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If ever there was a sport that required rapid-fire photography, Formula One racing is it. Which makes what professional photographer Joshua Paul does even more fascinating because instead of using top-of-the-range cameras to capture the fast-paced formula racing sport, Paul chooses to take his shots using a 104-year-old Graflex 4×5 view camera.

The photographer clearly has an incredible eye for detail, because unlike modern cameras, which can take as many as 20 frames per second, his 1913 Graflex can only take 20 pictures in total. Because of this, every shot he takes has to be carefully thought about first, and this is clearly evident in this beautiful series of sports photography.

“I received this old camera from my instructor James Fee while I was studying photography at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California,” Joshua told Bored Panda. “Another student and I cleaned his darkroom and helped him print his editions, in exchange for this vintage camera. I got lucky with this one because the bellows are very long and I can shoot macro with it. It’s also the same camera Margaret Bourke-White used and is posing with on the Chrysler building.”

When asked how difficult it is to capture these black and white photos, Joshua said, “It's not that it’s difficult, but it’s a process, which sometimes goes well and sometimes not. To pan an F1 car at speed is very difficult and I can go through a lot of photo film with no results. I’m not trying to document the race, but F1 itself, so I’m more interested in the people, the cars, the tools, trucks, and atmosphere.”

Despite having shot over 3000 frames, the photographer never actually intended to shoot Formula 1. “I came to Barcelona in 2013 to see Blur play at the Primavera Sound Music Festival. Knowing the race would overlap, I applied for accreditation with Road & Track magazine. It was approved three days before my trip, and when I arrived, I was immediately invited to the Monaco GP, and subsequent races after that. That was the first time I shot a car race.”

He’s now so passionate about the sport that he’s even launched a magazine called Lollipop, a publication for Grand Prix racing enthusiasts. Check out some of his amazing pictures below. You can also find him on Instagram.

More info: Lollipop Magazine | Instagram (h/t: PetaPixel)

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Angelina Wilkins
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't explain it but there's something about these moving shots that I really like. That look really cool, for lack of a better word.

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J Browne
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is a cool mixture of going back in time with modern cars and dress. It transports two worlds.

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Ken Larson
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All these shots are great! I also played Grand Prix on a 30 year old game system and it was better than today's pc game.

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Delta Force
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Epic.... moment and the shot.... says a ton.... like not in the competition or i compete myself...

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Michel M. Prins
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this shot, simply because they're not posing, but just having a simple conversation

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GregW
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The grain in this series is amazing. Makes me want to look for own 104 year old camera!

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Ana Fuentes
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This picture reminds me of one my mother has of my grandparents taken in the 50's

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Roberta Espinoza
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn't comment on each. They are all perfect in b/w. And the age of the camera gives it a softer tone. Never stop using it. Beautiful

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Sean Kirby
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This shot has the ancient look - but it is otherwise thoroughly modern in sensibility.

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Andrea Van Delden
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6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Did racecar drivers have sponsors "back in the day" or was this a sport only for the rich or determined?

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Jo
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1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

3000 is a lot when you consider The photographer only pics 38 photos here. When I shot film I only had a couple hundred shots and I had to get at least 24 good ones. I think I could use anything with 3000 shots and coming away with winners.

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