When Thomas Gruber, a Visual Communication Design (VCD) student, enrolled in a high school photography class at 15, he was simply looking for a fun elective. He couldn’t have imagined that this casual decision would ignite a lifelong passion and career, leading him into the exhilarating world of motorsports and Vcd Racing photography.
“It was just a class I thought would be interesting,” Thomas recalls, reflecting on his early foray into photography. “But there was this one project where something clicked, and I thought, ‘Hey, I might actually be good at this.'” He credits his teacher, Tim Naujoks, for recognizing his potential and encouraging him to seriously pursue photography. Even after moving to Columbus mid-sophomore year, Thomas’s budding passion didn’t fade. He invested in his own camera and honed his skills by photographing the urban landscape of downtown Columbus and immersing himself in the vibrant atmosphere of live concerts.
Concert photography became Thomas’s proving ground. His captivating shots from shows gained traction, opening doors to collaborations with prominent rappers and record labels like Grade A Productions. A pivotal moment came in the winter of 2022 when he toured with DC the Don. “That tour was a game-changer,” Thomas explains. “It connected me with so many people – promoters, artists, and others in the industry.” These connections broadened his network and laid the foundation for future opportunities in the fast-paced world of entertainment and vcd racing adjacent fields.
Alt text: Thomas Gruber, a VCD student specializing in dynamic visual content, prepares his photography equipment in a large arena before a vcd racing event setup, showcasing his expertise in capturing the atmosphere of high-energy environments.
The momentum continued to build. An artist recognized Thomas’s talent and flew him to Los Angeles for several weeks to create content, including an unforgettable trip to New York Fashion Week. Simultaneously, a personal connection was developing that would steer Thomas towards the roar of engines and the thrill of vcd racing. His sister’s engagement to Michael Ilavia, who works in Honda’s IndyCar racing program, proved to be a fortuitous link. When Michael brought his future in-laws to a race, Thomas’s photographic journey took an unexpected turn into the world of professional motorsports.
Through Michael, Thomas gained pit lane access courtesy of IndyCar racer Pato O’Ward, a childhood friend of Michael’s from their go-karting days. Casually, Michael mentioned Thomas’s photography skills to Pato, suggesting he share his work. Thomas sent his racing photos to Pato O’Ward, a celebrated driver with accolades including the 2018 Indy Lights Championship, McLaren Formula 1 Reserve Driver status, and multiple IndyCar victories. Pato’s response was immediate and direct: “What’s your travel schedule next year?”
This simple question marked another significant door opening for Thomas, propelling him into the professional vcd racing scene. “It was an incredible opportunity,” Thomas realized, “something I hadn’t even considered before.” Just two months later, he found himself at Texas Motor Speedway, capturing the high-octane energy of the racing season’s kickoff.
Alt text: VCD student Thomas Gruber stands alongside IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward, highlighting the collaboration between visual communication design and professional vcd racing, as Gruber captures dynamic imagery for O’Ward’s racing career.
Reflecting on his experiences, Thomas vividly recalls the sheer spectacle of the Indy 500. “The Indy 500 was just unreal. Imagine 300,000 people packed into the stands. Thirty-three cars on the grid for the 500. And when they announce, ‘drivers, start your engines,’ the crowd erupts, completely drowning out the engine noise. It’s an indescribable, truly special moment.”
During his first year, Thomas photographed 12 IndyCar races, documenting the season for Pato O’Ward exclusively. He became an integral part of the Arrow McLaren team’s media operations, working alongside their team photographer, Alex Brisby. “Alex is fantastic, and the entire media team at Arrow McLaren is incredibly welcoming,” Thomas notes, emphasizing the supportive environment within professional vcd racing.
Working closely with a high-profile racing celebrity like Pato O’Ward has been an enriching experience. “Pato is awesome to work with,” Thomas shares with a smile. “He’s genuinely nice, fun, and easygoing. But when it’s race time and he’s in the car, his focus shifts completely. He’s there to win, and it’s inspiring to witness that drive.”
Looking ahead, Thomas’s journey continues to accelerate. At the end of the previous IndyCar season, he collaborated with renowned Formula 1 photographer and YouTuber Kym Illman. This collaboration led to opportunities to photograph both the Formula 1 race in Austin, Texas, and the inaugural Las Vegas race. “Shooting the Las Vegas race was probably the highlight of my year,” Thomas enthuses. “It was just wild. I photographed so many celebrities – Paris Hilton, Usain Bolt, Heidi Klum, Patrick Dempsey, and countless others.”
From a high school photography class to capturing iconic moments in Formula 1 and IndyCar vcd racing, Thomas Gruber’s story exemplifies how passion, dedication, and seizing unexpected opportunities can pave the way for an extraordinary career. His journey underscores the versatile applications of visual communication design, extending from concert stages to the thrilling circuits of professional racing.
