F1
Born and raised in the Czech capital, Prague, renowned Formula One photographer Vladimir Rys started taking pictures at the early age of 15 and has gone on to establish a reputation as one of the finest and most distinctive lensmen in the F1 paddock, winning numerous awards, including The Red Bulletin's Formula One Photographer of the Year in 2008.
Below, Rys details his career in his own words and how he feels a go-slow approach is the key to his success in the world's fastest motorsport.
My first dream as a child was to be cameraman, so I started to read books in a public library. When I finished the books about cinematography, I slipped into the still photography section and suddenly found this passion for still moments, to tell the story in one picture.
My first sports picture was of Diego Maradona at the 1986 World Cup. I was in love with Maradona as a child. He got fouled and my dad gave me a Kodak and said "shoot this". I took two pictures of his famous No.10 shirt, but I've never seen them printed.
My first proper camera was my grandfather's. He was a professional photographer, but I never met him, as he passed when I was one-years-old. I discovered his camera when I was 13 or 14.
My first camera was my grandfather's. He was a professional photographer
The first big picture you get published somewhere is a special moment and I remember clearly my first picture published on the front page of a newspaper. I bought 10 copies straight away and that's when I realised I could probably do that job, although that picture was actually rubbish.
I'm not really a sports photographer, as it's a different kind of person gets the goals, touchdowns and that kind of stuff. I go more behind the scenes to try to find the story through a picture in a different way.
My main goal is for the picture to be graphic. If I get everything together and the subject crosses in the right spot at the right time, then a special picture happens. That's the goal of every photographer. That's such an exciting process. I really love that. You know you have something you like when you push the button, but, in the end, I never think my pictures are special. I always think the next one is the best one.
I never think my pictures are special. I always think the next one is the best one
In the beginning, I didn't have an interest in Formula 1. I love it now, but I had no idea about it before. Sports photography, especially in Formula 1, is a great challenge, as you're always on the edge technically and speed wise. You have to react quickly.
As a photographer, you ask yourself what you feel is going on around you. You try to think about how to put that in a picture, how to capture that in one still image and tell the whole story. That's the thing I’m always excited about, whatever I shoot.
The challenge is always the same: to get a story in one simple picture, whether that's a fashion show, kids in South Africa playing football, or a demonstration, football match, or a Formula One car.
To prepare for Formula One, you need to go really slow, follow the car and get everything sharp. A lot is about concentration. You follow the car flow and you see which car is going on which racing line. So, I get prepared for the car I know is coming round the corner next and then, basically, you hold your breath and try to be as smooth as possible and avoid any wrong movements.
To prepare for Formula 1, you need to go really slow, follow the car and get everything sharp. A lot is about concentration
You have to put yourself mentally in with the car. It's kind of a nirvana. It takes 10 minutes to get into it, but then you switch off from everything else and it's like you're in a tunnel. I put ear plugs in and only hear noise of cars passing by.
Trackside, I spend 70 percent of the session following what’s happening and not even using my camera. I follow my instinct a lot and if your instinct is right, you should follow it. Give up one picture you know you'd get anyway for a picture you don't know you'll get, but which could be really great.
Give up one picture you know you'd get anyway for a picture you don't know you'll get, but which could be really great
