Phil Baines, a 57-year-old photographer from Dudley in the West Midlands, has dedicated nearly four decades to capturing the raw energy and emotion of motorsport. His journey began in 1985 when he first turned his camera toward rallying, quickly becoming immersed in legendary events such as the Lombard RAC Rally. Phil’s passion soon expanded into Formula 1, where he photographed multiple British and Spanish Grands Prix throughout the late ’80s and ’90s. After a short break from the circuits, he returned with renewed enthusiasm, building an extensive portfolio that now spans BTCC, British GT, Ginetta series, BRSCC, TCR UK, endurance racing, Porsche GT, truck racing, classic motorsport, GB3 & GB4, Autosport International, and much more.
Alongside four-wheeled racing, Phil has developed a deep love for motorcycle sport. For the past eight years, he has captured the intensity of MotoGP, World Superbikes, BSB, No Limits Racing, and countless track days and two-wheel events. Away from the track, Phil enjoys golf, music, and refining his images in post-production. He also runs his own print studio, STUDIO 68, which is currently being expanded and will offer print sales and photo restoration services. With photography and motorsport remaining central to his life, Phil’s dream events to capture include the snowy stages of WRC in Finland or Sweden, or a night race such as the Singapore or Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
A little bit about me
I’m Phil Baines, a 57-year-old motorsport photographer from Dudley in the West Midlands, and I’ve spent almost four decades chasing the speed, drama, and emotion of racing through my lens. Motorsport has been the heartbeat of my life, and photography has been the way I’ve connected with it for nearly 40 years.
Where did your photography journey start?
My journey began back in 1985 when I first picked up a camera to photograph rallying. I was instantly hooked. Those early years were spent at iconic events like the Lombard RAC Rally—my first ever media-accredited event—where I shot stages all over the UK. Weston Park and the forests of Wales are still etched in my memory.
Not long after, my love for motorsport expanded into the world of Formula 1. I photographed the British Grand Prix in 1986, 1988, 1992, 1993, and 1995, as well as the Spanish Grand Prix at Circuit de Catalunya in 1996. After a short break away from the circuits, the passion came roaring back, and I returned determined to shoot as many events as possible.
What sort of photography do you do now?
These days, my portfolio covers a huge range of motorsport. I’ve photographed BTCC, British GT, Ginetta series, BRSCC championships, TCR UK, classic motorsport, BEC, Truck Racing, GB3 & GB4, Porsche GT, endurance racing, CTCRC, Autosport International, and countless other events.
On top of that, I’ve developed a huge passion for bike racing. For the past eight years I’ve been shooting MotoGP, World Superbikes, BSB, No Limits Racing, and a wide variety of track days. Capturing the intensity, bravery, and precision of two-wheel racing has become a defining part of my photographic identity.
What are your other interests?
Outside of photography, I enjoy a round of golf to unwind, listening to music, and spending time refining and editing my images.
Back in 2020 during Covid, I launched my own print studio—STUDIO 68. It allowed the public and prospective clients to order prints or downloads directly from my portfolio. It’s currently being developed further for 2026 and will also offer a full photo restoration service at very reasonable prices.
What is my number one goal from doing photography?
My main goal is simple: to keep doing what I love. Being trackside, capturing the emotion and adrenaline of motorsport, and preserving those moments in a way that resonates with people is what drives me. I want to continue building my portfolio, improving my craft, and photographing as many championships and categories as I can.
What is my dream event to capture?
That’s an easy one—WRC in the snow. Finland or Sweden would be absolutely incredible. If we’re talking circuit racing, then Singapore or Abu Dhabi in Formula 1 are right up there too.
Where can people find your work?
Website | Instagram | Facebook
