Ralph Saulnier first came to Targa in 2008 accompanying a team from Nova Scotia. The team never came back but Ralph has never stopped.
He started shooting the rally officially in 2012 and has been a fixture ever since with his trusty Canon camera gear and Honda motorcycle. If you read our newsletter, follow our social media or visit our website, you’ve seen plenty of his amazing shots capturing the action, cars and personalities over the years.
“Newfoundland is just the kind of place that I couldn’t shake, for the wide open spaces that suited my riding style, and as years went on, to be with fabulous strangers that became lifelong friends,” said Saulnier.
A retired draftsman and graphic designer by trade, the Nova Scotia native has been photographing offroad racing, short track racing, and local musical groups since the Eighties. He describes himself as a serious amateur with a hobby that’s gotten out of hand.
Saulnier says editing is key. “I’ve had people ask why do all my shots look good? I tell them it’s because nobody sees the ones that don’t.”
Does he have a favourite shot? One of his standouts in this shot from 2016 of a Mitsubishi trying to make a pass on an Audi in Terrenceville.
Here is Ralph’s description how he got this shot.
“A personal favourite. I got a heads up from Craig MacMullen about a tricky steep downhill before a hard off camber left. Knowing it was near the end of the stage, a high chance of cars catching up, maybe trying a pass. Arrived there to find a beautiful clear blue sky background, and I stood at the bottom of the hill looking up, I’d get the maximum drama of cars coming head on. The Audi did a perfect left and right jink, just enough to slow somebody catching up. So a little planning, and a little luck.”
Read the full Q&A with Ralph down below.
Once again, Ralph has produced a spectacular Targa photo memoir for the 2025 event. See the ad below to order yours. Check out more of Ralph’s photography work on his site ralphsaulnier.smugmug.com.
Questions and Answers with Ralph Saulnier
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I was born and raised on the French shore of Nova Scotia, Digby-Yarmouth way. I lived and worked in Halifax for most of my working life, residing in Lower Sackville.
What’s your background?
I’m a (retired) draftsman and graphic designer by trade. I’ve never been a professional photographer in the classic sense, just a serious amateur with a hobby that’s gotten out of hand.
What is your photography experience?
I started shooting in the late 80s following my brother’s group and their 4×4 offroad racing. Some short track racing photography in Halifax followed that in the 90’s, which eventually led to going to Targa, on a lark really. Who knew?
I’ve been “official” photographer for my previous employer’s company events, for both Nova Scotia running series for 20 years +/-, and photographer and trophy-plaque creator/supplier to Nova Scotia’s 4×4 racing series. Also photographer/documenter for my community symphonic/jazz band music cooperative.
It’s a rare weekend to not find me shooting something. Most of these are voluntary endeavours, but I do occasionally have paying gigs, which is usually just enough to keep my photo equipment in working order.
How long have you been shooting the Targa rally?
I first went to Targa in 2008 with a Nova Scotia team. They never went back, but I never stopped going.
What keeps you coming back?
Newfoundland is just the kind of place that I couldn’t shake, for the wide open spaces that suited my riding style, and as years went on, to be with fabulous strangers that became lifelong friends.
How did you get involved with Targa?
In 2012, I was recommended to Robert (Giannou, Targa owner) by a local friend, Gordon Sleigh, who couldn’t return. The rest is history, I suppose.
What equipment do you prefer to use?
Always on a budget, I always shot with used Canon gear, and still do. I’ve never felt the compulsion for the latest & greatest. I’ve done well the past 40+years with Canon, much like never having been stranded by any of my Honda motorcycles, if it ain’t broke…
How do you get your best shots?
Best shots is subjective. I do a lot of looking at what the pros do and get. Getting to know how cars react to different conditions helps in pre-judging potential “action” situations. Most of it comes down to practice, patience, and a little luck, although I’ve found that the harder I work, the luckier I tend to get. Another habit is editing. I’ve had people ask why do all my shots look good?, I tell them it’s because nobody sees the ones that don’t.
Any advice to enthusiasts who want to get shots of cars in action?
My advice to anyone starting, do what you love. Start shooting what you know and are interested in. That will show in the results. Always be looking, and reading, and comparing. I still go through magazines of all sorts, looking at the imagery. One axium is be prepared to toss out your first 10,000 shots, as you’re learning and finding your own “eye”. The camera is just a tool, like a hammer is to a carpenter. Your brain is the best tool you have.
