Media Accreditation

[mark_l]

How would I go about applying for Photographers Accreditation?

[Az]

Is this so you can go anywhere on the track and take photo's?

If so i'd like to know out of curiosity too please

[KC]

I have no idea about how it may be done in the UK, but in the US you need to be sponsored by a meda outlet. Even if its just a small local outlet like me, or if you are shooting for Speed Sport News, Drag Boat Review, or even Sports Illustrated. Write or email as many media outlets as you can and supply some samples of your work. Expect to be ignored or turned down far more than you will be accepted for the most part.

[redshoes]

Have a look through the forum, this has come up more than once before.

Basically contact the circuit press office. You'll need to be able to prove that you are working on behalf of a recognised media outlet, are a recognised freelancer and show examples of your published work, or have a specific commission to cover the event.

If you are doing it simply because you want to go where you wouldn't normally be allowed then forget it. You'll only be wasting your time, the time of the people in the media office, and potentially taking the place of someone who is a proffessional photographer.

[Tim Falce]

I also think you need to prove you have a lot of personal insurance that will cover you for motor racing activities

[redshoes]

I've never been asked for proof of insurance but you do waive all liability when you sign on. If you're standing the 'wrong' side of the barrier and get hit by debris you can't blame the circuit or race organisers.

[jase]

Mark, have to echo redshoes, would advise against going trackside "just to avoid fences"

[Ian Sowman]

I'd agree with Jason and redshoes. There is a reason why it is called 'media accreditation', so you will need to be working for the media, i.e. a recognised publication or website (usually an 'official' one or one that is recognised as providing a high-quality independent service, not a personal one for example).

[ceeslm]

you're right sowman it is for media and not for enthusiasts (the media is most of the time also enthusiast) we have to make our living with it specialy if you're a free lancer like me .i have also make travelcost by myself.
so leave it to the pro

[vwpilot]

Ok, before everyone crucifies Mark for trying to get credentials just for fun, lets give him the benefit of the doubt. All he asked was HOW do you get them. It has been answered, but in many tones that assumed he just wanted a better spot.

Simply.

You need to have an affiliation with the media in some respect. If you dont already, talk to local papers, magazines, some of the larger more well known websites, and whatever else you can think of.

Have the media outlet contact the track and apply for the credentials for you. They will need to show they are a legitimate outlet and explain to the track that you have a legitimate purpose for being there.

Then, its your job to make sure you represent that outlet and yourself in a professional manner. You are there to work, not to have fun, and you need to act like it. Something I hate the most are those 'fans with creds' who make it into victory circle and are jumping all over the place trying to get the hats the drivers throw into the crowd. They knock over gear, jump in front of shots and potentially damage even the cars.

When you are there act like you are supposed to be there. Everyone had their first time and I'm sure everyone here were a little awed and excited when it happened the first time. But remember, you are no longer a fan, you are a working photographer. Fact is, while working, I rarely have any clue what is going on in the race, who is winning, who is second etc. I am too busy looking through my camera.

If you want to continue to be a fan, you need to stay behind the fences. If you are willing to work, by all means find an outlet and come to work.

[PaulSands]

Of course everybody has to start somewhere.

I have just written to an individual at the MSA asking for clarification of what the pre-requisites are for gaining MSA accreditation. If the repsonse is not confidential I'll let you know.

[bella]

for msa accreditiation you need about 6 different letters, it's daft.

[PaulSands]

Do you have it Bella?

[Ian Sowman]

Paul

You need to have worked for one publication at at least five different circuits, have proof that you have done so, and so on. Can't remember all the details, but I've not applied for it (although I probably could).

For someone like yourself it is probably not worth the hassle, contact the individual circuits instead (or do so through your chosen publication).

[bella]

i don't have an msa pass. i could get one now but i'm not sure it's worth it.

[PaulSands]

Originally posted by Ian Sowman
For someone like yourself

what's that supposed to mean ??!!!

[Ian Sowman]

Wouldn't you like to know?

[PaulSands]

When I got home yesterday there was an application form for Media Credential 2004 waiting for me (nice quick response)
Looking through the criteria it looks as though if I'm lucky I would be eligible to apply next year, I certainly don't fit the bill yet.
There are five categories A Full-Time Editorial Employee of a Motor Sport Publication, B Full-Time Employee Or Freelance Contibutor to a Non-Specialist Publication, C Any Freelance or Agency Employee (Supplying More Than One Publication),D Press Officers and Public Relations Staff,E TV, Radio and ALL Electronic Publishing
An interesting point is the statement regarding websites. The form states (among other exceptions) that:
"NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH : Internet, email and/or websites (unless it is the official site of an MSA-approved venue, event or championship)"

I was looking at option B..There are various requirements placed on the publication...availability to the public etc. The considerations that would effect me would be a letter from the editor/publisher (not really a problem) plus, and this is where I fail for 2004, "cuttings from that publication including rpeorts or photos from at least 12 motor sport competitors(sic) (not press conferences, etc.) at four or more venues during 2003. Unless every cutting bears your name the Editors letter must confirm that all the cuttings were your work"

I only submitted two articles to our local rag from two circuits covering one competitor and the never print the contributors name so game over for 2004 accreditation.

I do have a letter for 2004 that will allow me access to historic meetings and as luck would have it there are a few larger meetings that have historic support this year (Brit GT at Mondello, LMES) so hopefully I may be better placed to apply next year...though it could be difficult to rustle up 12 different drivers that the Grantham Journal would be interested in

Failing that if anybody wants to employ me as a press or public relations officer please contact me

[Thumper]

On a similar topic, has anyone tried getting a replacement for the Octagon pass yet? All the old email contacts I had from last year are dead-enders, and my attempts at contacting PalmerSport have achieved nothing.

[TDDWEST]

Just don't show up with one of these,...

[Kelvin]

For those that asked earlier, I think for an MSA pass you need to apply in about November so as to get your pass for the follwing year.

Kelvin

[Kelvin]

It really looks to me that perhaps the top motorsport picture agencies are in league with the circuits to exclude all other photographers.

From other threads I see the marshals are being given a hard time, next they will excluding spectators!!

Kelvin

[PaulSands]

Originally posted by Kelvin
next they will excluding spectators!!

Kelvin

Don't joke about that one...there has already been a thread mooting such an idea

[KennyG]

Originally posted by redshoes
Have a look through the forum, this has come up more than once before.

Basically contact the circuit press office. You'll need to be able to prove that you are working on behalf of a recognised media outlet, are a recognised freelancer and show examples of your published work, or have a specific commission to cover the event.

If you are doing it simply because you want to go where you wouldn't normally be allowed then forget it. You'll only be wasting your time, the time of the people in the media office, and potentially taking the place of someone who is a proffessional photographer.

Additionally, each circuit (or group of circuits in MSV's case) can have different requirements. As an example, one circuit I am accredited for insists you have had pictures published that were taken at their circuit. My MSV accreditation requires a £4m public liability insurance. And so on.....

As Redshoes has said, you need to talk to the press officer of the circuit(s) you want to work at and find out their requirements. Do it mid week though, they tend to be rather tied up at race weekends.

[PaulSands]

That MSV £4M liability insurance is a bit OTT in my opinion