How to get photographer access to tracks?

[marka123]

Howdy,

Just starting out as a hobbiest... I've been a cornerworker, racer, etc. and know my way around a track, but I've never known about photographer procedures at the track.

Are there any general rules of thumb regarding track access for photographers? Is this typically a fee based thing? Other requirements?

I may at some point want to sell photos I get, but right now I'm just trying to learn to take good motorsports pictures. Is there a way I can be curteous to the photographers who are there to make money? For instance, would giving them my images be a good thing to offer?

In the ideal world, I'd not have to pay for track access until/if I got to the point of selling images. Right now I'm just sort of on the "apprentice to myself" plan... :-)

Thanks!

Mark

[LMP]

This has been discussed alot and a search will throw up several threads I'm sure but.. typically you wont get trackside, pitchside or any other 'side' for that matter without working for an agency or publication....unless you get very lucky ;)

Criteria varies depending on event and the organisers, a good example to check out would be this (http://www.fia.com/mediacentre/Accreditation/Touring/2006/touring_procedure.html) from the FIA with regard to 'access' for the WTCC series.

HTH a bit.

[marka123]

Howdy,

Thanks for the info...

Is it at all common for pro photographers to take on a "helper" like me that would provide their pictures to the Pro for nothing in exchange for track access?

Getting access to do autox photography is relatively easy, so worst case I can continue to that but I'd like to play with some track stuff. In particular it'd be fun to shoot the various motorcycle folks that run at BeaveRun or Nelson Ledges (both tracks near the PA/OH border in the US and within an hour or so from my house).

Who controls photographer access ususally? The track itself or the sanctioning body who's renting the track?

Mark

[jtmorales]

I know at some of the 1/4 mile tracks around here you can get access to the press area by being one of the racers photographers.

i think generally whoever is throwing the track event will be the ones who decide if you get access or not. I know of a few people who would just call up and ask, sometimes they'd get sometimes not. Sometimes they had to pay a small fee for a press pass, but it was worth it for them.

You may also try getting on as an event photographer for an online magazine or group. generally if your representing a real organization it'll help with getting access to certain areas or events. Some sites will let you be there representative for that area and help you get press passes for certain events.

[Steve Parr]

Howdy,

Just starting out as a hobbiest... I've been a cornerworker, racer, etc. and know my way around a track, but I've never known about photographer procedures at the track.

In concert photography, the one thing that's been the biggest benefit is the contacts I made having worked in the industry in the past.

You say you've been a racer. Any chance that anyone associated with that part of your past could help you out in this regard?

[marka123]

Howdy,

Yeah, I have contacts at the two local tracks where I'd like to shoot some photos. Before I called them, I was just trying to get a sense of what was "normal" for grassroots motorsports photography. I really didn't want to put anyone in a bind or step on any toes or whatever.

Sounds like its pretty variable, so I'll just chat them up and see if they'll let me go play. :-)

Thanks!

Mark

[short5]

Call the track be honest and request a press pass. If that doesn't work get a pit pass hang out at the races and shoot lots. Give away lots of shots and people will get to know you and request photos. Get friendly with a team or two and ask if you can shoot from their pit stop. Time and sharing will eventually get you access if you are taking quality shots. Get personal shots before and after the race not just vanity shots of cars in a turn. I have asked a local sports paper if they want shots and in return they will tell shows and races that I wish to attend and shoot for them. It also allows you to say "I am shooting for..."

[forsaken]

For the events I wanted to cover I asked how to get accreditation from the organiser and sent through some shots as a reference. It turned out that we had a common friend (who was in a few of the shots) she phoned him and then I had access.


sometimes its not what you know but who you know.

[Steve Parr]

sometimes its not what you know but who you know.

Yep.

Nothing wrong with using a contact to gain access that you would otherwise not be able to get...