Kym Illman is an Accredited Formula One photographer known for capturing breathtaking moments in Formula 1. His passion for photography and a keen eye for detail has helped him carve a niche for himself in the industry. Just recently, during the 2025 World Sports Photography Awards, three of Kym’s images were ranked in the top ten. You will have seen his work no matter where you get your Formula One updates. With publications in Essentially Sports, WTF1, and Rolling Stone, he has established himself in Formula One.
During race weekends Kym captures the most thrilling moments on the track, the paddock’s energetic atmosphere, and the drivers’ emotions. He has amassed over 500,000 followers on Instagram, 270,000 subscribers on YouTube, and 325,000 on TikTok. His Instagram is also home to “Watches of the Paddock’, and “Shoes of the Paddock.” He has made his own lane in the sport and reveals glimpses of the paddock that you cannot get anywhere else.
But how did Kym become an accredited Formula One photographer? Read our conversation below, where Kym shared his insights on becoming a Formula One photographer and valuable advice for anyone aspiring to do the same.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
What first sparked your interest in Formula One?
I went to the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a corporate ticket with Red Bull. I remember listening to Daniel Ricciardo speak to the engineers in the garage through the headsets. It was all very calm and quite lovely, and I thought “I’d like to photograph this sport”. So, I got in contact with the Media officials for FORMULA 1 and put forward what I thought I might be able to do for the sport. To my delight and surprise, they said yes and accredited me for pre-season testing in Barcelona. I loved it. Shortly after, I applied for credentials for the Melbourne Grand Prix. I continued to apply for individual race accreditations for the first three races, then eventually, I was offered a gig shooting for an agency and haven’t looked back.
Your weekend updates are eagerly awaited by your followers. Could you share some insights into how you manage to capture the emotions of the paddock in your pictures?
It’s nothing terribly difficult, apart from putting the yards in. Looking around, I could have a little idea of the session and what I want to capture. I also stay aware of what has happened during a race session. It is important to know if someone’s crashed or someone has just done something fantastic. So you look for those top and bottom ends of the spectrum regarding emotions, and that’s what people want to see.
What does your race weekend look like?
I usually arrive in the city on Wednesday and leave the following Monday. During a race weekend with a daytime race, my day starts at 8 AM and ends at 7:00 PM, except on race day when I could stay until 9:00 PM.
Throughout the day, I typically wait for drivers and post on social media, edit for an hour, attend the first track session, edit for an hour, look for drivers and activity in the paddock, attend the second track session, edit for an hour, and then go back out for another hour or two and edit.
What motivated you to use Instagram to not only showcase your photography but also your storytelling abilities through your captions?
I didn’t use social media for the first 18 months when I first started. I started seeing all the other photographers using it to share their work, and I thought, “You know what? Maybe I should give this a crack.” and then, it totally consumed me. My oldest son told me I should do social media first and video. I remember showing him my first YouTube video attempt; he laughed and said, ” You can not put that up.” So I went back and had a crack at it again, which steadily got better as we went on. Now, I use social media to share my work and paddock insights. And that’s all I’m trying to do – nothing more, nothing less.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to become a Formula 1 photographer?
Well, there are virtually no jobs in Formula One. There isn’t the traditional job listing for a 40-hour week that many people may think. Unless you work for one of three or four agencies, that is not a thing. There are few ways to earn a living as such. In addition to being a photographer, I have found unique ways to share the sport with others. I think this is what Formula One wants; although I’m sure things change occasionally, but learning how to share the sport with people is important. You also need to note that you are covering your cost of travel. If you’re going to do every race, it gets costly. It is also hard work.
I only know a few people who want to do what we do. Be sure you understand what’s involved. Most days, you are standing up for six hours waiting, walking long distances in all conditions and breaking your equipment. So, if you want to become a Formula One photographer, be sure you are passionate about what you do.
Where do you recommend someone looking to become a photographer practices?
Before you consider Formula One, go to your local track; that’s where you should learn. Then you might go to a bigger track, and then perhaps a national event, and by then hopefully, someone has noticed you. You could be doing an excellent job with your exposure, which might benefit an organization/team. But look, everyone’s situation is different, just as mine was when I started in 2017. And I’m sure today, FORMULA 1 has different requirements on who they accredit, but there are up to 120 photographers at races.
What moment will you never forget?
I remember the first time I got trackside. Usually, there are a few meters and a fence between you and the track as a spectator. But once you get down trackside, you can have nothing. Nothing. You could be completely exposed from the waist up. It’s a rush, and you forget about the danger.
You also hope the car doesn’t savagely turn right, jump the fence and take your head off. In that case, though, you’ll never know about it. It’ll be over very quickly.
Rapid Fire Questions
Do you have a favorite team?
Yeah, um, no, no. I may have a favorite driver, but I won’t tell anyone.
Favorite Grand Prix?
To photograph it is Monaco. My favorite race overall is Budapest, they have good nightlife, and the city is beautiful.
If you could only bring one Camera/ Lens to a race weekend, which would it be?
Canon R3 with a 70-200mm lens
What is the most you have walked in a race weekend?
I’ve done 81 kilometers in five days. That’s my most.
Which editing software do you use?
I use Photo Mechanic and Lightroom plus I have a Stream Deck to speed my editing.
