Peek into the camera gear of Larry Chen, a seasoned motorsport photographer

Larry Chen: Capturing High-Speed Motorsport Moments with Precision

Larry Chen, a renowned automotive photographer, has made a name for himself by capturing high-speed motorsport moments with precision. His work emphasizes the importance of lightning-fast autofocus, dynamic range, and flexibility for both action and static car portraits.

Chen's equipment choices reflect the level of preparation and adaptability required at the highest level of automotive photography. At the heart of his setup are three Canon EOS R1 camera bodies, each equipped with a specific lens to serve a purpose, whether it's for speed, flexibility, or image quality.

The RF 85mm f/1.2 lens is capable of isolating vehicles or people with stunning background separation, while the RF 50mm f/1.2 lens gathers light in low-light conditions and delivers creamy bokeh. The RF 35mm f/1.4 lens is versatile and used for storytelling, framing entire cars or close-ups of drivers.

Chen keeps a wide-angle, medium, and telephoto lens mounted on his three Canon EOS R1 camera bodies at all times. The RF 15-35mm f/2.8 lens covers the super-wide end, crucial for cramped garages, crowded collections, or dramatic perspective shots on the track. The RF 24-70mm f/2.8 and RF 70-200mm f/2.8 are essential lenses in Chen's automotive photography kit. The RF 24-70mm f/2.8 is a versatile lens used for various shots, including car-to-car rolling shots and pitlane coverage.

The RF 135mm f/1.8 lens is highly prized by Chen and would be one of the two lenses he'd carry for life. The image stabilization of the RF 24-70mm f/2.8, when paired with the R1's in-body stabilization, makes handheld motion shots surprisingly smooth.

Shooting in motorsport environments comes with its own set of challenges, and practical hacks like duct tape for extra protection are essential. Duct tape wrapped around Chen's lenses serves as an added layer of protection from dirt, dust, and debris kicked up by cars at high speed.

Chen's career has taken him to major motor races, workshops, and car collections across the globe. His work showcases the beauty and excitement of the automotive world, and his dedication to his craft is evident in every photograph he takes.

Kalum Carter, a photographer, filmmaker, creative director, and writer with over 10 years of experience in visual storytelling, interviewed Chen for a deeper understanding of his techniques and equipment choices. Carter focuses on photography books, curation, and photo editing, and writes about photography and filmmaking.

In conclusion, Larry Chen's work underscores the importance of having the right equipment for the job and the adaptability required to capture high-speed motorsport moments with precision. With the Canon EOS R1 camera and the Canon RF lens lineup, Chen is well-equipped to continue pushing the boundaries of automotive photography.