In a bold move that challenges the notion that high-end gear is essential for great photography, motorsports photographer Jamey Price has turned heads by capturing the adrenaline-fueled world of Formula 1 races using disposable film cameras. But here’s where it gets controversial: while most professionals swear by top-tier equipment, Price’s work proves that creativity and vision trump tools—even when those tools are $10 NASCAR-themed disposables. His stunning images, now compiled into the book Racing Unfiltered, are a testament to the idea that it’s the photographer, not the camera, that makes the shot.
Price’s experiment began as a way to escape the stress of his demanding job. “Covering racing is extremely intense,” he explains. “I didn’t want to worry about settings or lens choices. These disposable cameras became my escape—a way to shoot purely for fun, with no pressure.” And fun it was: Price shot between 75 and 100 rolls of film, experimenting with stocks like Cinestill 800, Kodak 200, and Porta 800, before settling on Fuji 400 for its affordability and compatibility with the camera’s low-quality plastic lens. And this is the part most people miss: the very simplicity of these cameras became a disarming tool, breaking down barriers in the cutthroat world of motorsport.
Even F1 star Daniel Ricciardo couldn’t resist a laugh when Price showed him a Dale Earnhardt Sr.-themed camera. “He’s a huge NASCAR fan and a photography enthusiast,” Price recalls. “It was a fun moment—he held it, looked through the viewfinder, and just enjoyed the novelty.” But the real magic? How these cameras transformed Price’s interactions with mechanics and teams. In a world where photographers are often viewed as potential spies, the sight of a tiny plastic NASCAR camera sparked curiosity and laughter, easing tensions on the track.
Price’s collection of cameras—including Rusty Wallace’s Miller Light, Jeff Gordon’s Dupont Rainbow Warrior, and more—are all from the 1998 season, each with its own charm. However, working with these disposables wasn’t without challenges. “The automatic exposure and slow shutter speed require a steady hand,” Price admits. “But that’s part of the fun—adapting to limitations and finding creative solutions.”
Racing Unfiltered is more than a book; it’s a statement. It challenges us to rethink what’s possible with minimal tools and invites us to embrace the joy of unfiltered creativity. Here’s the thought-provoking question: In a world obsessed with the latest tech, are we losing sight of the essence of art? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think the tool or the artist truly defines the masterpiece? Published by Trope, Racing Unfiltered is available for purchase here.
Image credits: Photographs by Jamey Price
