Hi, I’m Sean Crawford,

I’m a passionate Dunedin-based photographer, specialising in automotive photography. I love to capture memorable moments from events and car meets. From rally to track days and show & shines, speedways to charity cruises, I love them all. From a lifelong obsession and passion for all things automotive, I’ve developed a great eye for small details and excellent timing in knowing when to shoot what, both trackside and out on the streets.

Photography started as a way to keep myself busy when I was going through a rough patch of my own during 2020, starting with landscape photography to get outside and feel like I accomplished something. My first automotive event as a photographer was the Ben Nevis Station Golden 1200 Hillclimb, and this combination of two of my passions immediately had me hooked. From there, I went on to photograph the Otago Rally, which went through my family’s old farm in Waitahuna West. I’ve been watching the Otago Rally for as long as I can remember, especially the stages that went through the farm, so I already knew all the great spots there. One of my other favourite events is 4&Rotary, which is where I took my camera next.

Even when I was just a hobby photographer at that time, I absolutely loved looking at these events through a different lens. Cars have always appealed to me because they represent a perfect blend of engineering, design, the smell of fuel and burning rubber, adrenaline running through your veins and the pride and passion the community has for their cars. My passion and excitement for automotive photography grew with each event until I finally decided that I wanted to turn this passion into something more. And just like that, Crawford Photography was born.

I started this business with the goal of supporting the people who make up the heart of the automotive community. I recognise that many individuals in this scene have faced, or are facing, mental health challenges, including myself. With my work, I hope to showcase the dedication, time and effort they invest in their vehicles, and I take pride in enabling them to feel a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work.

The best results don’t always come from the most expensive gear, both in photography and anything automotive. Knowing how to use what you have, and doing so creatively, brings better results than picking something expensive that you don’t know how to work with and hoping for the best. Passion, creativity and dedication to your craft are what get you further than just the price tag ever will. Especially when first starting out as a photographer, before I even thought about becoming official event media, those factors are what allowed me to keep improving, to keep finding new things to enjoy about each event and to keep making new connections.

Those connections are the ones who taught me that what matters isn’t the gear, it’s the people using it. And with Crawford Photography, I take pride in telling the stories behind those people. The ones out there, doing it. The ones chasing their passions and letting the rest of us share their excitement.

Automotive photography isn’t just about capturing pictures of cool-looking cars; it’s about showing off the craft and the dedication of the community around them.

As part of my journey to become a professional photographer, I have worked as media for the Ashburton Street Sprints and Lawrence Rock n Hop, although I have been to many more events that I love and will visit again, with many more events still on the wishlist. Past events and some of my favourites include: Moss Cross Memorial Cruise, Mornington Taphouse Charity Car Run, Beachlands and Ruapuna Speedways, Chrome Expression, War of the Wings, Otago Rally, Mad Mike Summer Bash, Muscle Car Madness, Waimate Hillclimb and Street Sprints, HPTO fest, D1NZ, South Island Drifts, 4&Rotary, and so many more.

Sean Crawford,
Crawford Photography