ALMS / Track Photo Restrictions

[Dustin Finn]

I wanted to know if there was anyplace online that described what the deal was with images taken at race tracks and specifically at ALMS events.

Having shot in Atlanta in 2005 I never signed anything regarding to copyright, but there were a few announcements that described the "use" of the images.

I'd like to go the ALMS Race at LimeRock and although this time I dont expect to have credentials - I would still like to shoot for some personal portfolio stuff - cuz the last stuff I have from ALMS is 2005 (a little dated).

The bottom line reason for the question was that when I was at Watkins Glenn for a tuner series race in 2007 - there were all sorts of restrictions that I was supposed to sign about even having the images in portfolio after a few weeks from the event... which was confusing, but the lady behind the counter said I did not have to sign it because I was agreeing to it by accepting the vest - who knows if this is true - but I know I never signed it.

So - Its a long post - but I wanted to get some input about the images... I suspect this will just be personal portfolio - but I can be hopeful that I nail a wonderful image - and then what ? :)
(hey - I can be hopeful!)

EDIT: - after posting - I realized I posted in the motorsports section when maybe it should be posted in business?

[Aaron Kupferman]

Yeah, I remember John mentioning something about the ALMS restrictions to me on this forum. John, is there a place online where these restrictions are posted?

[Jeff Boerio]

http://www.imsaracing.net.

IMSA is the sanctioning organization for the American Le Mans Series. The credentials packet available there explains it all.

Jeff

[John Thawley]

Well... I can paraphrase the gist of it for you.

Personal use is personal use. Take your pictures, show them to your friends.

You CAN NOT sell prints of your photos without written authorization of IMSA/ALMS. You can purchase a retail license.

I'm not aware of any time limits on the editorial (print, electronic or otherwise) on the display of images. You might be confusing that with video. Usually there is a length limit and 72 hours after the event verbiage.

The big thing is commercial retail sales. Without paying the license ($500) that's a big deal.

In addition, selling an image for commercial use (advertising, packaging etc.) to a non-series stakeholder (mfgr., sponsor etc.) will raise the ire of the Series.

In short, you own the copyright to your image... while they hold the intellectual copyrights to their "product" which you are displaying in your image. So while you may take the image and own the image, you can't do anything commercially with the image. The "show" as it were is their Intellectual Property. It's no different than photographing an artist in concert... you can't do anything commercially with that image.

JT

[Aaron Kupferman]

Thanks for the link and clarification guys. John, I saw the $500 figure and a $2500 figure on the form. Do you know what the difference is between these two licenses? If I wanted to sell art prints of ALMS stuff, I'd hope the $500 would cover me.

[John Thawley]

Thanks for the link and clarification guys. John, I saw the $500 figure and a $2500 figure on the form. Do you know what the difference is between these two licenses? If I wanted to sell art prints of ALMS stuff, I'd hope the $500 would cover me.


That is correct. the $500 is for retail photographic prints etc. - keep in mind, this does not necessarily mean you can make calendars, mouse-pads, mugs etc. Those probably fall under "other licensed products.

The $2500, as I understand it, would be in effect if you were going to sell images for advertising etc. to a company that is NOT an existing ALMS partner, team sponsor etc.

In the case of commercial use, I'd contact the series if you have any concerns about meeting the guidelines. .

JT

[Dustin Finn]

Thanks for the responses...

If I come away with anything I think worthy of a print, I will fill out forms, register for retailer status (if its just allowed to anyone) and then see where it goes...

More importantly - I just need to update portfolio, coming away with some updated images is my primary concern.

Anyone going to be at LimeRock for ALMS ? -> wanna get a beer or a soda?

[Kevin DiOssi]

This is a great thread. Thanks for the info guys.