On the 18th of May, another round of the Belgian Rally Championship took place at Bochelt in Belgium, near the Dutch border. Many rally riders consider the round in Bochelt as one of the most beautiful ones. This is mainly because it features very large off-road sections, which undoubtedly result in stunning images if you manage to find the right spots.

For my photography work, I always carry my trusted Canon gear. My fully packed F-stop gear bag contains a wide selection of prime lenses and a Canon R3. Additionally, I never go without my beloved Leica M for capturing up-close action shots. Due to its delicate material, I primarily rely on my Canon gear to handle dusty or muddy conditions for the majority of the job.

Upon arriving at the press office to collect my passes, I immediately immerse myself in capturing captivating photographs in the paddock area.

At the previous rally, I dedicated my efforts to supporting the lead rider Tom Boonen by capturing and delivering his images for social media and other platforms. This remains my top priority for the upcoming race. Before that, I must make my way to the starting point near a forest. I’ve previously captured stunning images of high-flying F16 airplanes, and this time, I look forward to getting shots of them flying close to the ground.

Get ready for captivating images of rally cars powerfully navigating through the muddy terrain.

Witnessing rally riders pushing their cars to the limit to stay on the road is truly breathtaking. Their relentless effort to maintain engine power on the gravel roads is a display of exceptional skill and determination. The margin for error is razor-thin, and a single misstep can spell disaster for the cars. As proof, two top rally riders were forced to retire at the start after the front wheel shifted to the middle of the car, resulting in a Did Not Finish (DNF) status.

Additional images are available for viewing as well.

In a single day, multiple stages await, each to be conquered four times in this rally. With my trusty Land Rover, I swiftly transition to the next stage, benefiting from my press accreditation to park conveniently close to the closed roads. I must acknowledge the remarkable friendliness and helpfulness of all the safety personnel and staff, who tirelessly work to ensure everyone’s well-being. Upholding the rules is crucial to prevent mishaps, given the high speeds and potential for serious crashes.

I had the incredible opportunity to capture over 1000 images in just one day. The rally event provided an excellent mix of off-road excitement and impressive driving skills, resulting in a high level of captivating images. My go-to equipment, the Canon R3 and the EF 300mm 2.8 lens, performed flawlessly throughout the day, showcasing the timeless quality of these tools. Despite being 25 years old, the EF 300mm 2.8 lens continues to impress me with its unique visual character and steadfast performance in any weather conditions.

I’ve been dedicated to working with Canon for 15 years, and despite its consistent structure, I am not entirely sold on the new eye detection feature in the R3 camera body. This feature, which follows your eyes to determine the focus point, does not appeal to me. Although I appreciate the advanced electronic viewfinder in the R3, I am drawn to the richness of Leica colors.

The simplicity of working with a Leica, with its rangefinder viewfinder and absence of electronics, is particularly appealing to me. Despite previously favoring the newest and most developed technologies, my perspective has shifted – I now appreciate the elegance of simplicity. I’ve noticed a similar trend in other fields as well. Some rally drivers are choosing to drive 40-year-old cars, valuing the simplicity and enhanced connection they offer.

Always remember: simplicity often leads to the deepest impact. To capture the soul of an image, I’ve come to realize that I must truly immerse myself in every aspect. I am committed to continuous learning to create soulful images using Leica and simpler camera gear in the future.

The next thrilling adventure on the horizon is the legendary Rally of Ypres.

Remember, following your passion is the ultimate path to elevating your experiences.

Thank you