Getting Media accreditation

[Marcus]

Here's a bit of a different one...

Been reading the following link....

http://www.cams.com.au/content.asp?P...out&ObjectID=7

And I'm email CAMS about this to begin with, but going forward - how do people get accredited at events? Just ask? What proof needed that your fair dinkum and not just lookign for a good pic spot?

How do you get published?

What publications take items and to whom do you send?

What's the best way to build up a media contacts list?

The end result of course is to be legitimate and to be able to have media accreditation at National events (And who knows, WRC if it ever returns?) and I dunno... maybe get a few dollars off it?

[rallygraphix]

There is bugger all $$$ in motorsport photography. You will easily spend more than you make..
Most magazines will take your pics (If they are exceptionally good) for free... Thats then not to say they will use them though. Even the good mags that you "may" get a gig with only pay a couple bucks for a pic usually, $20-30 if your lucky.
Its pretty hard to get any decent magazine to want your pics as most already have a decent photographer base in play. but you never know your luck if you are good.

Getting Cams accreditation is very similar to winning the X lotto, I think X lotto is easier actually. They will pick if your dinky di or not pretty easily and reject your paperwork.
I know of guys that are good and have attended every state and club level Motorkhana, rally x, khanacross, rally etc for 3 years and still arent approved for Cams creds.
Bottom line you want some decent camera gear (5 grand + ) you want some published pictures and work, and a decent portfolio. That all takes years to get unfortunately. I know guys who have been in the game 5 years but arent marketing themselves properly and are going nowhere. Other have a knack to move up quickly.


Depending on the event, media access can range from having a 10 million public liability cover, thru to a simple sign your life away on a cams form.
Some events wont even look at you if you arent shooting for a recognised national magazine or newspaper.

MOst event have dozens of wanna be photogs turn up with their kit cameras or point and shoots, some get lucky and are allowed some access, some get sent off home.

Media credentials also come in different formats, some may be level 3 oor even 2, meaning you are not allowed out of spectator areas.
Level 1 usually gets you full access, but even this is restricted to certain areas sometimes.

I have spent over 25 grand on camera equipment for motorsports, and get told lots that my work is good if not fantastic. I still have issues getting creds for some events.
Knockbacks are hard the first time, you just have to take them on the chin and carry on.

Getting into the magazines is hard, getting the contacts to get you in is harder and they are normally closely guarded secrets as every wanna be is trying to knock you off your spot once your in. Harsh but reality.

Have you a website or even a flickr/ smugmug account with your work on it yet?
You want dozens of events for cams accred, and keep a resume of any work you do, even pictures you have given away that are used in press releases etc.

PM me for more info if you like, a lot I wont divulge here.

[moxo]

Whereas some magazines will sign an accrediiation for you without question.

But what rally magazines are there? That's another problem.

I've found it easier to get accreditation for the Bathurst 1000 than a State rally! There's no one right way.

And the CAMS thing? You have to PAY! Eff that! Those -er - people get enough money from me in licence fees, entry fees and so on.

Getting money for your shots is another problem, well addressed above. Some magazines think they're doing you a favour by publishing your shots. And if you're a beginner, they are probably right. But once having done it for nothing, they're not desperate to start cutting cheques.

And then you get folks who'll only pay you 50c 'cause that's all a print costs at the chemist. Never mind the capital investment, your years of experience and intellectual property.

And you'll sometimes find resistance from 'professional' photographers. Frankly, I don't think the equipment is as critical as all that - once you have a decent SLR (film or digital) and have the basics you can take a photo worthy of publication. It's knowing where to stand, how to frame, pan, where to have the light and whether you want a shot of the driver's nostril hair that are at issue.

But certainly, with circuit stuff, it gives you access to better angles....









Moxo

[rallygraphix]

Originally Posted by moxo

Whereas some magazines will sign an accrediiation for you without question.

And the CAMS thing? You have to PAY! Eff that! Those -er - people get enough money from me in licence fees, entry fees and so on.

Moxo

Magazines you should find now have tightened right up, I havent seen too many free rides for a few years.

Cams fees are a hell of a lot cheaper than having your own public liability insurance Which you WILL need to attend major events.
Cams supply said insurance as part of the fee, and flash a cams media cred your in to most events with creds a bit easier than without.