How to get a media pass/ press pass for motor sporting events?

Aakajx · Jan 19, 2014

The past weekend I went to a motor sports event and noticed alot of photographers with media pass / press pass? I was wondering how you get these. I want to be able to get out in the middle for some better pictures as on the sides you always get a fence or some person stepping out infront of you.

480sparky · Jan 19, 2014

Just a wild guess here, but maybe by working for the media?

SCraig · Jan 19, 2014

Here are NHRA's requirements. Take note of the statement "All first-time applicants must submit published proof of prior motorsports coverage. Requests from freelancers or photo agencies will not be considered." I suspect most other national organizations have similar requirements.

Aakajx · Jan 20, 2014

Thanks

. Yeah I was just wondering because a woman in this area that does hobby photography got into a ruther big event with a media pass. But she isn't in the media at all. So I thought it must of been a little easier.

SCraig · Jan 20, 2014

Aakajx said:
Thanks . Yeah I was just wondering because a woman in this area that does hobby photography got into a ruther big event with a media pass. But she isn't in the media at all. So I thought it must of been a little easier.

Frequently it ain't what you know but who you know

480sparky · Jan 20, 2014

SCraig said:
Aakajx said:

Thanks . Yeah I was just wondering because a woman in this area that does hobby photography got into a ruther big event with a media pass. But she isn't in the media at all. So I thought it must of been a little easier.

Click to expand...

Frequently it ain't what you know but who you know

And sometimes it's just your gear. More than once I've gone to an event only to be directed to the Press Entrance.

JoeW · Jan 22, 2014

Aakajx said:
The past weekend I went to a motor sports event and noticed alot of photographers with media pass / press pass? I was wondering how you get these. I want to be able to get out in the middle for some better pictures as on the sides you always get a fence or some person stepping out infront of you.

Okay--a caveat--I haven't shot motor sports. But I have shot other college and professional sports. And it's basically a 2-step process:

1. The venue or organization will usually require that you apply for a permit or credentials or pass.
2. And you can usually get that pass IF....you have some connection to a media outlet. For instance, DC United (pro soccer) as part of their press credentials process asks for a letter from your editor. So that means that while you can apply to events all you want like an NFL game, NCAA basketball game, or Formula One event, they're almost always going to ask for "what outlet do you work for?". You're going to need to have someone verify you're legit And to make that happen, you're going to have to string for a media outlet. So...contact a local paper or a big website and offer to shoot an obscure event (like HS football, or a local gymkhana) that they can't afford to cover.

Now, there are obviously exceptions. But if you shoot some work for a local media outlet so you can get the editor to say "he's one of ours'" then you'll be in great shape for all sorts of sporting venues.