{"id":12335,"date":"2025-04-17T21:01:47","date_gmt":"2025-04-17T21:01:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/racersandriders.com\/main\/?p=12335"},"modified":"2025-05-15T18:06:27","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T18:06:27","slug":"long-beach-grand-prix-photo-guide-photographers-view-and-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/racersandriders.com\/main\/long-beach-grand-prix-photo-guide-photographers-view-and-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Long Beach Grand Prix Photo Guide: A Photographer\u2019s View and Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Words and photos by Rami Garcia<\/a><\/em>
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An insider\u2019s perspective on photographing the Long Beach Grand Prix, with practical tips and personal insights<\/h4>\n

 
\nThe Grand Prix of Long Beach is one of North America\u2019s longest-running major street races and a beloved fixture in motorsport. When it comes to street circuits, the Long Beach Grand Prix is the gold standard. This year, it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Starting out as a round of the SCCA Formula 5000, it was quickly picked up as a round of the Formula One World Championship. Once F1 outgrew the venue, in 1983 the Indycars filled the void and have never let go. Over the years, sportscars joined the support bill. Starting in 2007, the series once again known as IMSA took over the role of providing the Saturday feature race.
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Porsche’s IMSA Dominance at Long Beach<\/h3>\n

 
\nFor the IMSA race, Porsche dominated both the GTP (prototype) and GTD (production-based) classes. The GTP-winning #7 963 from Porsche Penske Motorsports remains undefeated this season, with Felipe Nasr and Nick Tandy taking their third win in a row.
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Also undefeated in IMSA this year is Laurens Vanthoor. He was the third driver for the #7 GTP car at Daytona and Sebring. Last weekend, he was reassigned to the #177 Porsche GT3 R, affectionately known as Rexy. Fielded by AO Racing, Rexy made a one-off appearance in the GTD category, normally contesting the GTD PRO championship, which wasn\u2019t present at this race. Jonny Edgar, in his first appearance at the track, co-drove the car to victory.
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IndyCar Race Highlights<\/h3>\n

 
\nIn Sunday\u2019s main race, Kyle Kirkwood piloted the #27 Andretti Global racer from pole position to victory in a masterful display. This was his second Long Beach win, the third of his IndyCar career, and all on street courses.
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Coming home in second was championship leader Alex Palou. The winner of the first two races of the season, Palou kept within touching distance of Kirkwood for most of the race, with several moves to take the lead before consolidating his position.
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My Experience as a Credentialed Photographer<\/h3>\n

 
\nThis is my third season photographing the race with a media credential. Among my friends in the SoCal automotive creative community, having one is a badge of honor. It is also one of the most difficult ones to secure, since every news outlet in Los Angeles wants to cover the race in addition to the many worldwide who already cover IMSA, IndyCar, and the other series all season.
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\nMuch of the credential\u2019s desirability is the ability to capture the cars up close and without fences blocking the way.
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\nThe odds are overwhelmingly not in favor of everyone getting a photo vest, but in spite of that, it is absolutely possible to turn out awesome photographs from the normal spectating areas. I did that for more than 16 years at this track!
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\nHere are six locations to check out, where you can push the limits and improve your trackside photography skills. To prove that point, I shot Sunday\u2019s IndyCar race without the benefit of my vest. I\u2019m also including some awesome shots from friends who know what they\u2019re doing, or are on their way to being really good, but haven\u2019t earned their way to a credential just yet (and I\u2019m hopeful they will).
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Trackside Photography: Six Must-Try Locations<\/h3>\n

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1. Main Straight<\/h4>\n

For most people, this is the go-to spot to watch the race. If you have a grandstand ticket, aim for higher seats, which allow you to capture some awesome panning shots. The way this section is shaped reminds me of being in a superspeedway oval.
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2. Turns 1-4, AKA the Fountain Section<\/h4>\n

This area is tight, with stairs and fences that deter normal spectators, but for photographers, it\u2019s a hidden gem. Let\u2019s say it\u2019s a photographer\u2019s paradise. There are a few spots where you can see straight into the entry of the fountain. Use a telephoto lens: 200 to 400mm works; anything else is overkill. Take advantage of the photo holes, bypass two layers of fences (and credentialed photographers) to get the shot. This spot is perfect for the morning sessions because the quality of light is a bit haunting, especially if the marine layer persists.
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A post shared by Chris Constantine (@wentforadrive)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n