Working as a bridge between photographers and customers who buy and select Formula 1 photos gave Matthew Debono a unique perspective and skill set. In this must-read interview for photographers and customers, he shares an inside look at Formula 1 photography and what makes photos stand out.
What Makes Formula 1 Photographs Stand Out in Media Coverage? Reflections by Matthew Debono from IMAGO
In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, capturing the essence of each race through photography presents a unique challenge and opportunity for media professionals. Matthew Debono, the Global Sports & Corporate Partnerships Manager at IMAGO, shares his experience in managing Formula 1 images. With a career focused on working with diverse clients in the sports scene, Debono offers insight into what makes Formula 1 photography impactful and how it can significantly enhance media coverage.
Could you please introduce yourself and provide some background on your experience as a sales manager at IMAGO?
My name is Matthew Debono, I am a Global Sports & Corporate Partnerships Manager at IMAGO. At IMAGO, I work with clients that include publishing brands, broadcasters, production companies, and football clubs.
Considering the media coverage across all communication platforms, what aspect of Formula 1 and the images captured by photographers attract your attention the most?
The type of images in Formula 1 that attract my attention the most are those that capture the high-speed action and the emotions of both the drivers and teams. F1 is all about speed and individuals performing when it counts, with the support of their respective teams from the grid and back at the factories to supply them with the best strategy and car.
“F1 is all about speed and individuals performing when it counts, with the support of their respective teams from the grid and back at the factories to supply them with the best strategy and car.” – Matthew Debono.
What key factors should media professionals consider to ensure a Formula 1 image stands out, especially when selecting photos for various platforms?
Factors such as composition, timing, and the ability to convey a story or emotion should be considered when selecting Formula 1 images. Images that freeze a critical moment, showcase unique perspectives or reveal the intensity of competition are more likely to stand out.
Considering the diverse media landscape, what are the crucial factors to keep in mind when choosing Formula 1 photos for different outlets, such as social media channels vs traditional newspapers?
Both have different audience preferences, and platforms have various, specific requirements that will ensure images and posts are successful and well-engaged. For social media channels, visually striking and shareable images are essential, while traditional newspapers could opt to prioritize images that accompany in-depth stories or provide a comprehensive overview of the race, depending on the angle of the story.
“Images that freeze a critical moment, showcase unique perspectives or reveal the intensity of competition are more likely to stand out.” – Matthew Debono.
In your experience, how important is the context of the photo (e.g., the race location, the featured drivers, the time of the season) in capturing the audience’s attention?
The context of a photo plays a significant role in capturing the audience’s attention. Context provides depth and relevance to the image, helping viewers accurately connect emotionally and intellectually with the content.
Could you elaborate on the importance of emotions and narrative in the selection of Formula 1 photos for storytelling purposes?
With the typical race weekend going in chronological order of Practice, Qualifying and the Grand Prix (unless it’s a Sprint weekend), every moment causes a domino effect. How well you perform in Qualifying will determine your specific emotion, as well as your starting grid position. Images that evoke strong emotions or tell a compelling story resonate more deeply with the audience, fostering engagement and leaving a lasting impression.
What is your recommended process for selecting impactful Formula 1 images during a race weekend for media coverage?
Over the course of the race weekend, it will involve a combination of real-time monitoring and editorial judgement. As a result of the sheer number of IMAGO photo partners, we can offer a whole range of angles from various parts of the track, allowing the end user to have an extensive range to choose from whilst making their final image selections.
How important do you consider it to include a mix of content, such as behind-the-scenes, pit action, and fan experiences, in addition to the on-track action, for holistic media coverage?
Ensuring we have complete coverage of F1 race weekends, covering all areas from on-track action to pit action and fan experiences, as well as other behind-the-scenes glimpses, is so important because it enables us to capture the whole event. Diverse content enhances the storytelling aspect of Formula 1 coverage, offering audiences a more immersive and comprehensive experience and feeling even closer to the teams and action.
Can you identify any current trends in event photography, particularly for Formula 1, that media professionals should be aware of?
Drone and 360 photography are unlocking opportunities for immersive perspectives for the audience. They offer an insight to content that is not always available to be seen with your own eyes, therefore enhancing both engagement and storytelling.
“Drone and 360 photography are unlocking opportunities for immersive perspectives for the audience.” – Matthew Debono.
Do you have a personal favourite Formula 1 Grand Prix that you believe exemplifies excellent media coverage, and why?
Although I have a slight bias for Silverstone due to the British GP being my home race, the Monaco Grand Prix and the Italian Grand Prix at Monza are iconic races with such rich history. Having compelling narratives, unique locations, and cultural significance further supports the quality of the on-track coverage. The 2025 Italian Grand Prix, which will see both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton driving for Ferrari, is set to be a special weekend for the Tifosi. It won’t get much better than that!
Matthew Debono’s insights underline the fundamental role of photography in conveying the excitement and emotional depth of Formula 1 racing. From the importance of selecting images that capture critical moments and emotional narratives to embracing new trends such as drone and 360-degree photography, Debono underlines the need for a holistic approach to F1 media coverage. His experience at IMAGO and his personal passion for iconic races such as the Monaco, British and Italian Grands Prix highlight the combination of technical expertise and storytelling needed to captivate audiences and deliver a complete racing experience through imagery.