A Photographer, A Muralist, A Story Worth Telling

Text and Images: Makarand Baokar

Imagine spending seven seasons at the world's greatest racing circuits, photographing Formula One between 1985 and 1992 – capturing legendary rivalries, witnessing the brilliance of Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost, and freezing moments that would become motorsport history.

Meet Xavier de Nombel, a veteran automotive photographer whose career has spanned Formula One, endurance racing, and classic automobiles. Beyond the camera, he has found another creative outlet – transforming the walls of his quiet French town into vibrant works of art. Here, he shares his journey in his own words.

"When I was sixteen, I was fascinated by racing cars. I collected model race cars and discovered black-and-white photography," says Xavier de Nombel. "Very quickly, I realised I wanted to combine my two passions – to become a motorsport photographer. I devoured every French motoring magazine, learning everything I could about the drivers, the cars and the circuits.

"My parents had different plans for me and insisted that I complete my studies first. Which I did.

"My passion for racing had begun even earlier. In July 1962, at the age of fourteen, I travelled by train to Rouen to watch my first French Grand Prix. Dan Gurney won the race in a Porsche – the marque's only Formula One victory. It was an unforgettable day and confirmed what I wanted to do with my life.

"At twenty-five, after graduating, I told my parents that it was finally time to pursue my dream. For the next four years, I worked a series of small jobs to earn enough money to buy cameras, lenses and film while giving myself the freedom to travel.

"I hitchhiked across France, Great Britain and Spain to photograph Grand Prix races. I showed my photographs to French motoring magazines, and little by little, they began publishing my work. That was the beginning of my professional career.

"Soon afterwards, I joined the renowned photo agency Sipa Press. For seven seasons, from 1985 to 1992, I travelled the world covering the Formula One World Championship. It was an extraordinary era, defined by the legendary rivalry between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost.

"When I left Formula One, I turned my attention to classic and contemporary automobiles, working as a freelance photographer for magazines. My love for cars never changed. Today, I have contributed to several coffee-table books on automobiles like Berlinetta ‘50s, Berlinetta ‘60s, Fantastiques Bugatti, and more.

"To me, an automobile is a sculpture with wheels and an engine. Every curve, every detail and every handcrafted interior deserves to be photographed with the same care as a work of art. Finding the right location is just as important as the car itself, and I often spend days searching for the perfect backdrop.

"Looking back, I have never regretted those difficult years before becoming a professional photographer. They taught me perseverance and allowed me to build a life doing what I truly love.

"A few years ago, another creative journey began. Every day I walked past a plain wall on my neighbour's house. One day, I asked if I could paint it. He agreed.

"The response from the neighbourhood was overwhelming. Encouraged by their enthusiasm, I painted another wall, then another. Today, I have completed nearly fifty murals, with more still to come.

"Photography and mural painting may seem like different worlds, but to me they rely on the same way of seeing. Whether I am holding a camera or a paintbrush, it is always about composition, colour, light and imagination.

"One of my favourite projects was transforming a twenty-five-storey residential tower. The children living there watched me paint every day and soon asked if they could join in. Together, we completed the mural. Seeing their excitement and pride was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

"If there is one message I would like to leave the next generation, it is this: 'Never let go of your dreams. Hold on to them, work for them and give yourself the chance to make them real. If you never try, you will never know how far your dreams could have taken you.'"

I'd spent four hours with Xavier – exploring his remarkable studio, listening to his stories, and later walking through the streets to see his murals firsthand. It struck me that the town of Ivry could well be renamed ‘de Nombel Town’. Through his generosity and countless hours of voluntary work, he has transformed ordinary walls into vibrant landmarks, leaving behind a legacy of colour, creativity and community that enriches everyone who passes by.