Feature

Shutter Speed: 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Shutter Speed returns for the last time in 2021, showcasing Lance Stroll's 100th Grand Prix weekend as the season came to a close in Abu Dhabi.

Aston Martin Cognizant Formula One™ Team and Motorsport Images photographer, Glenn Dunbar, shares his favourite shots from Abu Dhabi and explains what makes each shot unique.

Shot on a Canon EOS R3 with a 28-70mm lens

"The thought process behind this picture was to show something different, capturing a detail that not even TV viewers would see at home. In this case, that was Lance sitting in the cockpit with his hands clenched together. It showed his readiness and preparation to leave the garage. It's a behind-the-scenes that shows his 100th F1 race weekend from a different angle."

Shot on a Canon EOS R3 with a 70-200mm lens

"I took some static shots of Lance's special edition helmet on Friday morning, but afterwards I wanted to capture a more personal moment with it. I wanted to combine Lance wearing the helmet while showing off his 100-race logo with the glitter effect of the design. The shot has a shallow depth of field to isolate the 100-race logo, creating a very striking image."

Shot on a Canon EOS R3 with a 28-70mm lens

"Dry ice is a key ingredient to keeping Formula One cars cool. The car is cooled after its sighter laps, just before the grid presentation happens. The car's position on the grid meant that the sun backlit the wisps of dry ice, and that combined well with the clear Aston Martin branding. In this job, you appreciate the beauty and the small details that you see through the lens."

Shot on a Canon EOS R3 with a 28-70mm lens

"This shot was taken from the grandstand at the start of the race, because I wanted to incorporate the atmosphere from the race weekend. I zoomed into the action to create the feeling of speed, and the sun also popped out to create that lovely golden backdrop. Bringing everything together, it shows the environment of the race and the speed of the cars."

Shot on a Canon EOS R3 with a 600mm lens

"This shot was taken at a vehicle access point. This allows you to get low to the ground, which is rare because you're usually standing up, shooting over the Armco barriers. I used a long exposure to capture the lights reflecting on the car to create a sensation of speed. For me, the picture isn't perfect because I wanted the helmet to be sharper, but I love the way that the rear light illuminates the back of the car. Everything is glistening, as if Lance is driving on ice."

Shot on a Canon EOS R3 with a 100-500mm lens

"In Abu Dhabi, we are able to shoot from the W Hotel, which is the building complex over the final sector. A lot of image variations can be done up there, but this is an angle that I only saw for the first time this year. When the drivers are going down the straight, the car comes in and out of view through the slats of the roof. With the right timing, you can use a slow shutter speed to show the speed of the car when it appears in one of the openings. A lot of components went into this shot, and this is the only one I captured perfectly. With the presence of the hotel, it almost creates a 3D dystopian landscape, and I like the sci-fi feel that it has.”

Shot on a Canon EOS R3 with a 100-500mm lens

"This image was taken from the same location as the previous photo and shows that as a photographer there are different shots all around you. It's all about where you stand. This shot is quite simple, shot slow to create a sense of speed, and you can see how the floodlights highlight the bodywork. It's basic but effective, and it shows the AMR21 in full glory."

Shot on a Canon EOS R3 with a 100-500mm lens

"This is another example of shooting through scenery while using a slow shutter speed to create the sensation of motion. This is more than just a picture of a car. There's a lot going on here. Lance is coming out from behind one of the parts of the W Hotel roof and, with the lights, it makes the car look even more interesting. As a photographer, I like to challenge myself. Anyone can take a head-on shot of a car, which is why I like to do something different. It can sometimes be difficult to explain why you took a picture but, honestly, this is just a shot I like."

Thanks to Glenn Dunbar for sharing his passion and creative talents: #IAMCREATIVITY.

Discover more of Glenn’s photography on his Instagram: @glenn_dunbar.