So you want to be a credited photographer in Motorsports? You’ve applied to several outlets, racetracks, and still no luck…. I’ve got just a few tips to help or make it make sense.
1. No Established Profile
You need to prove you can shoot motorsports. If your portfolio is full of portraits, weddings, or general photography – but not racing – tracks and media outlets may not see you as a fit. Have a online digital porfolio. Don’t just rely on social media. I recommend a website or home base for your work!
Fix: Build a solid motorsports-specific gallery. Even if this means shooting from general admission, pits – showcase motion, emotion, and good storytelling.
2. No Credible Media Affiliation
Tracks and series’ typically prioritize credentialing for people representing official media outlets – news, magazines, websites, broadcast media to name a few.
Fix: Partner with a publication, even a small racing blog. Offer to shoot content in exchange for credentials. Being listed as “Media” helps.
3. Weak or Inactive Online Presence
If your work doesn’t show up online (or hasn’t been updated in a while), tracks may think you’re not active or serious. After all, you should be helping to promote the events you are at, as an added benefit.
Fix: Invest in your own website, along with updating regularly your Facebook, Instagram, Twtiter, Tiktok accounts with recent content that you’ve created. Look like you belong in the game!
4. Poor Credential Request
A vague or unprofessional application can sink your shot, immediately. If you don’t clearly state who you’re shooting for and what your work will be used for, it’s easy to get passed over. Requests should be coming from your media outlet on your behalf, unless otherwise stated by your outlet.
Fix: Be clear, concise and professional in credential requests. Include who you are shooting for, your past experience, and where the content will be published.
5. Track Safety or Policy Concerns
If you have broken any rules in the past (like wandering into the hot pits, ignoring safety protocols or not following through (with providing images or media), those things get remembered.
Fix: Follow rules exactly. Build trust with track officials. A reputation for being respectful and safe goes a long way. If you don’t know something, just ask, before doing.
6. Too Many Applicants / Limited Spots
Sometimes, it’s not even personal – just a limited number of spots, especially at major events. If bigger media names are ahead of you, you might get bumped.
Fix: Apply early. Stand out by showing how your coverage adds value or reaches a unique audience (like fans on tikokt, regional racers, etc.)
7. Requirements not met
Influencers have their own special credential in motorsports world now. Sometimes you just haven’t met the full requirements for these. For example – Follower count on various social media platforms or sometimes your work isn’t up to par with what tracks and series’ are looking for yet.
Fix: Take time to reflect. Maybe it’s a sign to sit back and be critical of your own work and look for ways to improve for future consideration.
Long story short, it could take years to be credentialed or receive your first set of media credentials! Just keep trying, working hard on improving, and eventually you’ll get lucky! All you need is one “yes”, and it will make all your hard work feel like it was worth it!