Corporate & Fundraising Event Photography at M1 Concourse, Pontiac
At the 2025 SAE International Celebration, held at the iconic M1 Concourse in Pontiac, Michigan, industry leaders, innovators, and motorsports enthusiasts came together to honor advancements in mobility and STEM education. One of the evening’s highlights was Ted Ogawa, President and CEO of Toyota Motor North America, accepting the Industry Leadership Award on behalf of Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation. From high-speed track sessions to prestigious award presentations, the event offered the perfect backdrop for dynamic, story-driven photography.
⭐️ Client Review: Non-Profit Fundraising Event
“I had the pleasure of working with Hugh for our non-profit fundraising event, and he was an absolute delight from start to finish. His event photography truly captured the energy of the evening, telling the story through his beautiful images. He somehow managed to photograph every single guest, making sure no moment was missed. The gallery he provided is nothing short of amazing, and I’m thrilled to share it with our attendees.
Beyond his incredible talent, Hugh’s kindness and character truly stood out. He’s not only a skilled photographer but also a genuinely wonderful person to work with. I highly recommend Hugh for any event photography needs, and I’ll definitely be using him for all my future photography projects.”
— Tricia Norris, Event Coordinator
Ted Ogawa, President and CEO of Toyota Motor North America, accepts the 2025 Industry Leadership Award on behalf of Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda.
Event Photography at M1 Concourse
M1 Concourse offers a rare mix of high-speed motorsports energy and full-service event facilities. From corporate galas and fundraising banquets to product launches and team-building experiences, it’s a location that demands equally versatile photography. The combination of indoor and outdoor environments, shifting light conditions, and on-track action calls for a photographer who can adapt instantly while maintaining a consistent, polished look.
During the 2025 SAE International Celebration, the day began trackside with performance cars staged for ride-alongs, guests gearing up with helmets, and instructors briefing drivers before laps. These fast-moving, candid moments capture the excitement and involvement of the participants — from laughter in the paddock to the anticipation on the starting grid.
Inside, the tone shifted to formal recognition and networking. Guests mingled at receptions, honored industry achievements, and celebrated the Industry Leadership Award presentation. My focus here is on clean, well-lit compositions that highlight both the people and the prestige of the occasion — from wide shots that convey the scale of the room to close-ups that reveal emotion and connection.
M1 Concourse’s trackside garages, VIP suites, and signature red podium backdrop all provide distinctive opportunities to showcase a brand or organization. For corporate clients, this means ensuring stage setups, signage, and sponsor branding are captured exactly as intended. For nonprofit and fundraising events, it means preserving the sense of community and purpose while producing professional images that can attract future support.
Photographing an event like this requires more than just technical skill. It takes planning for multiple lighting scenarios, coordination with event teams, and an understanding of the event’s pacing so that no key moment is missed. My coverage includes both the headline highlights and the small but telling details — from award plaques and sponsor displays to candid conversations between leaders in the industry.
Whether you’re planning a corporate summit, charity fundraiser, or automotive celebration, professional photography at M1 Concourse ensures your event is documented with both style and precision. The resulting images are ready for media coverage, social campaigns, sponsor reports, and long-term brand storytelling.
Planning an event at M1 Concourse?
Let’s create a collection of images that captures the speed, prestige, and people who make your gathering unforgettable. Contact me today to discuss your event photography needs in Pontiac and throughout Metro Detroit.