Throughout TT photographers from across the world work to capture the essence of the racing.
But away from the live action of the world’s greatest road races, behind the scenes images of the event also capture the spirit and camaraderie of the riders and their teams.
One of those photographers, Hannah McHugh, a dental student from Douglas, took up a very interesting role this year as she worked alongside Davey Todd and Peter Hickman’s 8TEN Racing, capturing their routine and set up in the paddock.
“It’s all really started with Andreas Racing,” she says. “I went to photograph Jurby in 2023, took a shine to it, and then did the Grand Prix the same year.
“It was unreal, fantastic. Ever since then, it’s just gone from there.
“I started doing work with 3wheeling, which has been brilliant, like the guys there are so nice. But it all started with Andreas, it’s because of them my media work took off.”
Hannah’s distinctive style focuses on the aesthetic of the sport rather than the bikes themselves.
“I don’t like taking photos of the bikes and the trucks. I like capturing the aesthetic of the whole event,” she explains.
Meeting Davey
That approach has seen her get to work with two of the TT’s biggest stars, which all began with a nervous hello at the Southern 100.
“I was introduced to Davey last year at the Southern 100. I was a bit scared to speak to him, but his manager said, ‘Come and say hello’.
“We got talking, and it just happened.”
She added: “I spoke to him one day and asked how do you feel about having a photographer this year? And he was like, Absolutely! That sounds awesome.
“He was saying about over the past couple of years, I’ve got some good content for him, especially last year and he was keen for me to come and do it. So I did.”
Hannah’s work with Todd’s team this year showcased the humour of paddock life.
While 8TEN is a new team, Hannah said she felt right at home with them all.
She said: “Just being involved with the team like the guys are amazing, the team that they have got and built for themselves are just brilliant.
“You’ve got to give credit to their girlfriends as well, like they put up with a lot, and they’re all just wonderful people to be honest.”
Wheeli Good
Her work around the TT also sees Hannah collaborate with Klaus Klaffenböck on his Klaffi channels.
Part of that exciting work has seen them partner up on a music video for a song dedicated to the iconic TT fan Wheelie-Konni.
While Hannah loved working with the guys, Konni, while being very humble, said: “I must admit that I really love the song (big thanks to the great Lee Allen) and the video (thank you to the wonderful Hanna McHugh).”
You can watch that here.
Looking Ahead
Having got to know other riders and their families through working with 3Wheeling and 8TEN, Hannah has been asked to photograph at a certain Laxey couples’ wedding.
Hannah said that Dean Harrison’s fiancée, Vicky, asked if she knew a wedding photographer or did them herself.
One thing led to another and she was asked to capture their special day.
She said: “I cried like a baby. Coming from Dean, who’s such a legend, and Vicky, who’s brilliant, like she is just the best person, it was a huge compliment.”
Looking ahead, Hannah dreams of making motorsport photography her full-time career.
“It’s a lot of fun, and you can do it full-time—it’s just finding the right people.”
For now, she’s savouring the memories of this year’s TT. “I’m kind of depressed it’s over. I want it to happen again.”
You can also see Hannah’s work with FC Isle of Man where she is the club’s in-house photographer.
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