Left Turn Photography: Capturing Racing Moments That Matter

From Track-Side Mom to Professional Racing Photographer, Tiffany Anderson Turns Passion Into Purpose

What started as a way to pass time while her husband raced has evolved into something much more meaningful for Tiffany Anderson. As the owner of Left Turn Photography, she's discovered that capturing the perfect racing shot isn't just about the cars flying around the track—it's about preserving the moments that matter most to racing families across Iowa.

"My whole philosophy is even whether you're first or you're last, you're going to want a photo of your car," Anderson explains. "It doesn't matter where you're at in the race, you're going to get photos of your car."

From Spectator to Shooter

Anderson's journey into racing photography began in 2022, rooted in family tradition and necessity. As a preschool teacher during the school year and mother of three—including two special needs boys—she found herself spending weekends at various racetracks supporting her husband Heath, who races the #74 hobby stock car.

"My husband started racing when he was 16, and he has been racing since," Anderson shares. After taking time off when their first child was born and they navigated the challenges of raising a special needs child, Heath decided to return to racing with their neighbor. "I got approached. They saw me taking pictures of those two racing, and I was approached and asked if I could take some photos at the track for them that night, since their original photographer was unable to make it."

That spontaneous opportunity at Shelby County Speedway changed everything. "I was like, yeah, sure. I mean, they're probably not the greatest, but I'll do my best, and it turns out they actually liked what I had produced and kind of just offered me a position up there to do it on a weekly basis."

Beyond the Action Shots

What sets Left Turn Photography apart isn't just technical skill—it's Anderson's understanding of what racing families truly want to remember. While action shots of cars mid-race certainly have their place, some of her favorite work happens in the quieter moments.

"I really enjoy doing the candid moments just because you don't get to see that behind the scenes of, oh, wow, this is what they do to get ready," she explains. "I love walking the pits and just kind of snapping photos when nobody's looking. And sometimes you get some good ones of a dad and a son just smiling. Or I've gotten a couple where dad's giving the son a pep talk or they're just sitting next to each other."

Operating within roughly a 50-mile radius of her home base in Treynor, Anderson has photographed races from Harlan to Corning to Norfolk, Nebraska. Her services include digital prints ($20 per photo), physical prints on canvas or metal, custom stickers and keychains, and dedicated photography packages for individual racers who want comprehensive coverage of their racing night.

The Racing Family Culture

For Anderson, the most rewarding aspect of her business isn't the photography itself—it's the community she's become part of. "The racers, just, you know, they're always so appreciative of everyone who takes photos of them and having different options. And just, yeah, just how kind and 90% of them are just so, wow, I just can't believe you guys take time to do this. We appreciate it."

This appreciation from the racing community drives her to continue improving her craft, even when faced with the occasional challenge of people who don't understand the value of professional photography services. "I wish more people understood that it may look easy, but there's a lot that goes into it," Anderson notes, referring to both the equipment investment and the time commitment required to deliver quality results.

The tight-knit nature of racing families creates lasting relationships that extend far beyond business transactions. "You know, the racing families are just a different ballgame. And it's just some of the friendships that you make are just irreplaceable," she reflects. "You just feel like you're a part of the team."

Looking Forward

After taking several months off to care for her son following double hip surgery, Anderson is eager to return to regular track photography. Her son recently got out of his cast, opening up new possibilities for weekend racing coverage.

"I'm hoping to get out to the track maybe this weekend and see what I can do," she says, looking forward to reconnecting with the racing community that has embraced her work.

For Anderson, Left Turn Photography represents more than just a side business—it's a way to contribute meaningfully to a community she loves while using her time at the track productively. Whether capturing that perfect action shot with one tire off the ground or the quiet moment between a father and son before a race, she's preserving memories that racing families will treasure long after the checkered flag waves.

Full Circle

What began as a mom with a camera trying to make the most of her weekends at the track has become something much more significant. Anderson has found her place in Iowa's racing community not just as a spectator or a racer's wife, but as someone who helps preserve the moments that define this tight-knit world. In a sport where victory and defeat can change in an instant, her photographs capture something more enduring—the passion, dedication, and family bonds that keep people coming back to the track, season after season.

As she prepares to return to regular racing photography, Anderson carries with her the knowledge that every click of her camera shutter represents more than just another photo—it's another piece of a family's racing story, another memory that will outlast any trophy or title.

Connect with Left Turn Photography on Facebook or call Tiffany directly at 712-249-9114. You can also reach her via email at tiffany.anderson@leftturnphotography.com to discuss photography packages, order prints, or book coverage for your next racing event.