Kai Harris, 20 years old, is a full-time aircraft manufacturing engineer and passionate motorsport photographer based in Southern England. He started photography in late 2024 but has already been accredited for numerous events at Castle Combe Circuit and has commissioned prints for customers. In addition, Kai has a strong variety of events in his portfolio including Goodwood FOS, Le Mans 24. BTCC, GTWorldChallengeEurope, BRITCAR, and more. Kai places a strong focus on the speed of cars, and the visceral energy that consumes the race tracks, in his photography.
A little bit about you
I am an absolute car-nut, owning a 3L BMW Z4 E86, often seen as a modern classic. I repair and maintain it myself with hand tools on the side of my street. I really enjoy combining my passion for cars with photography as it lets me capture and share this interest with others, creating lasting connections and memories in one of the best cultures I know. I balance my time between this, my job as an engineer, and my work as a photographer.
Where did your photography journey start?
I first picked up a camera, a Fujifilm Finepix hand-me-down from family, in the early 2010s at around 9 or 10 years old. I had fun but didn't keep it up for long, not even knowing how to get the pictures off the camera at that age. It wasn't until mid 2024, over a decade later following RIAT '24, that I decided to give photography a proper go. I bought an old Canon 7D with it's kit lens and a short budget telephoto. By 2025 I went mirrorless with a Canon R7 and obtained various more suitable lenses, really committing myself to photography. I took this setup to over 25 events throughout the 2025 season
What sort of photography do you do now?
Motorsport photography is my main specialism, with occasional "car-culture" work at static displays and meets, using a variety of techniques to tell compelling stories and communicate specific emotions. One of my favourite techniques is shutter drag, a sort of effect that can draw out features of a scene in patterns and waves across the frame.
What are your other interests?
On the very rare occasion I'm not trackside or under one of my cars, I enjoy building model kits including Metal Earth and LEGO. I also like gaming in the evening mostly on city-building and strategy games or on my racing simulator.
What is your number one goal from doing photography?
To always enjoy what I do and leave a positive impact on others. Whether it's for my personal portfolio, a publication, or a paying customer, that I always enjoy the process and inspire and help others through my work
What is your dream event to capture?
I would really like to challenge myself by shooting media for a 24 hour event. I'm doing Le Mans 24hr in 2026 as a spectator, but would be really keen to feel the pressure of delivering for media. Otherwise, I would like to shoot a WRC event!
Where can people find your work?
Website | Instagram
