ASPIRING PHOTOGRAPHERS GET THE CHANCE OF A LIFETIME

When we recruited new rookie Chris Overend, little did we know that he would bring with him the most exceptional photography expertise and a team of young aspiring photographers, keen to support our work.

Chris is a teacher in photography at Solent University, having worked as a fashion photographer for years before his disability prevented him from carrying out this work.

When we told Chris about our plans to unveil our McLaren in October 2021, he immediately offered to help by taking the incredible photographs we needed to share our news.

In an added surprise, he also brought along three of his students to help him on the various studio and location shoots, offering them valuable experience, whilst providing us with stunning imagery.

Joseph Hocking and Abby Rawlings, 3rd year students at the university studying a BA in fashion photography, joined Chris and our team at a unit at Dunsfold Aerodrome, home of our HQ. The team turned the unit into a makeshift studio and captured fantastic images of the car, and our British GT drivers, Bobby Trundley and Aaron Morgan.

Next, they had the incredible opportunity of visiting the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking where we were granted exclusive access to use the stunning location in front of the centre, surrounded by a lake.

Finally, they came along to the launch event at the Leadenhall Building in London to snap away at the event which saw staff and colleagues from Brit Insurance and nearby businesses, along with our guests and sponsors, enjoy the unveiling of the new pride in our fleet. Graduate Elspeth Clark also joined the London event to support the students.

“The whole event became really special for me, not only as a new member of the team seeing the incredible car that my fellow drivers have progressed to driving, but as a proud teacher seeing my students working.”

Chris Overend explains: “I first met Joe and Abby in 2019 and it was clear they were both into their cars and racing, something I don’t see in students studying that course very often, so we got on very well right from the beginning.

“As technical instructors, we train the students to be professionals in lighting and camera operation, both on location and in the studio. We also teach them postproduction skills. Part of their course is about seeking out practical, real work experience, so the timing was perfect to get them involved with a one-of-a-kind shoot. Elspeth had excelled in her course when she was with us, so I knew she’d do a great job for us at the London launch. “The whole event became really special for me, not only as a new member of the team seeing the incredible car that my fellow drivers have progressed to driving, but as a proud teacher seeing my students

working and capturing such fantastic imagery for the team.” Abby said: “The weeks working alongside Chris for Team Brit have been the most inspirational and educational weeks I’ve had whilst attending university. Being able to meet and spend time with the team was one of my favourite parts. Everyone made me feel welcome from day one. I learnt so much from them and they were all inspiring in different ways.

“One big highlight for me was to sit in Aaron’s and Bobby’s McLaren GT4. This whole experience only increased my passion for motorsport and taught me that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.

“I am very grateful for the opportunity I was given and for meeting such amazing people.”

Joe said: “I found the experience amazing - to be able to meet the drivers and find out about how everything works, how the team worked together and I loved seeing all the anticipation for the McLaren unveiling. Was a fantastic experience to be involved in and I feel very privileged to have been a part of it.”