Obtaining Credentials for events question

[mep42]

I hope I am posting this in the right place, I have been going to the Charlotte criterium since it was started years ago as a kid, now that I am in high school and into photography I can't what to be able to photograph it. Photographer credentials are available to get inside the pits and not accessible areas to the public. It says the credentials can be obtained by contacting the race director, my question is that based on everyones experience is there a fee for credentials, I image there would be since this is the first time every doing something like this I thought i would consult with people who have done something like this before. My other question is, am I just getting in over my head, and i should just shoot from the outside the track or would this just be a great experience. Thanks for everyones help

Link to race website - http://www.charlottecriterium.org/index.htm

Included is a what is said in the Media PDF

Thanks

Mark

[Dan-o]

No there isn't a fee but they will ask what publication you are shooting for.

[mep42]

I would not be shooting for any publication, but for myself and experience and another question, would obtaining credentials wave the necessity for release forms for selling photos with identifiable people in them? Thanks for the help.

[Dan-o]

Besides the free lunch and after party, there really isn't that big an advantage to having creds. Cycling is about the most accesable sport there is. Yes you have access to the photo pit for the finish shot, but so does every other photographer all with the same shot. The only other good thing about it is cutting the course and walking inside the barriers to move around the course faster.

[Biffbradford]

Well, it wouldn't hurt to apply! Here in the midwest, there are a few races that do offer media credentials but you really don't have to have them to shoot the race. They may allow you access to the riders in certain places, but I can't think of any race where you couldn't get to them in a parking lot somewhere anyway. All the big ones in Chicago (Glencoe Grand Prix, Downer's Grove, Tour of Elk Grove) are accessible to everyone, and the biggie in Minneapolis, The Nature Valley Grand Prix, has media credentials but there wasn't a shot that media could get that I couldn't, including the podiums.

That is a BIG race though, with lots of money at stake, so all the big US Teams will be there. I so GO FOR IT. If they turn you down, show up anyway ... it is held on public streets right? and the course is over a mile around ... they'd have to run a long way to catch you!

Let us know how it goes. Sounds like a blast.

[Dan-o]

would obtaining credentials wave the necessity for release forms for selling photos with identifiable people in them

credentials won't change the fact either way.

[mattograph]

Why not call a local publication -- paper, magazine, what not -- and tell them you are looking to shoot the event. Tell them you will give them first look at the shots, in turn for them allowing you to use their name when requesting credentials.

Thats how I got my first set -- after that, it hasn't been a problem.

[mep42]

Why not call a local publication -- paper, magazine, what not -- and tell them you are looking to shoot the event. Tell them you will give them first look at the shots, in turn for them allowing you to use their name when requesting credentials.

Thats how I got my first set -- after that, it hasn't been a problem.

That's a good idea, I think I might as well give it a shot, I mean what is the worst that could happen, get turned down?

Mark

[mattograph]

Yep. Just keep your eye on the prize, and keep asking until you hear what you want to hear!

[mep42]

On a shooting note, when the race is over it will be at night, I am assuming that I should probably invest in a flash either a 430 or 580 correct, because I am sure that the on board flash would not be enough.

[Nightstalker]

On a shooting note, when the race is over it will be at night, I am assuming that I should probably invest in a flash either a 430 or 580 correct, because I am sure that the on board flash would not be enough.


A decent flash is probably a good thing to have anyhow. And yes, the on-board flash is crap - why do you think that the xD range of cameras don't even have them.