intensity of tire changes, pit stops and team strategy up close.
Entry to the media centre, the hub of professional motorsport storytelling, where photographers and journalists converge.
The workshop begins with comprehensive preparation. At the start of the workshop, you’ll receive training on pit lane safety protocols and the critical do’s and don’ts of working trackside. Learn the requirements and etiquette that ensure not only your safety but also your professionalism as you navigate the exhilarating environment of working trackside with a media pass.
-
To attend this motorsport photography workshop, you will require public liability insurance with a minimum coverage of £5 million. This ensures your safety and compliance with trackside regulations in Europe.
If you have any questions or need assistance arranging the appropriate coverage, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team. We’re here to guide you through the process and provide you with all the details you need.
Motorsport Photography Coaching:
Benefit from world-class and industry-leading motorsport photography coaching and tuition, guided by seasoned motorsport photographer James Roberts.
You will master the art of dynamic composition, effortlessly adapt to shifting lighting conditions throughout the day, and fine-tune your camera settings to encapsulate the breathtaking speed and intensity of the action. Engage with advanced techniques, including panning and motion blur, while receiving personalised coaching focused on timing, precision, and framing - ensuring every shot resonates with power and clarity.
You’ll also gain essential insight into working as an accredited motorsport photographer - from navigating track layouts to choosing the best corners at the right moments. Learn how to position yourself for maximum impact and capture those truly portfolio-worthy shots with confidence and precision.
Editing sessions will refine your post-production skills, transforming your images into portfolio worthy images.
Additional Details
-
Enhance your photographic journey with exclusive discounts and offers from our esteemed photography and corporate partners.
In addition, our corporate partners extend a range of exclusive offers, from premium services to lifestyle benefits, adding even more value to your experience. Whether you're upgrading your photography gear, refining your skills, or indulging in complementary perks, these partnerships are designed to enrich your journey both at the track and away from it.
-
Take your photography to the next level by experimenting with top-tier equipment from our esteemed photography partners. As part of this exclusive photography workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to test out some photography equipment, giving you hands-on experience with cutting-edge and industry leading photography gear.
Whether you’re testing new techniques or fine-tuning your approach, this access to the latest and best equipment allows you to push the boundaries of your creativity and improve the quality of your work.
-
Camera Equipment:
DSLR or Mirrorless camera system ideally with a choice of lenses. We suggest a decent telephoto lens such as a 70-200mm as a minimum, 24-70mm or equivalent and if you have one a 16-35mm. Also an extender if you have one. We also suggest a longer lens, 300mm+. This could be either a prime or zoom lens.
Other general prime lenses are also a lovely addition if you have them such as a 50mm prime.
A monopod.
Filters - NDs and Polariser.
Plenty of fully charged camera batteries and plenty of SD cards.
Other accessories such as: Rain cover, chargers, battery power bank.
A decent camera rucksack is recommended.
Please get in touch prior to booking to discuss your equipment if you are unsure. We can always try to help you out with some of the photography equipment should you need it.
Outdoor Clothing:
Waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, fleece, comfortable tops, comfortable shorts / trousers, comfortable trainers, flask, water bottle.
Please bring appropriate clothing for long hours spent outdoors at the race circuit. The weather may change multiple times during the day.
Please get in touch prior to booking to discuss anything if unsure.
We will send out a full detailed kit list nearer the time.
Workshop Leaders
-
James is a Derbyshire based full-time professional motorsport & automotive photographer with over 10 years experience covering assignments worldwide.
He has covered a variety of different championships and clubs such as the BTCC, British GT, WEC, ELMS, GTWC and the BRSCC.
Some of the manufacturers he has worked with includes BMW Group, Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover.
James’ eye for detail and creative flair has led him to become one of the UK’s leading motorsport photographers and busiest freelancers.
James was also a judge on our Amateur Motorsport Photography Awards™ 2024.
-
FOUNDER & CEO
Greg, the founder and managing director of Trackside Focus and The Photographic Adventure Company Ltd, has been immersed in the world of photography since 2016.
From 2016 to 2023, Greg honed his craft as a professional photographer, working across diverse genres such as motorsport, events and school photography. During this period, he also gained valuable experience in roles with some of the UK’s leading photography companies, including Wex Photo Video.
Drawing on his extensive industry expertise and a growing network of connections, Greg established The Photographic Adventure Company Ltd in 2023 and later re-branded to Trackside Focus to concentrate exclusively on offering world-leading motorsport photography workshops, training and events, alongside building a global community of motorsport photographers.
The company is fuelled by Greg’s deep passion for motorsport, travel, and photography. Greg is deeply passionate about championing amateur and aspiring motorsport photographers. One of the driving forces behind launching Trackside Focus was his commitment to supporting, encouraging, and promoting amateur photographers and helping those photographers on their journey in motorsport photography.
As a dedicated motorsport fan and photographer himself, Greg understands firsthand the challenges of breaking into the industry.
What Our Clients Say:
This is a rough itinerary for the workshop. Timings may vary slightly.
Wednesday 21st January, 2026
From 12pm - Arrive in Portugal.
7pm - Dinner.
Thursday 22nd January, 2026 (Test Day)
8am - Meet at hotel / Estoril Circuit.
9am - Morning on-track sessions (testing).
1pm - Lunch at circuit.
2pm - Afternoon on-track sessions (testing).
5:45pm - Track walk (optional).
7pm - Dinner.
Friday 23rd January, 2026 (Test Day)
8am - Meet at hotel / Estoril Circuit.
9am - Morning on-track sessions (testing).
1pm - Lunch at circuit.
2pm - Afternoon on-track sessions (testing).
5:45pm - Track walk (optional).
7pm - Dinner.
Saturday 24th January, 2026 (Race Day 1)
8am - Meet at hotel / Estoril Circuit.
9am - Morning on-track sessions.
12:45pm - Lunch at circuit.
13:45pm - Afternoon on-track sessions.
5:30pm - Track walk (optional).
7pm - Dinner.
Sunday 25th January, 2026 (Race Day 2)
8am - Meet at hotel / Estoril Circuit.
9am - Morning on-track sessions.
12pm - Lunch at circuit.
1pm - Afternoon on-track sessions.
5pm - Finish and head back to either your hotel or airport for return travel home.
Travel to Portugal
There is a good selection of flights between the UK and Portugal (Lisbon) as well as from other international destinations. Easy Jet, Ryanair and British Airways run regular flight options.
You should aim to arrive no later than 5pm on Wednesday 21st January, 2026.
You can book your return flight/travel home anytime from 10pm on Sunday 25th January, 2026.
The best airport is Lisbon, located around 30km from the Circuito Estoril.
NB: Please do not book any flights or travel until you have had confirmation from us to do so.
Recommended Accommodation:
ibis Lisboa Sintra
Located just 4.3 km from the Estoril race track, the ibis Lisboa Sintra is conveniently positioned for motorsport-related stays. The hotel offers modern, functional rooms equipped with SweetBed by ibis, free Wi‑Fi, air conditioning, heating, and private bathrooms.
FAQs
-
As this is a media accredited photography workshop, you will need to secure your place by completing our online booking form and we will be in touch.
Once we are happy with all the details, you can then place a deposit or make the full payment through our secure online payment portal.
-
No, accommodation is not included in the workshop. This allows you the flexibility to choose a hotel that best suits your preferences, budget, and travel plans. Whether you prefer a luxury stay or a budget-friendly option you have the freedom to book what works best for you.
-
As this workshop is media-accredited, we need to make sure you're aware of the risks, have the proper public liability insurance, and that the workshop is a good match for your skills and photography goals.
-
There are a number of insurance companies who will provide cover for public liability insurance.
We suggest photoGuard as they are a partner of ours and subsequently aware of our photography workshops and can provide a package to suit.
Please get in touch with us if you are unsure and we will be more than happy to advise.
-
We recommend booking at least 6 months in advance to ensure availability, however the earlier the better in order to guarantee your place.
-
This workshop is designed for those looking to boost their motorsport photography career.
A strong passion for motorsport photography and a desire to enhance your skills will make this workshop a truly rewarding experience.
Ideally, you will have at least a good level of photography knowledge along with being comfortable using your camera.
-
You can secure your place on this motorsport photography workshop with a £250.00 deposit.
-
The balance payment is due 8 weeks prior to the start date.
An email will be sent out 2 weeks prior to this reminding you of the balance payment date.
-
Yes, you can pay in instalments.
If paying in instalments, the final payment needs to be made 8 weeks prior to the workshop start date.
-
A good level of fitness is required for this photography workshop. We will be spending long hours outdoors at the race circuit with a lot of walking between trackside locations. You can do upwards of 15K steps a day!
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss before booking.