Story highlights
Shiv Gohil a Formula E photographer
Former graphic designer now travels world
Motorsport idol is Michael Schumacher
From graphic designer to wedding snapper to top motorsport photographer – Shiv Gohil has come along way in rapid time.
The 33-year-old Briton is a regular on the Formula E circuit and recently returned from Le Mans, capturing all the action – day and night – in the historic 24-hour race.
Here, Gohil gives an insight into life trackside, snapping his hero Michael Schumacher and shares his thoughts on who will be crowned this year’s Formula E world drivers’ champion in London on July 3.
CNN: How did you get into photography?
Shiv Gohil: “I’ve been a wedding photographer since 2006 – I’m still doing it. Before that I was a graphic designer.
“My dad’s side of the family come from a long line of photographers. My grandad was a photographer in Kenya and he had one of the first photo studios in Kenya. My dad got it from him and my uncle is a photographer as well.
“My family are huge motorsport fans – no one watches football or rugby — it’s just engines and wheels!
“My dad was always a big motorsport fan – so the Prost, Piquet, Senna era in the 1980s. He was well into, because of his roots in Kenya, the safari rally and things like that. Because it was such remote village, when the rally used to come that was the only exposure to motorsport – that’s where he got his interest.
“‘Super Monaco GP’ was my first game on the (SEGA) MegaDrive – so that was planting the seeds early.”
CNN: Who is your motorsport hero?
SG: “I started watching F1 in the early 90s, I think the first race that I ever watched – I was nine years old – was the Belgium race (1992) when Michael Schumacher won his first race. Dad was already an established Senna fan and although i supported him, it was nice to go down my own route. I remember watching races and wanting Michael to win.
CNN: What was your first photography job in motorsport?
SG: “I was very, very lucky. There is a motorsport website called Badger GP and I knew them through Twitter. (In 2012) I had invested a lot of time and money in going to Formula One races because with Schumacher’s comeback it might be his final year so I really wanted to see his final few races.
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“I went to Barcelona testing as a spectator and gave Badger GP the images and I went to the Monaco GP and got a few VIP balcony passes and on the pit straight and on yachts – I paid a lot of money! And that’s when Michael got his final pole [a five place grid penalty saw him start the race in 6th] I was quite happy – I was screaming from the rooftops.
“Then in 2013, Badger GP had photo passes for the final test in Barcelona – so my first accredited gig was actually a F1 test, which is pretty incredible considering most people start quite low on the ladder. I started at the top and stayed there.”
CNN: What are your tips for taking good track shots?
SG: “Try not to go to the same places that other people go to (around the track) – that can be quite challenging on Formula E’s street circuits because there is usually one access path or road. Try and do something different from someone else.
“I like to take more difficult shots – I try to go for shots where the execution is one out of 20 or 30 but that shot is absolutely great. So when building a portfolio and you are unknown and want to get your foot on the ladder, you’re better off having a handful of fantastic shots instead of many average shots.
“Try and work different areas, try and go to different places with established tracks. Being closer to the cars doesn’t necessarily mean a better shot. Sometimes getting context, people in the background, getting blurs makes it a lot more interesting.”
CNN: Does Formula E differ from other motorsport you cover?
SG: “With Formula E it definitely has a bit more of a family feel. Everyone wants to make the sport work. I get the feeling with Formula E that everyone is helping each other.
“You could also say that because there is not much noise everyone can talk to each other when it’s happening! Funnily enough when you are out on track it’s a lot louder. Because the cars are so close, the vibrations from hitting the curbs and cars brushing the wall you can definitely feel the sound when the cars hit each other, brake, lock up – the TV doesn’t pick up on that.”
CNN: Highlights from the season?
SG: “From a fan point of view, Renault – who won’t like me saying this – have dropped the ball a few times and opened up the championship. I say that in the nicest way because Sebastien (Buemi) is an amazing driver and he’s had a few problems and Nico (Prost) has had technical difficulties – that’s opened up the constructors’ and drivers’ championship.
“With Lucas (di Grassi) being so consistent and Daniel (Abt) getting the odd podium here and there – both championships are totally open and I think going into London with two rounds remaining and one point (separating Buemi and di Grassi) is just brilliant.
What’s your favorite track?
SG: “I really enjoyed Buenos Aires as a track. I really enjoyed the city – it’s beautiful. I would recommend anyone to go, even the race – it’s just got a great vibe. The people are very friendly, the architecture, the weather’s amazing and the temperature is perfect. The track had a lot of characteristics I liked – certain walkways, the trees, the elevated sections, the high-rise buildings next to the track.”
Who are you tipping to win the Formula E championship?
SG: “I have a feeling that di Grassi will do it. The latter half of the season has belonged to him, I feel. I think Buemi has to really pull it out of the bag and be consistent – only then will it work out for him.”
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To see more of Shiv Gohil’s motorsport photography click here
