Dominique Leroy: a unique perspective on Formula 1
For over 30 years, Dominique Leroy was at the heart of the action, a privileged witness to the defining moments in Formula 1 history. Through his lens, he captured the intensity of duels, the focus of drivers, and the energy of the paddocks. He photographed and worked closely with legends such as Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton—building a documentary body of work of immense value.
What sets Dominique Leroy apart as a sports photographer is his sharp eye, unfailing instinct for the decisive moment, and ability to convey the raw emotion of racing. His presence at major events earned him international recognition. A testament to his professional ethics and deep respect for his subjects is his decision to never publish the images taken during the tragic accident of Ayrton Senna at Imola in 1994—some of which could have belonged to “The Last Session“—a deeply humane choice.
- 30 years of experience in automotive photography
- Over 15,000 photos published in the specialized press
- Winner of numerous international sports photography awards
From the track to the ends of the earth: documentary photography
After a fast-paced career in the world of motorsport, exploration and curiosity led Dominique Leroy to new horizons. He turned to documentary photography and filmmaking, seeking out ancestral cultures and traditions around the world.
Exploring peoples and rituals
His work has taken him from fascinating African tribes to the remote steppes of South America, capturing the essence of communities, their ways of life, and their rituals. This chapter of his life enriched his artistic vision, showing his ability to connect with humanity beyond speed and performance.
Director and author
Dominique Leroy is also a talented filmmaker, with eight documentary films to his credit. Among them, the film “Retour dans la Cité de la Joie”, co-directed with renowned writer Dominique Lapierre, is a testament to his commitment and sensitivity. His career also includes the publication of 42 books, sharing his visual stories and encounters.
Beyond the image: multidisciplinary art
Dominique Leroy’s artistic exploration goes beyond photography alone. A true artist at heart, he experiments with various forms of expression, always driven by a desire to capture movement, light, and texture.
Rust elevated and raku ceramics
He finds unexpected inspiration in rust, which he transforms into unique visual artworks. He also practices raku ceramics, a Japanese technique in which fire and natural elements play a central role, resulting in original, meaningful pieces.
This multidisciplinary approach makes Dominique Leroy a complete artist, whose work transcends the boundaries of sports photography. Discover the full range of his talent and explore his fine art photographs—a visual journey through his various periods and inspirations, including his iconic shots of Michael Schumacher and the series dedicated to Ayrton Senna.
Website: dominiqueleroy.art
Instagram: leroydomi
