09 Dayton Ohio Vectren Airshow

[sevans16]

I am planning on attending this airshow next weeking on Sunday 19th. I mailed in for a mdeia pit pass but have not heard back from them yet.

Has anyone shot this venue before or plan on attending this year? I would like to know.

[boufa]

I am driving down from Cleveland for saturdays's show. I am just gonna bring a bag chair and camp out as close to the flight line as I can.

I have never been there before, but with the weather forecast being so perfect, I cannot resist.

*** EDIT/UPDATE - Since this thread went crazy, for the people looking for 2010 info, here is what worked for me. I got there about 8:20am and there were already a significant number of people there. It is a lot of walking. Took the shuttle bus to the entry gate, then took the long walk into the show. At 9am they let us in, and did a fairly strict security check... My camera backpack was allowed with no issues. Went in and walked the ground displays, many of them, in a large area. Walked down to the taxi way and turned right and went over to the place where the taxiway crosses the fence line, flight line. Took a seat right there on the fence line. The stunt planes were parked right in front of me, and the thunderbirds were not too far off to my left. When they flew, the view to the sky was fairly un obstructed. I did have an issue getting the far end of the flight line, but I had very clear shot of the fly by's since they all came in on my end of the run way.

Hope this helps.

[sevans16]

Well dang I will miss you.
I am going Sun. I opted for the media pit pass. I have never been to the Venue and wasn't sure if it was needed but I am prepared now.

[JWright]

I am planning on attending this airshow next weeking on Sunday 19th. I mailed in for a mdeia pit pass but have not heard back from them yet.

Has anyone shot this venue before or plan on attending this year? I would like to know.

Are you credentialed media or did you purchase the pit pass? Even though I'm in California and won't be attending this particular show, I see a disturbing trend here.

The idea of selling a photo pit pass to non-media photographers is a good way for these private air shows to improve their bottom line, especially in the light of the poor economy (which has already forced the cancellation of numerous small shows across the country.) What I hope they are doing is keeping these people separated from the working media. As a contract journalist for a monthly aviation newspaper, I'd hate to see the media pits cluttered up with a bunch of non-media photographers. The media areas at the shows I cover are already crowded enough...

[boufa]

Are you credentialed media or did you purchase the pit pass? Even though I'm in California and won't be attending this particular show, I see a disturbing trend here.

The idea of selling a photo pit pass to non-media photographers is a good way for these private air shows to improve their bottom line, especially in the light of the poor economy (which has already forced the cancellation of numerous small shows across the country.) What I hope they are doing is keeping these people separated from the working media. As a contract journalist for a monthly aviation newspaper, I'd have to see the media pits cluttered up with a bunch of non-media photographers. The media areas at the shows I cover are already crowded enough...

I have a few issues... these are in general, and may not apply in all cases. In many entertainment events, you either get credentials (not sure how) or you cannot bring in a decent camera. In this case, it looks like a photo pit is simply a money maker. I am not getting one, I am going general admission, however it looks like anyone can get credentials now a days.

As a amateur photographer, I am jealous of the access that some of my peers seem to get. I am not trying to sell anything, but even when it comes to posting, many times my stuff is "snapshot like" crap, because I have to stay with the paying public.

Oh well, rant over. I am just going to take the road trip down and enjoy myself from the cheap seats, and get whatever I get.

[boufa]

You know, I saw the encroaching on working media comment on another website. I am pretty sure it is the same poster. I wonder if the working media would still be working if it was not for the privileged access that they sometimes get.

I have realized recently that the access to camera technology has become so affordable (comparatively) that everyone can sell a picture to a newspaper. Now if they are selling seating and access to the media area, then what separates a pro from an amatuer. And more importantly should they be separate... should the quality of the image be partly judged based on the underlying experience of the photographer, or is quality simply quality, regardless of the source?

While were at it, does the existence of life on this planet, indicate that there might be ... oh never mind, this whole train of thought has gone too far anyways. I just don't like the tone of the earlier post. It felt like he was offended that people might pay to be able to hang out with the "professionals" (while looking down their $5000 lens at us, an L lens no doubt)

I know I am not trying to make a living at this, but I feel pretty strongly that they camera is an addition to any event and is secondary to the event, and to the people who are at the event, to enjoy the event, even if they don't have cameras.

[FlyingPhotog]

I have a few issues... these are in general, and may not apply in all cases. In many entertainment events, you either get credentials (not sure how) or you cannot bring in a decent camera. In this case, it looks like a photo pit is simply a money maker. I am not getting one, I am going general admission, however it looks like anyone can get credentials now a days.

As a amateur photographer, I am jealous of the access that some of my peers seem to get. I am not trying to sell anything, but even when it comes to posting, many times my stuff is "snapshot like" crap, because I have to stay with the paying public.

Oh well, rant over. I am just going to take the road trip down and enjoy myself from the cheap seats, and get whatever I get.

You know, I saw the encroaching on working media comment on another website. I am pretty sure it is the same poster. I wonder if the working media would still be working if it was not for the privileged access that they sometimes get.

I have realized recently that the access to camera technology has become so affordable (comparatively) that everyone can sell a picture to a newspaper. Now if they are selling seating and access to the media area, then what separates a pro from an amatuer. And more importantly should they be separate... should the quality of the image be partly judged based on the underlying experience of the photographer, or is quality simply quality, regardless of the source?

While were at it, does the existence of life on this planet, indicate that there might be ... oh never mind, this whole train of thought has gone too far anyways. I just don't like the tone of the earlier post. It felt like he was offended that people might pay to be able to hang out with the "professionals" (while looking down their $5000 lens at us, an L lens no doubt)

I know I am not trying to make a living at this, but I feel pretty strongly that they camera is an addition to any event and is secondary to the event, and to the people who are at the event, to enjoy the event, even if they don't have cameras.

The question you have to ask is:

What added value can you as an amateur bring to bear on shooting an event Vs a member of the working press who has an established (more accurately pre-established) distribution chain for their work.

If you leave an event looking for a way to get your efforts in print, you're already too late and (frankly) of no use to the event organizer. JW can correct me if I'm off base here but event organizers want the news and images of their event in as short a news cycle as possible. They don't want to wait (nor should they have to wait) for people to "shop" their images well after the fact.

Just something to consider whenever you feel slighted because someone else is inside the ropes and you're not.

[boufa]

My added value is $7 parking, $19 admission, some food and drink. I appreciate the fact that I play around in an activity that others consider a career. I respect that and I don't have any issues accordingly.

Honestly, I don't know where I stand, I just vomited my thoughts as I had them. I appreciate the fact that there are working media, but the same post appeared several times, on several discussion boards, by someone who is not planning on attending. He seemed concerned that his privileged working space was being sold to unworthy individuals.

From a professional point of view this is giving premier access to people who will be competing for the same freelance fee's that he is competing for. How would I like it if my company sold people access to my office while I was trying to work?

For the record, and I have to explain this all the time to people, a nice camera and a decent lens does not mean that your making money (or even trying to make money with it.) I enjoy the creative process, and the little thrill when I "get the shot" My wife is the only one who ever sees them.... I rarely post them here even.

I am not complaining, or flaming the post. He had thoughts about photography at air shows, and I am going to this particular airshow. He shared his thoughts, and I am sharing mine... I feel I may have gone too far, but it is my thoughts anyway.

[JWright]

You know, I saw the encroaching on working media comment on another website. I am pretty sure it is the same poster. I wonder if the working media would still be working if it was not for the privileged access that they sometimes get.

Possibly not, but if I had the expectation I could get the same quality of images from the general admission areas (which I can't) it might not be an issue.

I have realized recently that the access to camera technology has become so affordable (comparatively) that everyone can sell a picture to a newspaper. Now if they are selling seating and access to the media area, then what separates a pro from an amatuer. And more importantly should they be separate... should the quality of the image be partly judged based on the underlying experience of the photographer, or is quality simply quality, regardless of the source?It's not as easy as you may think to sell an image to a newspaper. Our local paper has their own staff photographers and sends them to cover local events. They rarely use images from private individuals.

While were at it, does the existence of life on this planet, indicate that there might be ... oh never mind, this whole train of thought has gone too far anyways. I just don't like the tone of the earlier post. It felt like he was offended that people might pay to be able to hang out with the "professionals" (while looking down their $5000 lens at us, an L lens no doubt)I don't look down on anyone that is trying to take pictures... Unless they are getting in my way and infringing on my right to obtain the images I want and this is what I see happening if air shows start selling media access to anyone who has the money. And, I don't own any lenses that cost $5,000... :D

My added value is $7 parking, $19 admission, some food and drink. I appreciate the fact that I play around in an activity that others consider a career. I respect that and I don't have any issues accordingly.

Honestly, I don't know where I stand, I just vomited my thoughts as I had them. I appreciate the fact that there are working media, but the same post appeared several times, on several discussion boards, by someone who is not planning on attending. He seemed concerned that his privileged working space was being sold to unworthy individuals.

Granted, I'm not attending this particular show, but if this idea catches on, I see it as something that is going to make it more difficult for me to do the job my editor expects me to do.

From a professional point of view this is giving premier access to people who will be competing for the same freelance fee's that he is competing for. How would I like it if my company sold people access to my office while I was trying to work?Exactly my point...

For the record, and I have to explain this all the time to people, a nice camera and a decent lens does not mean that your making money (or even trying to make money with it.) I enjoy the creative process, and the little thrill when I "get the shot" My wife is the only one who ever sees them.... I rarely post them here even.I run into the same thing because I do a lot of what I call "hobby shooting." Aviation is the only place I'm making any money and I'm far from being a "professional" at it.

I am not complaining, or flaming the post. He had thoughts about photography at air shows, and I am going to this particular airshow. He shared his thoughts, and I am sharing mine... I feel I may have gone too far, but it is my thoughts anyway.And I respect you for that...

Air shows and other events, like the Red Bull Air Races, grant special access to legitimate media because they know the media is going to provide them with the coverage they desire.

I'm photographing and writing for two established aviation publication and as such I apply for media credentials at the air shows I attend. To obtain the credentials I have to provide the name of my publication and an assignment letter signed by my editor. I also have to provide the editor's name, phone number and e-mail address. Only after I do all this am I granted access to the media area.

I have no argument with an air show selling "Photo Pit Passes" to non-media people as long as they are provided their own shooting area. I don't want to see the area set aside for the working media cluttered up with a bunch of "aviation enthusiasts" whose only purpose is to take pictures for themselves. Most media areas at air shows are crowded enough with legitimate media personnel, both print and broadcast, and adding the enthusiast to the mix is just going to make it more difficult for us.

[JWright]

I just got the answer to my question over on Fence Check. It was a bit of a smart a$$ answer, but it was the answer I had hoped for. The photographers who purchased the photo pass were given their own dedicated area to shoot from, separate from the media.

[sevans16]

Thanks JWright for getting way off topic here.
Thanks to those who gave me useful info!!

Here is a link to the Photo Sharing thread

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?p=8357265

[boufa]

I edited the second post on this thread and added my updated experiences, so that this thread can be used in 2010 as a reference if anyone searches for it. I will also post my pictures in a few days.