Media Credential request etiquette

Hi all,

So a few years ago I had media credentials and shot auto racing for a website that never used the images. Then last year I was the last to find out that the editor that got me media credentials was no longer working with that website, and now I'm trying to freelance and submit to different motorsports websites/clients.

But in all that went on I spoke one on one with the communication director of the racetrack directly and kept in touch with him. My big question is: Is it bad form to go directly to the communication director and ask for media credentials since I'm not really shooting for any one media outlet or editor?

I'm a firm believer in karma and don't want to ruin any relationships.

Thanks!

Its not bad form to be honest about the lack of working for a real media outlet, but realize that it has no benefit at all to the track. You are better off waiting until you have confirmed a real assignment rather than being the guy who wants free passes for no reason.

I agree. You might ask the communication director where he would most like to see images from the races & then approach them for creds?

PhotosGuy wrote in post #17601699
I agree. You might ask the communication director where he would most like to see images from the races & then approach them for creds?

Actually, I would approach this differently. Ask the communication director where he DOESN'T see images that he would like to.

Chances are, if certain media outlets are already posting images / stories from a specific track, then they have a 'go-to' guy for that track. It's doubtful that they would displace their current person for a new person, especially someone with a short or no track record (pun intended?)

Try to think outside the box. Most motorsport outlets have guys covering every event they need. What non-motorsport outlet could you pitch the images to? Perhaps a local newspaper or local 'culture' blog that posts info about fun stuff happening nearby, perhaps some sort of 'mens lifestyle' type of blog that talks about guy things to do, etc.

JacobPhoto wrote in post #17601915
Actually, I would approach this differently. Ask the communication director where he DOESN'T see images that he would like to.

Both questions would work for me & probably both should be asked. The impression I got from the OP's question was that nobody was covering that venue now.

In most case I agree with the above advise. You need a media outlet to hire you if you want a media pass. However, I have on occasion been offered a pass for a lesser event by a marketing director I knew who was eager to get any pictures out there. There are also professional (but lesser) events that I can register for just by contacting the organisers. Good way to get images for a portfolio.

Another option, if you are looking for sports work is going after non-media entities that are associated with an event. I don't shoot for media, but I get Media Credentials all the time for events by shooting for Teams or Organizations associated with an event. In fact in many cases I get better credentials than the typical media get.

For example, if I know that Company X is a major corporate sponsor of a race or event, I will approach them and ask if they are looking for photos of the event, and get hired by them to shoot on their behalf. Then the Client gets the credentials for me. In other cases, the venue needs shots, or one of the teams (especially good when it is an away team, but the game is very important).

I have successfully shot on behalf of the Organizers, Participating Teams, Sponsors, and Governing Bodies. The only time a organizing body didn't have a process for non-media that I was able to negotiate was FIFA.

i_am_cdn wrote in post #17602132
The only time a organizing body didn't have a process for non-media that I was able to negotiate was FIFA.

Clearly you didn't submit a large enough brown paper bag (all used notes) as part of your application

LOL.

that is sooooo true, and for that reason I personally had no problem not shooting that event.

I would say that if you don't have any other form of access to gain credentials, it is worth the email to ask him. I do not shoot for any magazine/website/etc., but have built rapport with the PR contact of a concert/tour promoter and am able to get photo passes on a regular basis. Granted I am given the pass only after they make sure there is sufficient space for photogs shooting for media outlets. I'd say give it shot.

It probably wouldn't work at Daytona or Indianapolis, but you could approach the track about shooting for them, too. You would be surprised how many tracks have either no photographer or one of, shall we say, questionable proficiency.

I've done this before with varying degrees of success...