Chasing Motion: Behind the Camera with Jonathan, Bridgestone Photographer
In the world of motorcycle photography, few moments are still. And few photographers embrace that challenge with as much enthusiasm and experience as Jonathan, a Belgian motorsports photographer who brings both technical mastery and passion to the road. We sat down with him during the T33 launch event in Croatia to talk about his journey, his unique shooting style, and why riding on the edge – literally and creatively – is just part of the job.
Can you tell us about your role and responsibilities at the event?
“I’m one of the photographers for Bridgestone,” Jonathan began. “Here, I’m responsible for shooting the new tyres, both during the pre-shoot and the journalist sessions. I’ll be doing a mix of tracking shots on a platform behind the car and cornering shots from the roadside.”
He explained the two setups with ease, pointing out how they offer different perspectives and challenges. “The tracking shots are in the morning, then cornering in the afternoon. With tracking, I’m on a platform behind a car, similar to how I used to race sidecars. It’s a bit crazy, but I love it.”
Tracking shots taken on a closed road in collaboration with local law enforcement.
How did you get into motorcycle photography?
“I was born into this world,” Jonathan said with a smile. “My dad was a sidecar racer, and I raced too. It’s why being on the back of a tracking car feels natural – it’s not so different from racing sidecars. You’re moving, shifting your weight, always looking for the right balance.”
He didn’t start out as a photographer, though. “I studied graphic design, not photography. But during my racing days, I’d pick up my dad’s camera between heats and take some shots. One day, I went to a race at Assen in 2007, and a Belgian magazine contacted me afterwards. That’s how it all started.”
So you’re self-taught?
“Yes,” he nodded. “I never studied photography formally. I learned everything by doing. I don’t read books about cameras, I just know what I need to do. I’m not a photography geek. I just focus on getting the picture I see in my head.”
How do you prepare for an event like this?
“For me, preparation isn’t too complicated. I work all the time. I shoot races, press launches, different events – it never really stops. So I know what I need to do.”
That said, Jonathan is highly organized. “I always make sure I have the right equipment ready. The rest comes naturally.”
Do you get a specific briefing from Bridgestone?
“Not really,” he said. “Bridgestone trusts us. They know we’ll capture the action and what they need. Sometimes they’ll mention a new texture on a tyre or ask us to be careful with a logo, but it’s not a strict briefing.
What’s the biggest challenge in your job?
“For me, the biggest challenge is to push myself to get better all the time,” Jonathan said. “I don’t like boring pictures. That’s why I love doing the tracking shots. Some photographers won’t do them—they say I’m crazy—but I like the challenge.”
He also emphasized the technical difficulty of working with low shutter speeds. “It’s not video. You have to capture one perfect frame while everything is moving. The wheels, the background, the rider—it all has to show motion, but the subject has to stay sharp.”
What kind of gear do you rely on?
“I carry a lot of equipment, especially for endurance races where I need long lenses,” he said. “I have a 600mm lens with a 1.4 converter, so it goes over 800mm. But I wouldn’t use that here. It all depends on the environment.”
At a press launch, Jonathan adjusts based on the scene and the shot. “Sometimes I use filters to create a special effect, especially at night. I like playing with blur, with foreground elements, and with light.”
Are there specific moments you always aim to capture?
“At an event like this, there are two types of photos,” he explained. “There’s the presentation side – capturing the atmosphere and journalists – and then there’s the action. That’s where I come alive.”
He loves pushing even the journalists to give him a good shot. “Some of them know me already. When they see me, they say, ‘Okay, we’re getting good pictures today.’ I push them a bit on the road, it’s fun. And they love seeing the results.”
Do you work closely with other photographers and videographers?
“Yes, always. We’re a team. I’ve worked with Ant Productions since 2014, and with Bridgestone since 2016. We’ve built a strong group, and we coordinate a lot – choosing different lenses or angles so we don’t get the same shot.”
Jonathan doesn’t see it as a solo job. “I try to motivate the team. I want everyone to do well. It’s not about me, it’s about the whole crew working together.”
Do you think you have a personal style?
“I do. Especially in endurance racing, my style comes through more clearly,” he said. “I like to play with depth, put something in front of the frame, blur it, use low shutter speeds. I have a certain way I like to frame the action.”
He also avoids following trends. “I don’t watch other photographers. I just do my thing. I’ve had people try to copy my work before, and that’s why I keep my own path.”
What do you find most rewarding about the job?
“The moment when I see a shot in my mind and then I get it – that’s the best feeling,” he said. “Especially if I had to work for it. Scouting a location, planning the angle, waiting for the light. When I nail that picture, it makes me happy.”
But there’s a flip side too. “If a magazine uses my photo and crops it badly, I feel a bit sad,” he admitted. “I put time into creating something, and if it’s changed too much, it’s frustrating. But that’s part of the job.”
Do you have a favorite event or moment from working with Bridgestone?
“I honestly enjoy all the events,” he said. “But I love the ones outside Europe, like South Africa or Morocco. They’re special. The atmosphere, the landscapes, the people – it’s different. Bridgestone always brings a high level to these events. I really enjoy working with them.”
What do you enjoy most about working with Bridgestone?
“It’s the whole package,” he said. “The people, the organization, the vibe. Sometimes Ant-Productions messages me and says, ‘big project coming up.’ And I don’t even think about the job opportunity. I think about the team, about the energy. If the mood isn’t good, these long projects wouldn’t work. But with this team, it always works.”
Whether he’s leaning off the back of a moving car or crouching on the side of a mountain road, Jonathan captures more than just motorcycles. He captures motion, energy, and authenticity. His images speak to the heart of the ride and the soul of the sport, proving that in the right hands, a single photo can tell an entire story.
