A Weekend in the Life of a Michigan Motorsport and Event Photographer

Written By Mike Powell

Three days, three very different assignments. As a professional photographer based in Flushing, Michigan, I spent this weekend shooting two nonprofit fundraisers and a night of racing at Owosso Speedway. That mix of event photography and motorsport photography is a big part of why I love this work. Here's how it went, what gear I used, and why.

Thursday: Golf Scramble Event Photography in Metro Detroit

Thursday took me to Metro Detroit to photograph a golf scramble benefiting the Boy Scouts of America, with support from Ford Motor Company. As an event photographer, it was the ideal mix of creating strong images and meeting business leaders in the niche I most want to work in.

Gear choice: I shot mostly with my Sigma 70-200mm Sport lens. I was moving between several holes, and golf is a sport where you're usually farther from the action. The telephoto let me stay distant and unobtrusive while still capturing tight, candid moments of players, teams, and volunteers.

📸 View the full gallery: https://biographyphotography.pixieset.com/bsafordgolfouting/

Friday: Nonprofit Fundraiser Photography at a Flint Bowling Alley

Friday night was a fundraiser for the Vocational Independence Program (VIP) in Flint, Michigan, held at an old-school bowling alley. The event drew the organization's closest supporters, so the mood was relaxed and warm. The retro, analog atmosphere extended to the computers, which made for great visual storytelling.

Gear choice: I swapped to my Sigma 24-70mm Art lens. In a contained space where guests were already comfortable with me, I didn't need telephoto reach, and the wider range let me capture the room, the lanes, and the people together.

A fun extra: I also brought a digital "disposable" camera and let staff take their own photos. It added a playful, nostalgic touch that fit the theme, gave the team more images, and added perceived value to the experience.

📸 View the full gallery: https://biographyphotography.pixieset.com/vipbowling/

Saturday: Motorsport Photography at Owosso Speedway Nationals

Saturday was back to racing at Owosso Speedway for their Nationals event. (Why it's called Nationals, I'm still not sure!) I was there wearing a few hats:

Gear breakdown: This was the biggest setup of the weekend, with two lenses and four cameras:

  • Canon R6 for the main race photography

  • Google Pixel Pro for quick social media posts and for editing Canon images so I could deliver them to drivers right after their sessions

  • DJI Action camera for in-car and onboard perspectives

  • DJI Osmo 360 for immersive 360° footage

The quick turnaround matters. Drivers and teams want race day photos while the night is still fresh, and getting images out fast is a big part of being a reliable racing photographer. Check out the exact gear I use and pick up your own HERE.

📸 View the full gallery: https://biographyphotography.pixieset.com/chasepinsonneaultowossonationals2026/926/

Why I Love Shooting Both Events and Motorsports

Golf, bowling, and dirt track racing couldn't be more different, but the fundamentals carry over: read the environment, choose the right lens, build trust with the people in front of the camera, and deliver quickly. Nonprofit event photography lets me support causes I care about and connect with business leaders. Motorsport photography keeps me close to the Michigan racing community that I cover and photograph week after week.

Hire a Professional Photographer in Michigan

Looking for a Michigan event photographer for your fundraiser, tournament, or company event? Or a motorsport photographer for your race team, driver, or track? I'd love to hear from you. Contact me here or browse more of my work here.

Biography Photography is based in Flushing, Michigan, and serves Genesee County, Flint, Metro Detroit, and racing events across the country.

Mike Powell
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Owosso Speedway Nationals: A Michigan Motorsport Photographer's Busiest Night