Getting Noticed ...

[Rene Skrodzki]

Ok, I have been taking pictures of Motorsports now for the last 3 summers, mostly regional stuff and the odd semi-pro event, Superbike, Cascar. I was wondering about how one would go about getting noticed for there photo's so that I can possibly progress into some more serious events like ALMS or Champ Car. I don't mind working hard and getting access to most of the events that I have been able to shoot has been pretty easy. I am just wondering what the pro's did when they first started out that got them noticed ...

Hope that makes sense.

[Jeff Boerio]

Ok, I have been taking pictures of Motorsports now for the last 3 summers, mostly regional stuff and the odd semi-pro event, Superbike, Cascar. I was wondering about how one would go about getting noticed for there photo's so that I can possibly progress into some more serious events like ALMS or Champ Car. I don't mind working hard and getting access to most of the events that I have been able to shoot has been pretty easy. I am just wondering what the pro's did when they first started out that got them noticed ...

Hope that makes sense.

Get yourself involved with a race team or with a publication.

Jeff

[Mike Hoyer]

Yeah, ensure that you are working (and acting) professionally for a legitimate outlet, and not just a "I want to get in front of the fences" type...

[Rene Skrodzki]

I am working on it, made some connections with The F1600 guys, a small magazine, had a photo used for a IRL Pro Series driver and hero card and the same picture was used for his profile in the Indy 500 program.

[Derric Slocum]

sounds like you are doing ok to me for just starting out. i hung out with a chief editor for a mag last weekend, im hoping that helps get me the connections i need.

[Dennis Murray]

I am working on it, made some connections with The F1600 guys, a small magazine, had a photo used for a IRL Pro Series driver and hero card and the same picture was used for his profile in the Indy 500 program.


And hopefully you charged appropriately for that. If you are getting in with a team, then you are going the right way...you just need to network that out further and improve your game on-track.

[Rene Skrodzki]

Thanks for the info, it is certainly something I am working on this season.

[Chris Pearson]

Talk to Art Directors and Editors at the magazines, or whatever publications you want to work for. Send them promotional pieces with your photos on them, and keep calling. Not so much that you are annoying them, but in my experience at least once a month. Take 'um out to lunch, or show up at events where you know they will be to meet them.

[Jacob Leveton]

You may want to volunteer to work a few events for an online publication, as they are a bit easier to get a foot in the door with. Find a publication which covers the events you enjoy, but doesn't have a regular shooter for them. There's so many online publications these days that it's easy to find a new outlet to shoot for.

Or, if you don't mind putting in a little extra work, start your own! e-zines are pretty easy to get rolling, especially with a good CMS system. A week's worth of work and you can have your own business off the ground.

[Matt Mullarkey]

online magazines are the best way.. I have a website for Drag Racing.. i get alot of request from people who want to shoot for my site, then i never hear from them again. web sites don't pay much but the experience is worth it if you're starting out. plus you can get alot exposure from the site. Just put your copyright on the photos or get credit and a link to your gallery/photography site... :)

[John Thawley]

Regarding "online magazines," be forewarned, most pro series have become very selective in this area and will have an established criteria you may need to live up to. The days of "hey, I shoot for my buddy at ilovecars.com" are pretty much behind us.. at least in the pro series.

JT

[Andrew Wheeler]

get a nice green floppy hat..

[Chris Clark]

get a nice green floppy hat..

Mine is khaki.... is that close enough?:)

-chris