While everything seems peachy and just fine at the race track on raceday, but look behind the scenes at what photographers and media built from within the industry; jealousy.
I have been on both sides of the spectrum – I have been harassed, rumors (and not the good kind) and have seen other photographer’s attack others for no real reason.
Here’s what I’ve learned amongst the last 10 years of working in this industry for publications and teams. I am sharing these tips or things to think about. We see a lot of new faces year to year, come and go, and hopefully exposing what goes on behind the scenes will help aspiring photographers or other media to keep them in the industry.
I’ve seen several tweets, facebook posts, surrounding drama at several big events this year across the country in various divisions/series/tracks, and this is something that I’ve wanted to address for a few years. The unnecessary behavior does have consequences if you’re not careful and could result in revoked credentials.
What major factor drives this industry’s drama amongst the media industry of racing:
𝑱𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒚.
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐉𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐲 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐬
· 𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨 & 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡𝙨 – Someone gets media credentials while others are left out. Instantly cue the eye rolls and passive-aggressive comments to others, or publicly posting inappropriate comments about you or your work.
· 𝙂𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙀𝙣𝙫𝙮 – Big lenses, top-tier bodies, or fancy editing setups can stir up comparison and insecurity. Comparison is the thief of joy.
· 𝙎𝙤𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙖 𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙩𝙝 & 𝘼𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 – Someone’s work blows up online, and suddenly they’re “the next big thing” — even if others think their work isn’t as strong.
· 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙩 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙠 & 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥𝙨 – Getting hired by a big team or brand? Others may resent it, instead of celebrating it – showing doubt in their own work or progress.
· 𝙏𝙚𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝘽𝙚𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙤𝙧 – Photographers get possessive over “their” track, corner, or even specific drivers.
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐉𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐬
It’s rarely about you. It’s often about others’ insecurity, fear of being left behind, or lack of attention and feeling unseen. People who are bitter may be struggling with their own confidence, consistency, or lack of recognition.
𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐈𝐭
· 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙚 – Focus on your craft, your growth, your goals. Don’t get sucked into drama. Not everyone has the same goals, drive, or passion in the industry.
· 𝘽𝙚 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙡𝙮, 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙉𝙖ï𝙫𝙚 – Be kind and collaborative, but recognize when someone is undercutting, negative vibes towards you.
· 𝘾𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙨 𝙋𝙪𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙡𝙮 – Normalize cheering others on. It sets a tone—and shows you’re confident enough to not play small.
· 𝙎𝙚𝙩 𝘽𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 – If someone is being toxic, you don’t have to entertain it. You don’t owe everyone your energy. Negativity breeds negativity.
· 𝙆𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙀𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 – Keep your work sharp. Keep learning. The best response to jealousy: success and humility.
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤
This is a post that should have been shared years ago. Motorsports photography is a grind. The long hours, travel, politics, money and pressure to “stand out” can create an intense “pressure cooker” type atmosphere.
Not everyone will clap when you win—but that doesn’t mean you stop showing up.
Keep shooting. Keep leveling up. Let your work do the talking.