Press Photog Pass to Motorsport Events

[Dodge25]

Can anyone share what it takes to get one of the coveted press photographer's vests at motorsport events.

I'm particularly interested in Aussie V8 Supercars, but I'd love to hear from anyone with an inside line on shooting track events from the other side of the barrier. :)

[Simon Harrison]

Try using the search function - this question has been asked many, many times before.

Not wanting to sound flippant, but you need to be working for a relevant publication to gain accreditation.

I would suggest that you are setting sights way too high to go straight for accreditation at a premier event / series like the Aussie V8 Supercars. You need to build up experience, particularly experience at delivering a defined brief, at smaller club type events. That way you can also build up your relationships (key) with publications and your own reputation, so that editors will have enough faith in you to deliver what they need. Many people want to go straight into shooting the premier events, and it so very, very seldom happens.

There's no doubt that being the other side of the fences makes things easier, but it is my opinion (and only my opinion) that if you can't shoot an image that is of the necessary standard for publication from the public side of the fences, then you shouldn't be on the other side of them. If you want to see what can be achieved from the public side of the fence (and hence shooting through, over and under fences and other obstructions) then have a look at POTN forum user Cadwell's website.

Simon.

[Dodge25]

Thanks Simon. I've also realised that this topic is covered in detail in other threads. I didn't check thoroughly enough. I agree with your sentiments regarding pictures from the public side. I had lots of fun shooting from behind the barriers at Bathurst on Saturday. Thanks for your reply.

[elysium]

Can anyone share what it takes to get one of the coveted press photographer's vests at motorsport events.

I'm particularly interested in Aussie V8 Supercars, but I'd love to hear from anyone with an inside line on shooting track events from the other side of the barrier. :)
Most places will only give you this sort of access if you are already working as a motorsport photographer or journalist or have some sort of publication or acreditation.

The only other way is if you have a friend on the inside. Check the site of the promotors, it usually has a press pass application section. Maybe drop them an email. They may also request details about your insurance status in the event something happens.

[Dodge25]

Thanks for your input. I've realised my question was a very ametuer one, and Simon was too quick in responding before I could work out how to delete it!!

[elysium]

Thanks for your input. I've realised my question was a very ametuer one, and Simon was too quick in responding before I could work out how to delete it!!
Its better to ask questions than get thrown out.

I decided to head to the press and media photographers section at a drag strip and got escorted back after a few minutes due to not having the right access or could have been injured as two minutes later, a drag car blew up close to where I was just standing.

No question is too stupid on POTN. If it is, there will be atleast one serious answer worth waiting for. :)

[Espresso_Addict]

Dodge
Its who you know, not what you know.
Was at a local drag meeting recently shooting some pics, got chatting to guy I know who wanted some copies, turns out he knows the NZ organiser for the Formula 5000 series.
Setting me up with a press pass

Its all about the contacts

[DC Fan]

Can anyone share what it takes to get one of the coveted press photographer's vests at motorsport events.
Credibility. At a major league event, you need to convince the promoter that you can be taken seriously. Often, that means being assigned by a legitimate publication. And getting an assignment at one of those publications means you need to demonstrate that you can get usable images and meet deadlines.

[jamesb84]

I always find that the most pertinent question to ask anyone who wants to know how to get a pass is "why do you want a press pass?"

They are a PRESS pass, therefore meant for working press. If you just want to shoot pics from inside the fences, then it is no place for you.

When you've been in a hot pitlane or had carbon fibre flying at you, you realise that it can sometimes be better behind the catch fencing if you're not being paid well to be there.

The same applies for people who ask "how do i get press credentials for the NFL/NBA/NHL/Premier League/World Cup" my reply is "why do you want them?" For the thrill of being there? So you don't have to pay to get a ticket?

I (and everyone else out on the sidelines with press bib on) have worked long and hard to get there, if you want to be there...that's exactly what you will have to do too.

Sorry for the harsh rant, but it is becoming increasingly common and the majority of people (weekend warriors) are there for glory/bragging rights/free ticket and do not have any right to be taking press passes (and there are limited numbers) away from working togs, AND they do not know how best to conduct themselves in that environment.

James.

[Bosscat]

I always find that the most pertinent question to ask anyone who wants to know how to get a pass is "why do you want a press pass?"

They are a PRESS pass, therefore meant for working press. If you just want to shoot pics from inside the fences, then it is no place for you.

When you've been in a hot pitlane or had carbon fibre flying at you, you realise that it can sometimes be better behind the catch fencing if you're not being paid well to be there.

The same applies for people who ask "how do i get press credentials for the NFL/NBA/NHL/Premier League/World Cup" my reply is "why do you want them?" For the thrill of being there? So you don't have to pay to get a ticket?

I (and everyone else out on the sidelines with press bib on) have worked long and hard to get there, if you want to be there...that's exactly what you will have to do too.

Sorry for the harsh rant, but it is becoming increasingly common and the majority of people (weekend warriors) are there for glory/bragging rights/free ticket and do not have any right to be taking press passes (and there are limited numbers) away from working togs, AND they do not know how best to conduct themselves in that environment.

James.

Very very well said James.

[GSH]

I (and everyone else out on the sidelines with press bib on) have worked long and hard to get there, if you want to be there...that's exactly what you will have to do too.




Well i'm sure that's the case for Sports in general, but i can say without fear of contradiction that it's not the case for Motorsports. I dare say every regular UK poster in this forum, no matter which side of the fence they shoot from has seen people who have no need (never mind right) to be the live side of the fence.

I'm not into naming names but there have been people on here who have blagged their way in and got away with it. Strangely enough their results rarely look any better even with the advantage of being fence-free...funny that, innit ? ;) . And then there are those of us who take pride in the shots we turn out from behind the wire even if it is a complete PITA at times.


At the end of the day, if you can't turn out decent shots from the public areas, and / or you have no genuine need to get a pass, then you shouldn't have one.

[Dodge25]

I'll assume the negative comments above aren't aimed at me, given that I've apologised for the newbie question and noted that this subject is covered well in other threads. I haven't even expressed a desire to obtain a media acreditation - I've simply asked if anyone is interested in sharing what it took them to attain this elevated status.

I've enjoyed my extremely limited experience shooting motorsport from behind the barriers and have no intention of "blagging" my way into the hallowed grass tread by professional photographers.

Thanks for your input.

[Simon Harrison]

I've simply asked if anyone is interested in sharing what it took them to attain this elevated status.

Okay, here's a potted version of my story......

I won't mention names of publications for various reasons, although those that know me personally will no doubt be able to guess.

First of all how did I get into motorsport photography in the first place? It started with me servicing for someone I worked with who was a rallycrosser. When he went out to race, I would wander up on to the spectator banking and take a few photographs of him. As time went on, I spent more and more time taking pictures, and less and less time servicing. The servicing I did was nothing too serious - cleaning the cack and mud off the car and checking oil levels - so I wasn't really missed. This was also back in the strange days of film!

This continued for a couple of years, until I happened to be reading a publication that had pictures from an event (a rally) I had been at. Looking at the pictures, I thought 'I can do better than that' and sent a few shots off for the editor to have a look at via EMail. Thirty minutes later, I got a phone call from the editor and we had a chat about things. He asked if I was attending a particular event (I was), and if I would send in some shots. This was definately a case of being in the right place at the right time. There was no talk or offer of them providing accreditation. Things went well, and one of my pictures was used. This continued for the next couple of years, with the briefs getting more complicated, and the occasional one off accreditation being provided. However, in the main, everything was shot from normal public viewing areas, and I had a lot of pictures published. This was great experience, as I learned how to shoot around things, interperet the brief I was given, learn (sometimes the hard way) the business side of things and build up relationships with various people.

Three years ago, the publication had built up enough faith in me to provide letters of accreditation on a regular basis for the events that they had interest in. This arrangement has continued, and around 18 months ago I was approached to provide images from events from a couple of national publications.

So that's my story. Continued accreditation is never a done deal, as you're only as good as the results you turned in from your last job. Competition is also fierce, and has been mentioned before places are very much limited and for various (good) reasons are coming ever more difficult to come by.

Cheers,

Simon.

[jamesb84]

I'll assume the negative comments above aren't aimed at me, given that I've apologised for the newbie question and noted that this subject is covered well in other threads. I haven't even expressed a desire to obtain a media acreditation - I've simply asked if anyone is interested in sharing what it took them to attain this elevated status.

I've enjoyed my extremely limited experience shooting motorsport from behind the barriers and have no intention of "blagging" my way into the hallowed grass tread by professional photographers.

Thanks for your input.

No no, I wasn't aiming the comments above at you, and I apologise if I came off as ranting at you.

As for what it took for me to get there...a LOT of perseverance, and a big list of contacts. I started off doing small club meets (I went to Pembrey, as it's a way away from most other circuits and a lot of photographers don't make the effort to go...which they should, it's a brilliant little circuit) and contacting teams and drivers that i was shooting over that weekend. I was very lucky to get into my first meet as i was covering for a small agency in Wales who wanted some shots from the meeting, after that I let it expand on my own.

Spoke to drivers/teams/organisers, anyone who looked interested and got photos in programmes, websites, sponsorship packages (think about it...why else would a company sponsor a driver other than to get some exposure...and they love having the photos to show).

Once I had a nice little portfolio behind me, of images displayed/published/paid for I approached an agency for a bit of stringer work, and they offered me bits here and there...i'm not up to any high level of work (highest I did this year was hot pitlane for the GP2 series at Silverstone on the F1 weekend) but hopefully next season i will be getting more BSB/WSB, some more BTCC and perhaps a crack at a few F1 races.

I'm by no means at the "top of the game" with motorsports and i've got a long way to go still, but it shows that it will take you a LOT of perseverence and effort.

Alternatively, find out where Bernie Ecclestone lives, start dating his daughter, and then persuade him to give you a season pass. :lol:

James

[Dodge25]

Thanks very much for the insight gentlemen. I've enjoyed reading both of your experiences and the hurdles you've overcome. I suspect there are plenty of good stories in between the lines of what you've said.

Thanks for sharing.

[matt84au]

Dodge25,
Mate have you been to Oran Park before? if not. its a good track where you really don't need to be in side thefence mate Sp if you are going to use your 70-200mm lens. I have been to a few bike races this year wich I was inside the track useing my 100-400mm len and found that I was setting right back on the fence. I was at Oren Park when Super laps was on ( I was on the out side of the fence this event) Here a photo from turn 12.
at 250mm
http://mattypix.smugmug.com/photos/329157815_o8MKe-M.jpg

and one between the flip-flop & shell coner
@ 100mm
http://mattypix.smugmug.com/photos/329725026_UTbkK-M.jpg
they are not the best but I had fun.
I find in the morn turn 12 is good then when the sun move to the shell coner side you get some nice shots from the flip-flop & shell coner (maybe from mid day or just after.
faceing pit lane.

Matt

[Dodge25]

Thanks Matt. I'm hoping to make it to the last of the V8 races there this weekend. Thanks for the tip! Nice photos. The Lotus pan is great.