P42 talks to motorsport ‘Lens man’ Ed Bookless…

Paddock42 and photographer Ed Bookless have been working together for about a year now and we thought it was time to sit down with the Newcastle based photographer and find out how it all started…

P42: So Ed we are already well into the season but not forgetting last year what was your favourite image from last season?

EB: Too many to choose from but probably the shot of Fittipaldi, I love the light on the car, was one of the last races of the day and the light was great for once at Croft and Fittipaldi was hard at work in his Formula Renault.

P42: We are definitely spoilt these days shooting digital but going back how did you get started in photography?

EB: My mum got a Canon 500d for Christmas and she didn’t see it for the entire Xmas break, I had to hand it back eventually so ended up getting one myself. A couple of months later I snapped a shot of the BTCC AmD Golf at my first visit to Croft and that was it, I was hooked!

P42: Always a big debate, what do you shoot with?

EB: Too much kit! I tend to be found with a Canon 7d + Canon 400 f5.6 and a Canon 5d3 + Canon 70-200 F2.8 ISii

P42: The Canon/ Nikon discussion continues, if you start with one brand you tend to stick with it… Track wise every circuit has its challenges but for your which is your favourite track?

EB: Croft’s my baby but I love the GP track at Brands!

P42: So far shooting motorsport what has been you most memorable moment ?

EB: Well it has to be shooting Britcar 24hr at Silverstone in April, my first time shooting a 24hr race, it was a great experience.

P42: So when the race season finishes, what else do you shoot?

EB: Fond of shooting the odd landscape/seascape in the off-season and I am definitely wanting to spend more time shooting some static shots…

P42: Plenty happened so far this year but what are you looking to ‘focus’ on for the remainder of the season?

EB: Well I will be spending plenty of time at Croft and hope to shoot Britcar primarily.

P42: There are some incredible motorsport events held out there in the world which are on your list as the ones you would like to shoot most?

EB: I have some very close contenders, Monaco for the F1, LeMans 24hr, Daytona 500, but if I had to pick, Pikes Peak would have to be it!

P42: Currently who is your all time favourite ‘tog’?

EB: Oh another toughy – I admire all the F1 ‘togs in particularly Vladimir Rhys, Andy Hone and Miquel Liso – but American ‘tog Camden Thrasher is the stand out for me… I saw his work when I first started and he blew me away!

P42: Thanks Ed we look forward to seeing more of your work over the rest of the season.