A Tribute to Ian Thorn: Through the Lens of Motorsport

On Friday 12^th September members of the club gathered for a poignant and heartfelt evening in honour of Ian Thorn, who had prepared a presentation on his motorsport photography with great care and enthusiasm. Ian had intended to share his journey and passion with the club, but sadly, he passed away following a short illness before he could present it himself. 

In a moving tribute, Club President Ray Magill stepped forward to narrate Ian’s presentation on his behalf. With quiet dignity and deep respect, Ray guided us through Ian’s images, allowing Ian’s voice to be felt in every frame. The evening became more than just a showcase of photography, it was a celebration of a life lived with purpose and passion. 

Ian’s presentation began with a touching photo of himself as a child, holding his father’s camera. That early moment sparked a lifelong love for photography, one that would evolve into a remarkable talent. Ian was a skilled and versatile photographer, equally at home capturing landscapes, creative compositions, and the raw energy of motorsport. But it was the latter that truly ignited his spirit.  

Through his images, Ian showed us that motorsport photography captures the speed, intensity, and emotion of racing, demanding precision, timing, and a deep understanding of the sport. From roaring engines to quiet moments in the pit, each shot tells a story of passion, competition, and human grit, freezing adrenaline-fueled action in a single, unforgettable frame. Covering everything from karts and buggies to sidecars, superbikes, and racing cars of every kind, Ian’s photographs revealed not only the speed and emotion of the sport but also the camaraderie shared by the riders behind the scenes. His eye for composition and timing was impeccable, and his dedication took him to circuits across England. When he and his wife Chris moved to Northern Ireland a couple of years ago, Ian quickly sought out the local racing community, forging connections with drivers through his lens. 

Ian and Chris joined our Camera club shortly after moving over, and from the beginning, Ian’s photographic contributions stood out. His photographs, always of the highest calibre, were shared generously, and his presence was warm, encouraging, and quietly inspiring.  

Though Ian’s presentation was delivered posthumously, it left a lasting impression. It was a fitting tribute to a talented photographer, a devoted motorsport enthusiast, and a much-loved member of our club. Ian Thorn will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in the images he created, and in the hearts of those who had the privilege to know him.  

On Friday 19^th September we have our very own Gerry and Hugh showing us all how to use Snapseed and Lightroom mobile.  

We also are having an Open day on Saturday 20^th Sept for anyone who is interested in photography and would like to have a look around and have a chat. There will also be refreshments available so pop in and bring a friend.  

Bndcc info officer 

Leanne