Marketing Superbike Images

[robam]

Hi All,

I was just wondering how I would go about sending Superbike images in to Bike publications?

I have been to 3 Superbike meets and have sold some images from these to friends and local companies who have said I should give it a go sending them into the magazines.

I have contacted two picture editors with no response from either:rolleyes: .
are these the right point of contact at mags??

If I could get my images in a bike mag I would be over the moon also a payment would be nice but how much would I charge or would they have a fixed rate for freelance entries??

Any advice would be great.

Regards

Rob

PS attached pic is of Haga and Corser in the WSB at Brands as they came out of Stirlings

[KennyG]

Firstly, most magazines have their own paid photographers or professionals on assignment for that event. They do not take pictures on spec, especially as they are already paying a pro to do the work. Events like WSB are immediate and the shots are only of any use if they get them within 24 hours at most.

Magazines that cover bike and car racing are after news first and quality second, so even if you have the sharpest sexiest looking picture of the day, if it does not fit in with the story it is of no use to them.

All you can do is convince them that you are a good photographer (if you are, I can't tell as there is only that one shot to judge by which has problems) and you do that by sending them printed copies of your work. Do not expect them to respond without knowing what you are capable of. Be prepared for a long battle to get recognition. Make sure the shots are newsworthy and you have the details of who, where, when and what on the back of the print.

If bikes are 'your thing', then start at club level and build up a reputation. Even long established photographers can't get accreditation for WSB or BSB as it is virtually a closed shop and the magazines go with what they know and have used before. Freelancers are kept well at arms length for the big events.

If there is a local rider then maybe your local paper may be interested, but only if you get the shot to them the same day. Think news first and pictures second and make sure the shots you take tell the right story.

You are generally wasting your time with the photo editor by the way.

[robam]

Hi Ken,
Thanks for the reply.
You say my image "has problems" please be brutally honest and give some advice as I am still learning!!!!

Regards

Rob

[Cadwell]

I'm not sure if you're aware of this but technically you're not legaly entitled to sell the pictures to anyone or send the pictures to any magazine. Why not? Because you don't own the copyright of them and you never did. If you check the ticket / programme at Brands Hatch or indeed any UK circuit you find a "condition of entry" for a member of the paying public which states something like:

The use of photographic equipment is allowed for private purposes only. All other recording and any transmission is prohibited. As a condition of entry to the Event you assign (by way of present assignment of future copyright) the copyright in any photographs or recordings you make at the Event to Motorsport Vision Limited (‘MSV’) and agree that any photographs or recordings shall not be used for any form of public advertisement or display or for any other purposes (except the private enjoyment of the person making the film) without MSV’s prior written consent.

The circuits are private land and they are entitled to impose this condition of entry under UK law.

Fantastic, isn't it? :rolleyes:

[44mxgp]

That ought to cheer him up.

[KennyG]

WSB and BSB are the hottest around for making sure only authorised photographers images get used commercially. I am sure a lot of press won't touch public taken shots for that reason as well as the circuit's rights to the images anyway. I hold an MSV media pass so I am covered for any event that I attend at any of their circuits, except for WSB and BSB, neither of which really interest me anyway.

I do regular work for MSV and I get weekly requests for images to be used on their web sites and in programs. They have a very active press office and I am sure they will go for anyone obviously breaching the rules. I know one photographer that had his credentials withdrawn and was actually escorted off the circuit for selling prints to drivers in the paddock. Simply, don't mess with MSV.

As I suggested, go for the club scene or track days where you will find your efforts appreciated. Even then you are on shaky ground and the circuit could demand the copyright that you agreed to let them have the minute you paid for your ticket.

Maybe not what you wanted to hear, but that's how it is at all circuits I work at.

[robam]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for bringing this to my attention!!!!

I will continue to enjoy my superbike photography but will no longer persue trying to market them !!

Chatting to "amateurs" at the different circuits there seems to be alot that don't realise that the picture is not theirs and they can't sell them. i.e. alot I spoke to say they get them enlarged then signed by the rider then sell them !!

Anyway I know where I stand now

I'll stick to selling my wildlife pics!!!!

Regards

Rob

[Nikolas]

I'll stick to selling my wildlife pics!!!!

Regards

Rob

Ah you better not.
The monkeys and chimpanzees have the rights to all wildlife pics and will aggressively pursue you.
If you have ever been to a zoo and seen what chimps will throw at people you will understand what i mean by aggressively pursue.
:lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Bosscat]

Ah yes.........another boys club that only lets in their select few.

Funny how some non credentialed people take better stuff then some of those that have all access passes.

[cosworth]

You'll have better luck selling "superbike" shots to club racers in large print format.

I sold some to www.kimberleystpierre.com

[Mike Panic]

having worked for several import car magazines, magazines in the electronic music industry and some of the mods / regulars on iphotoforum.com are in the motorsports industry, i can say with good assurance that magazines, even large ones, do not rely soley on on-the-payroll photographers, they farm out a good amount of work.

contact the photo editor of the magazine(s) you wish to submit to and include a resume and a link to a porfolio online (no more then 20 images). treat it like a job, thats what it is to them.

consider sending a printed porfolio to the editor

most mags have standard pay rates for work-for-hire deals... but check here for more pricing http://www.iphotoforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3754

[Jon, The Elder]

KennyG - Nice piece of information for 'budding' shooters. No sense in sugar coating stuff.
If yer' gonna play with the Big Dogs......

[Lurk]

I'm new to the forum so forgive this late post to this thread.
I am located in Melbourne Australia and In this country at least i have to agree with Mike Panic.
I attanded the WSB event at Phillip Island this year and got a set of Troy Corser coming off his ride and get clipped by (ummm mental blank.. bike number 4) I contacted Two Wheels Magazine and they purchased them and did a nice full 2 page spread of the images on page 4 & 5. News papers would have been a go as well but I didnt submit them early enough.