Michelin 12H Paul Ricard: Motorsport Photography Workshop 2025 (Media Accredited)
at Circuit Paul Ricard, France
Thursday 3rd July - Sunday 6th July, 2025
-
Media Accreditation Pass.
Bespoke and personalised photography tuition and coaching from Mike Widdowson (MJW Media).
Pre-workshop online introduction session and portfolio review.
Post-workshop image editing review session.
Photos by Mike Widdowson / Photo Credits: Mike Widdowson (MJW Media).
Photos by Mike Widdowson / Photo Credit: Mike Widdowson (MJW Media)
Join the 12H Paul Ricard as an Accredited Media Photographer
Join us on this exclusive motorsport photography workshop at the 12H Paul Ricard. This unique experience provides you with full media accreditation, granting unprecedented access to photograph this 12 hour endurance race up close - from the pit lane to prime trackside locations. Build a stunning portfolio of images whilst refining your motorsport photography, with the exclusive advantage of a media pass.
-
Shoot like a pro and enjoy a full media accreditation pass, 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 the 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 further with advanced techniques like panning and motion blur. Develop the skills to craft powerful visual narratives that leave an impact. With expert coaching alongside editing guidance, you'll refine your style and take your images to the next level.
-
This workshop includes a pre-workshop online session where you can showcase your portfolio and receive valuable tips before heading to the 12H Paul Ricard.
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 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.
-
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.
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 Tuition
Immerse yourself into the world of motorsport photography, guided by seasoned motorsport photographer Mike Widdowson.
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 will also learn how to approach and master photographing an endurance race. From understanding the track layout to knowing which corner to visit and when. Crucial knowledge in order to capture those portfolio worthy images!
Editing sessions will refine your post-production skills, transforming your images and helping you progress your photography.
Additional Details
-
Enhance your photography 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 of the latest and best 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.
Holiday Leaders
-
Mike Widdowson is a very experienced motorsport photographer, covering events trackside for 10 years. Mike leads a number of Trackside Focus holidays.
Mike has covered from Grass root National series all the way up to World Endurance Championship races around the world.
Sports cars is really Mike’s speciality, where he really looks to bring the viewer in and put them beside him with his images and live the race through his eyes.
Mike has worked with clients such as McLaren, BMW, Aston Martin, as well as many other teams and drivers. These world leading brands have all worked with Mike over the years so it’s safe to say you will be able to learn a lot from Mike’s experience of photographing the world of motorsport and especially endurance racing, such as the 24 hours of Barcelona.
-
Greg, the founder and CEO of Trackside Focus and The Photographic Adventure Company Ltd, has been immersed in the world of photography since 2016. With a firm belief that the best way to develop skills is through small groups and personalised experiences, Greg launched the company in 2023 to bring this vision to life.
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, later re-branded to Trackside Focus to offer exceptional photography workshops and tours.
The company is fuelled by Greg’s deep passion for motorsport, travel, and photography. Its mission is to provide photographers with luxury, exclusive and VIP motorsport photography experiences unlike anything else on the market, creating unparalleled opportunities for enthusiasts to take their photography to new heights.
What Our Clients Say:
This is a rough itinerary for the workshop. Timings may vary slightly once the timetable has been announced closer to the race weekend.
Thursday 3rd July, 2025
12pm - Meet at Paul Ricard Circuit.
2pm - Private test sessions at Paul Ricard Circuit.
7pm - Dinner.
Friday 4th July, 2025
8am - Meet at Paul Ricard Circuit.
9am - Morning on-track sessions (practice).
1pm - Lunch at circuit.
3:30pm - Afternoon on-track sessions (qualifying).
7pm - Dinner.
Saturday 5th July, 2025
8am - Meet at Paul Ricard Circuit.
9am - Start Grid.
10am - 12H RACE START.
10pm - 12H RACE FINISH.
10:30pm - Finish.
Travel to France
There is a limited selection of flights between the UK and France as well as from other international destinations. Please see below for suggested flight options.
You should aim to arrive no later than 11am on Thursday 3rd July, 2025.
You can book your return flight/travel home anytime from 10am on Sunday 6th July 2025.
NB: Please do not book any flights or travel until you have had confirmation from us to do so.
-
Flights from London Heathrow Airport (LHR - MRS):
Dep: 06:50 Arr: 09:45
-
Flights from London Gatwick Airport (LGW - MRS):
Dep: 07:40. Arr: 10:40
-
Flights from London Stansted Airport (STN - MRS):
Dep: 06:05. Arr: 09:05
Recommended Accommodation:
Grand Prix Hotel & Restaurant
The Grand Prix Hôtel & Restaurant is a 3-star, motorsport themed hotel located in Le Castellet, just steps away from the Circuit Paul Ricard. It features 117 modern, sports-inspired rooms, perfect for both business and leisure stays. Guests can enjoy amenities such as an outdoor pool and fitness centre. The on-site restaurant, La Squadra, serves authentic Mediterranean cuisine.
FAQs
-
Secure your place by completing our online booking form and we will be in touch.
Once you 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, a budget-friendly option, or something nearby for convenience, you have the freedom to book what works best for you. If needed, we’re happy to recommend accommodation options.
-
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.
-
We recommend booking at least 6 months in advance to ensure availability, however the earlier the better in order to guarantee your place.
-
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 £500.00 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.
-
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.
-
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.