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Shoot Side-by-Side at Trophy Raid Events in Europe

A Unique One-to-One Motorsport Photography Experience with Darren Woolway

Overview

In 2026, one photographer will have the rare opportunity to join Darren Woolway ARPS AMPA Ba(Hons) — official media for The Croatia Challenge, Canon Educator, and Fotospeed Ambassador — on one of the most extreme off-road racing events in Europe.

The Croatia Challenge is a 7 day event. You will gain unprecedented access to areas normally off-limits, including the pits, trackside positions, and deep excursions into the forest.

This is a hands-on real-world training experience, not a classroom course. You will be part of the media team, working alongside Darren as he produces coverage for YouTube, Instagram, Websites, and competing teams.

Only one participant per event is accepted — ensuring maximum one-to-one mentorship and safety.

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What You’ll Learn

This experience immerses you into every aspect of off-road motorsport coverage:

Core Photography Skills

  • High-speed off-road motorsport photography

  • Action capture techniques in unpredictable environments

  • Driver & team portraits

  • Behind-the-scenes storytelling in the pits

  • Night-stage photography (often finishing after 2am)

Professional Workflow & Techniques

  • How to plan multi-day event coverage

  • Shooting strategies for content variety

  • Editing style, processing, and workflow

  • Producing content for YouTube & social media

  • Working with teams, brands, and organisers

  • Using professional lighting techniques

  • Testing new, unreleased gear from photography brands (where available)

Industry Experience & Community

  • Immersion in the Ultra4 and Trophy Raid community

  • Camp BBQs, local cuisine, evenings with drivers and teams

  • Understanding the culture and rhythm of off-road racing

Portfolio Building

You will walk away with:

  • A strong body of action images

  • Behind-the-scenes storytelling

  • Portraits and pit-life moments

  • Real-world motorsport media experience

  • High-quality images suitable for your professional portfolio

Note: Part of the agreement with organisers is that they receive a selection of your images (un-watermarked), with credit given wherever possible.

How the Week Works

You can choose to

➡ Shadow Darren Throughout the Event

Full access to the same restricted areas and vantage points Darren uses (except where organiser rules prohibit multiple photographers).

➡ Work More Independently

If you prefer a more relaxed approach, you can explore alternative spots while still receiving daily guidance, critiques, and support.

This is a working event environment. At times you may assist Darren in areas you can't shoot yourself, such as lighting setups or working with new gear from brand partners.

Insurance Requirements

NORA requires all media to hold:

  • Personal insurance

  • Public Liability minimum £2 million minimum

  • Public Indemnity

You must provide proof before attending.

Accommodation & Travel
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Accommodation varies by event:

  • Accommodation isn't usually included in the price, at some events (The Croatia Challenge) it may be possible to room share with Darren; however quite a few events are camping only or you can book a local hotel.

Flights & Transfers

  • Flights aren't included in the price. It is recommended to book the same flights as Darren to share transfers

  • Otherwise you must organise your own travel to and from the venue

Getting Around the Track

  • Some locations are walkable

  • Others require organiser transport to photo points

  • Certain events involve long mountain hikes to remote shooting locations

Food & Drink

  • Food and drink isn't included except at The Croatia Challenge.
  • Some events may have an option to buy a food package.
  • There are local amenities to purchase food and drink. Bring a water bottle.

Gear Requirements

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To get the most out of the experience, you’ll need:

Photography Gear

  • Two camera bodies - ideal but not essential

  • 24–105mm lens or similar - Good allrounder

  • 70–200mm lens or similar - Good focal range for most positions we shoot from

  • A 400mm lens is very useful for areas where you cannot get close, ideal but not essential

  • Memory cards + backup storage

  • Laptop for editing

  • Chargers & power bank

Clothing & Essentials

  • Waterproof clothing that packs into a rucksack

  • Suitable boots for mud, rocks, and uneven terrain

  • Headtorch for night stages

  • Water bottle / hydration

  • Weather protection for gear

Physical Fitness Requirements

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This is not a 9-5 environment.

Expect:

  • Early starts — usually on track for 8:00am, some briefs may be at 6.30am

  • Long shooting days finishing 5–6pm return to pits

  • Evening editing (you may choose to edit less, but Darren will be working late often until gone midnight)

  • Mountain hikes on certain events

  • Irregular sleep patterns during night stages

You must be physically able to handle long days, uneven terrain, and carrying equipment. This is not your normal 9-5, it is a lifestyle.

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HOW TO BOOK

As there is only one place per event, bookings are first-come, first-served.

Choose your event and either:

➠ Complete the payment via the shop link, or

➠ Email Darren directly to reserve your place

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CROATIA

The Croatia Challenge

24th - 29th August 2026

Osijek Vojakovački
Dretvari 50, HR-48260 Križevci, Hrvatska

Closest Airport:Zagreb (ZAG) 140KM, International Airport flights from London
Recommended Arrival/Departure: 22nd/30th August
Places Available: 1 place only
Accommodation: Camping available on site, must provide own tent. Can share a twin room with Darren, transfers provided by organisers.
Food & Drink: Available as an add on, usually around 60 Euros.
Price: £1500.00

Have Questions or want to pay via BACS?
Email: darren@shuttermastery.com

Shutter Mastery Extreme Off-Road Motorsport Experience – Terms and Conditions

By purchasing a ticket to participate in a Shutter Mastery Extreme Off-Road Motorsport Experience (“Experience”), you (“Participant”) agree to the following terms and conditions:


1. Eligibility and Fitness

  • Participants must be at least 21 years old. In exceptional circumstances, participants may be 18 years or older, provided they can obtain the required insurance.

  • Participants must be physically fit to attend. Due to the nature of the terrain, there is no disabled access to the event areas.

  • Participants must comply with all safety instructions and be capable of walking/hiking, standing for extended periods, and accessing uneven terrain.


2. Insurance

  • Participants must hold their own insurance for the duration of the Experience, including:

    • Public Liability

    • Public Indemnity

    • Equipment cover

  • Minimum coverage must meet the requirements of the individual event organisers.

  • The Participant is responsible for their own equipment. Any personal equipment damaged during the Experience is not the responsibility of Darren Woolway or Shutter Mastery.

  • Use of Darren Woolway’s or brand equipment is permitted under direct supervision and covered by Darren Woolway.


3. Acknowledgment of Risk and Waiver

  • Off-road motorsport is an extremely high-risk activity. Participants acknowledge and accept these risks, including potential injury or equipment damage.

  • Participants must sign a waiver confirming they understand these risks.

  • Darren Woolway and Shutter Mastery accept no liability for any personal injury, loss, or damage incurred during the Experience.


4. Costs, Payments, and Refunds

  • The cost of the Experience covers:

    • Event entry

    • Transportation to photo points during the event

    • One-to-one guidance and tuition by Darren Woolway

  • The cost does not include flights, transfers, accommodation, food, or drink, unless explicitly stated.

  • Experience tickets are non-refundable. Only one participant is allowed per ticket. Participants may transfer their ticket to another individual, but are responsible for arranging this.

  • If the Experience is cancelled by Darren Woolway, a full refund of the ticket will be issued. No refund will be provided for independently booked flights or accommodation. Participants are advised to obtain cancellation insurance.

  • Payment must be made in full at the time of booking. Failure to pay may result in cancellation of the reservation.


5. Travel Insurance

  • Participants are responsible for obtaining and holding their own travel insurance to cover any travel-related issues.


6. Event Postponement or Changes

  • If an event is postponed or dates are changed by the organisers, participants must accept the new dates.

  • No compensation is provided for changes to travel or accommodation bookings; participants should ensure their travel insurance covers such scenarios.


7. Photography, Media, and Image Rights

  • Participants retain copyright ownership of all images they capture.

  • As part of the agreement with event organisers, participants must provide edited, un-watermarked images for use on event social media and websites. Credits will be included where possible in line with the event’s branding guidelines.

  • Participants are free to publish their own images independently and are not required to wait before doing so.

  • Certain areas may be restricted. Participants may only access locations designated for their use. Under no circumstances should participants follow the official media photographer onto restricted areas (e.g., the track in Croatia) or breach event rules.


8. Conduct

  • Participants are expected to behave responsibly at all times.

  • Excessive alcohol or drug use that compromises safety will result in removal from the site without refund.

  • Failure to follow event briefs, safety rules, or instructions may result in pass revocation by a marshal or organiser.


9. Health and Safety

  • Participants must declare any medical conditions that could affect their ability to safely participate.

  • By attending, participants confirm they are fit to take part and accept responsibility for managing any personal health risks.


10. Force Majeure

  • Darren Woolway and Shutter Mastery are not liable for delays, cancellations, or alterations caused by circumstances beyond their control, including but not limited to: extreme weather, government restrictions, local events, or force majeure events.


11. Governing Law

  • These Terms and Conditions are governed by United Kingdom law.

  • Any disputes arising in connection with the Experience shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the UK courts.


12. Acceptance

By purchasing a ticket, participants confirm that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions, and that they accept the risks associated with attending the Experience.