Kym Anthony Illman, born on May 26, 1961, is an Australian motorsport photographer, entrepreneur, and YouTuber who became known for founding Messages On Hold in the 1990s before transitioning to Formula One photography in the mid-2010s. Today, he stands as one of the most recognizable F1 content creators, combining his photography skills with savvy business acumen to build a remarkable career.
Born in Adelaide, South Australia, to Betty and Brian Illman, Kym’s father was a former South Australian state cricketer who ran a small business. This background instilled in him the qualities of persistence, intensity, and curiosity that would later define his entrepreneurial journey.
Kym Illman Net Worth 2024: Breaking Down the Numbers
As of 2024, Kym Illman’s net worth is estimated to be around $5.4 million. This impressive fortune has been accumulated through multiple revenue streams spanning photography, content creation, and long-standing business ventures. Unlike traditional photographers who rely solely on selling images, Kym has built a diversified income portfolio that sets him apart in the motorsport photography industry.
How Kym Illman Makes Money: Multiple Revenue Streams
The Australian entrepreneur generates income through several channels:
1. Formula 1 Photography Services As an FIA-accredited photographer with permanent paddock access, Kym sells his images through his website Pro Star Pics. His unique behind-the-scenes approach to F1 photography has created a distinct market for his work.
2. YouTube Channel Earnings As of July 2025, Kym has 496,000 subscribers on YouTube, generating substantial ad revenue along with sponsored content and brand partnerships. His long-form F1 content consistently attracts millions of views throughout the racing season.
3. Instagram and Social Media Influence Kym boasts 725,000 followers on Instagram and 509,000 on TikTok, totaling more than 1.7 million followers across three channels. This massive social media presence enables lucrative brand collaborations and sponsored posts.
4. Messages On Hold Business After being made redundant in 1988, Illman founded Messages On Hold, an audio advertising company that became known for ambush marketing at sporting events, most notably at AFL matches and the 2000 Summer Olympics. The Message Group, his award-winning collective of companies, turns over in excess of AU$13 million per year and employs more than 100 staff in Australia and Singapore.
5. Canity Online Training Platform In 2015, Kym founded Canity, an online customer service training platform, adding another dimension to his business empire.
6. Merchandise and Photo Books Kym sells signed prints, wall art, and yearly photo books through his online store. His large-format 100-page photo books have become popular among F1 enthusiasts worldwide.
7. Public Speaking and Seminars He was named 2007 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Western Region, and is a sought-after public speaker presenting on topics including customer service, ambush marketing, and telephone techniques.
Early Life and Career Journey: From Radio to Racing
The Path Before Photography
Kym worked various jobs as a young man, including in a bank, as a radio announcer in Darwin, and as an audio engineer for Sky Television and Channel 9 in Perth. These diverse experiences equipped him with the communication and technical skills that would prove invaluable later.
Building the Messages On Hold Empire
The foundation of Kym’s wealth began with Messages On Hold. Illman became known for ambush marketing Messages on Hold at sporting events, using creative guerrilla tactics that built national recognition for the brand. The company eventually expanded internationally with offices in both Australia and Singapore.
Motorsport Beginnings
In 2005, Kym won the modern challenge category at the Targa West Rally, which was also the first year of the event. He continued racing occasionally in his Mitsubishi EVO 9, competing in events like the Bathurst 12 Hour and Targa Tasmania, though at the 2011 Targa Tasmania, Illman crashed but was ultimately unharmed.
The Formula 1 Photography Career: An Unconventional Entry
How It All Began
After Illman was invited by Red Bull Racing to be a corporate guest for the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Kym applied for FIA media accreditation and it was soon after approved. This single weekend changed the trajectory of his career entirely.
Standing in the garage, he listened to Daniel Ricciardo calmly communicating with his race engineer, and this moment sparked a desire to photograph the sport. What makes this story remarkable is that Kym had never taken a photo of a car on a track before that day.
A Unique Approach to F1 Coverage
Kym applied for FIA media accreditation explaining he would take a different approach to covering the sport, focusing more on the people than the racing. This strategy proved successful as his innovative approach of posting behind-the-scenes images and stories minutes after capturing them caused his social media audience to boom.
The Social Media Breakthrough
Initially hesitant about social media, Kym finally embraced Instagram at his son’s urging, leading to a following of over 700,000. A year later, his son pushed him to start a YouTube channel. This content creation journey has become integral to his brand and income.
Personal Life: Family and Relationships
Kym is married to Tonya Illman, whom he met when she joined Messages on Hold in 1990 as an administration manager. Together, they’ve built a life that balances his demanding travel schedule with family commitments.
Notable Achievements Beyond Photography
In 2015, Kym and his wife Tonya released a wildlife photo book “Africa on Safari” which detailed their travels across Africa, with a German-language edition later published by National Geographic.
Remarkably, on January 21, 2018, Kym and Tonya Illman discovered the world’s oldest message in a bottle which was thrown from the German ship Paula in 1886, confirmed by Guinness World Records. They made this discovery while with Daniel Ricciardo’s parents.
How Much Do F1 Photographers Earn? Industry Context
To understand Kym’s success, it’s important to know the broader F1 photography landscape.
Typical F1 Photographer Salaries
Annual salaries for photographers employed by teams or agencies likely range from USD 30,000 to a couple hundred thousand dollars, depending on seniority and employer, with benefits such as accommodation, travel, food, transfers, insurance, and sometimes camera equipment covered.
Freelancers operate differently, with earnings varying dramatically from losses in the early years to annual turnover possibly exceeding USD 500,000 for savvy marketers who manage to capture iconic shots.
What Makes Kym Different
Kym explained that he’s more of a marketer than a photographer, whereas many photographers are very good technically but just want to take car photos. This business-first mindset has allowed him to monetize his position far more effectively than traditional photographers.
When asked about funding his F1 career initially, Kym confirmed he used his existing businesses for the first two years because when you have minimal income coming in, you still have the same costs.
Age and Physical Attributes
At 63 years old (born May 26, 1961), Kym maintains the stamina required for the demanding F1 schedule. He described typical race days as 12-13 hour workdays for four days in a row, followed by travel days, emphasizing the physical and mental endurance needed for this career.
The Business Philosophy: Customer Service Excellence
In 2014, Kym released his book “The Future IS Customer Service“, showcasing his expertise in this area. His dedication to exceptional customer service has been a cornerstone of all his business ventures, from Messages On Hold to his photography services.
Kym has represented Australia in the World Young Business Achiever Award in 1995, demonstrating early recognition of his entrepreneurial talents.
Working as an F1 Photographer: Behind the Scenes
Access and Credentials
Photographers apply through the FIA media accreditation system, usually months in advance, and consistent attendance and quality work help secure permanent accreditation. Photographers have wide access except in red zones marked as dangerous areas, and pit lane access requires an FIA photo tabard.
The Reality of the Job
Kym receives about 10 inquiries per week via Instagram from people wanting to become F1 photographers, with more during the season, but notes many don’t realize what’s involved. He’s seen people get photography jobs who last only six months because they don’t like the lifestyle.
The reality includes long travel schedules, basic accommodation for many photographers, and some photographers even sleep in their cars for European races.
Revenue Diversification Strategy
Photography Sales
Kym sells his images through Pro Star Pics, offering both editorial and personal use licensing. His photos capture not just the racing action but the human stories behind the sport.
Merchandise and Collaborations
Kym established signed print deals with drivers like Pierre Gasly, retaining a significant portion of sales. This collaboration model allows both the photographer and driver to benefit from their combined fan bases.
Content Creation Income
In today’s digital age, photographers have multiple avenues for income beyond simply selling images, including YouTube content creation, signed print deals with drivers, merchandise sales, and sponsorships.
Property Investments and Wealth Management
Over the years, Illman has built up a significant property portfolio, with major holdings on the Gold Coast of Queensland. These real estate investments provide passive income and long-term wealth accumulation, contributing substantially to his overall net worth.
Challenges and Obstacles Overcome
Kym’s journey hasn’t been without difficulties. After being made redundant in 1988, he could have taken a safe corporate route but instead chose entrepreneurship. His willingness to reinvent himself in his 50s, transitioning from established businessman to F1 photographer, demonstrates remarkable adaptability.
The first two years of his F1 career required funding from his other businesses as he built his photography income, showing the investment required to break into this competitive field.
Photography Philosophy and Artistic Vision
Kym strives to capture images that tell a story about the event, incorporating elements of the environment around the car. He avoids tight shots that lack context, instead aiming for images that showcase the uniqueness of each location, whether it’s Monaco’s iconic skyline or Baku’s historical backdrop.
One of his favorite shots features Daniel Ricciardo coming onto the grid during a rain-soaked race in Hockenheim, with the spray from his tires, vibrant crowd, and overall atmosphere combining to create a visually stunning image.
Comparing Kym Illman to Other F1 Photographers
While most F1 photographers work for agencies like Motorsport Images or Getty Images with fixed salaries, Kym has built an independent brand. His net worth of $5.4 million significantly exceeds what typical agency photographers accumulate, highlighting the value of entrepreneurship and personal branding in the digital age.
The Impact of Social Media on Modern Photography
As the sport evolves, social media plays a crucial role in building a profile and reaching a wider audience, and the interest in behind-the-scenes content has created opportunities for photographers to diversify their offerings.
Kym’s success demonstrates how traditional photography careers can be transformed through digital platforms. His ability to build audiences on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok has created income opportunities that didn’t exist for previous generations of photographers.
Equipment and Technical Expertise
Professional F1 photography requires substantial equipment investment. High-end camera bodies can cost $6,000-$15,000 each, with multiple bodies needed for redundancy. Telephoto lenses range from $2,000-$15,000, and photographers need various focal lengths to cover different scenarios.
Photography in F1 is not just about being in the right place at the right time; it requires a keen understanding of light and composition. Great photographers know how to identify the right location and timing for that perfect shot.
Yearly Income Breakdown: How the Money Flows
Based on his diverse business portfolio and social media presence, Kym Illman’s estimated annual income likely ranges from $800,000 to over $1 million, derived from:
- YouTube ad revenue and sponsorships: $200,000-$350,000
- Photography sales and licensing: $100,000-$200,000
- Messages On Hold business dividends: $200,000-$300,000
- Social media partnerships: $100,000-$150,000
- Merchandise and photo books: $50,000-$100,000
- Property investment returns: $50,000-$100,000
- Other ventures (Canity, speaking): $100,000-$150,000
The Future of Kym Illman’s Brand
At 63 years old, Kym shows no signs of slowing down. The continued growth of Formula 1, particularly in markets like the United States following Netflix’s “Drive to Survive,” presents expanding opportunities for content creators.
His established position, massive following, and diversified income streams position him well for continued success. Future opportunities might include:
- Expanded educational content teaching photography and business
- Documentary projects leveraging his unique F1 access
- Book publications featuring behind-the-scenes stories
- Consulting work for aspiring motorsport photographers
- Further brand partnerships as F1’s popularity grows
Lessons from Kym Illman’s Success
For Aspiring Photographers
- Diversify income streams – Don’t rely solely on photo sales
- Build a personal brand – Your name recognition has monetary value
- Embrace digital platforms – Social media amplifies reach exponentially
- Offer unique perspectives – Find what differentiates you from competitors
- Think like a business owner – Technical skills alone aren’t enough
For Entrepreneurs
- Reinvention is possible at any age – Kym started F1 photography at 55
- Leverage existing assets – His business funded his photography transition
- Focus on customer service – Excellence in this area builds loyalty
- Take calculated risks – The 2016 Abu Dhabi trip changed everything
- Multiple revenue streams provide stability – Don’t put all eggs in one basket
Kym Illman’s Work Ethic and Dedication
The demanding nature of F1 photography requires exceptional commitment. On a typical race day, Kym arrives around 8:30 AM and starts his day in the media center, then heads to the paddock to prepare for the day’s action.
After shooting all day, evenings are spent editing photos, creating YouTube content, managing social media, and engaging with followers. This routine continues across 24 race weekends annually, plus testing sessions, requiring months away from home each year.
Property Holdings and Real Estate Strategy
The Gold Coast property portfolio represents a significant portion of Kym’s wealth. Australian Gold Coast real estate has seen substantial appreciation over the past decade, making these investments particularly valuable. This passive income source provides financial stability that allows him to take creative risks with his content.
The Message Group: A Continuing Legacy
While F1 photography has become his public face, The Message Group continues to turn over AU$13 million annually, providing a solid financial foundation. This established business allows Kym the freedom to pursue his passion for motorsport photography without financial pressure.
Books and Published Works
Beyond “The Future IS Customer Service” and “Africa On Safari,” Kym regularly publishes annual F1 photo books. These large-format, high-quality publications showcase his best work from each season and have become collectible items for F1 fans.
Kym Illman’s Signature Style
His recognizable bucket hat has become part of his personal brand, making him easily identifiable in the paddock. This consistent visual identity, combined with his unique storytelling approach, has helped build strong brand recognition across the F1 community.
The Role of Timing and Opportunity
Kym’s entry into F1 photography coincided with the sport’s digital transformation and growing global popularity. His timing was impeccable – early enough to establish credibility but perfectly positioned to leverage the social media boom and Netflix-driven F1 renaissance.
Mental and Physical Demands
The career requires not just photographic skill but also physical stamina, mental resilience, and business acumen. Managing multiple businesses while traveling internationally for most of the year demands exceptional organizational skills and work-life balance strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kym Illman
What is Kym Illman’s net worth in 2024?
Kym Illman’s net worth is estimated to be around $5.4 million as of 2024, accumulated through his photography career, YouTube channel, Messages On Hold business, property investments, and other ventures.
How old is Kym Illman?
Kym Anthony Illman was born on May 26, 1961, making him 63 years old as of 2024.
How many YouTube subscribers does Kym Illman have?
As of July 2025, Kym has 496,000 subscribers on YouTube, where he posts long-form F1 content and behind-the-scenes coverage.
How many Instagram followers does Kym Illman have?
Kym boasts 725,000 followers on Instagram, where he shares live photos and updates from F1 races.
What is Messages On Hold?
Messages On Hold is an audio advertising company founded by Kym Illman in 1988. The Message Group turns over in excess of AU$13 million per year and employs more than 100 staff in Australia and Singapore.
How did Kym Illman become an F1 photographer?
After being invited by Red Bull Racing to be a corporate guest for the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Kym applied for FIA media accreditation and it was soon after approved. Remarkably, he had never taken a photo of a car on a track before that day.
Is Kym Illman married?
Yes, Kym is married to Tonya Illman, whom he met when she joined Messages on Hold in 1990 as an administration manager.
How much do F1 photographers make?
Salaried F1 photographers may earn between USD 30,000 and several hundred thousand annually depending on seniority and employer, while freelancers’ earnings vary dramatically, from losses in early years to annual turnover possibly exceeding USD 500,000 for savvy marketers.
What makes Kym Illman’s approach unique?
Kym takes a different approach to covering F1, focusing more on the people than the racing. He posts behind-the-scenes content and human stories rather than just track action, differentiating himself from traditional motorsport photographers.
Where can I buy Kym Illman’s photos?
Kym sells his images through Pro Star Pics (prostarpics.com) and offers signed prints, wall art, photo books, and merchandise through his official website (kymillman.com).
What is Canity?
In 2015, Kym founded Canity, which is an online customer service training platform that provides micro-learning videos for business owners to train their staff.
Does Kym Illman attend every F1 race?
Yes, as a permanently accredited FIA photographer, Kym travels to every F1 event on the calendar, covering all 24 races throughout the season plus testing sessions.
What equipment does Kym Illman use?
While specific equipment details aren’t always disclosed, professional F1 photographers typically use high-end DSLR or mirrorless cameras with multiple camera bodies and various telephoto lenses ranging from 70-200mm to 400-600mm focal lengths.
How can I become an F1 photographer?
Photographers apply through the FIA media accreditation system, usually months in advance, and consistent attendance and quality work help secure permanent accreditation. Building a strong portfolio, networking within the industry, and offering unique perspectives are essential.
What is Kym Illman’s most famous discovery?
On January 21, 2018, Kym and his wife Tonya Illman discovered the world’s oldest message in a bottle which was thrown from the German ship Paula in 1886, confirmed by Guinness World Records.
Conclusion: The Complete Picture of Success
Kym Illman’s $5.4 million net worth represents far more than financial success – it’s the culmination of entrepreneurial vision, adaptability, hard work, and strategic thinking. From working as a radio announcer in Darwin and audio engineer to founding a multi-million dollar business, then reinventing himself as an F1 photographer at 55, his journey offers valuable lessons for anyone pursuing unconventional career paths.
His success demonstrates that in the digital age, photographers can build substantial wealth by combining technical skills with business acumen, personal branding, and content creation. The key isn’t just taking great photos – it’s building a diversified business empire around your passion.
With more than 1.7 million followers across three channels and a thriving business portfolio, Kym Illman has truly made a name for himself within Formula 1. His story proves that success can come at any age when you combine passion, persistence, and smart business strategy.
For aspiring photographers and entrepreneurs, Kym’s journey offers a blueprint: build multiple income streams, embrace new platforms, focus on what makes you unique, and never stop evolving. At 63, he continues to grow his brand, demonstrating that the best chapters of a career can come later in life when experience meets opportunity.
Article Last Updated: November 2024
Current Net Worth: $5.4 Million USD
Age: 63 years (Born: May 26, 1961)
Social Media Reach: 1.7+ Million total followers
Primary Income: Photography, YouTube, Messages On Hold, Property Investments
