Capturing the Action at the Indy 500 with Chris Owens

#565 Chris Owens is the Director of Photo Operations for IndyCar,
and in this episode of The Beginner Photography Podcast, he
shares what it’s really like to photograph the iconic
Indianapolis 500. From his first experiences with disposable
cameras as a child to leading a team of photographers at one of
the world’s largest single-day sporting events, Chris details the
technical, creative, and logistical challenges that come with
high-paced event photography.


He explains how persistence, adaptability, and a passion for
storytelling have shaped his career. Chris offers practical
advice for breaking into event and sports photography,
highlighting the importance of volunteering, networking, and
being proactive with your portfolio. 


KEY TOPICS COVERED
Breaking into Event Photography & Building a Career
- Chris discusses his early fascination with capturing
memories, the path from hobby to professional, and strategies for
getting noticed—including the power of volunteering and keeping a
portfolio visible.Operational & Creative Challenges at the
Indy 500 - The massive scale of the event requires intricate
planning, teamwork, and shot lists; photographers often multitask
and cover everything from action shots to sponsor
events.Creative Storytelling in Fast-Paced Environments -
Chris shares the importance of finding unique angles, moving beyond
standard shots, and using techniques like slow shutter speeds to
capture both speed and atmosphere.

IMPORTANT DEFINITIONS & CONCEPTS



Shot List: A detailed plan assigning photographers to
specific events, angles, or moments, ensuring coverage of all
necessary aspects of a large event. Relevance: Essential for
organizing coverage at events as vast as the Indy 500.



DISCUSSION & REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How does volunteering and working for free early in your career
add value, and when should you start charging for your work?What
are the unique storytelling opportunities at massive sporting
events compared to smaller assignments?In what ways can
photographers push themselves beyond “safe shots” to develop a
recognizable style or perspective?

RESOURCES:
Visit Chris Owens' Website -
https://www.chrisowensphotography.com/
Follow Chris Owens on Instagram -
https://www.instagram.com/chrisowens/


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Thanks for listening & keep shooting!