Cal Club Autocross Forums

I was looking into getting better photo access to the GP this year, and found out that even the super photo pass they offer only lets you into 4 designated areas, which aren't really where I want to be (i could get better shots with the 600mm without being in those areas).

I asked the the event coordinator guys, and I guess the only way to get real photo access (between the K-barriers where the course workers are) is to have a press pass - OR, be a member of the team as team photographer.

I plan on hitting up all the local periodicals / publications to see if I can swindle a press pass from them in exchange for free pictures, but I also wanted to broaden my chances by trying to hit up some teams.

my current plan is to hit up a bunch of the formula drift guys, since a lot of those seem to be more privateer types that may not have a "team photographer", but I figured I'd post something up here as well, in case someone knows someone

You will need to move quickly. Not all press request are honored and the teams generally have to have thier request (especially the lesser teams early)

The super photo locations are actually pretty good. Realize even if your with a team there are places you wont' get (especially for the indy cars). The hairpin island, pit lane, pit lane island are all restricted. About 10 guys get that honor. Pro Celb compound is near impossible.

i'm not worried about the celeb.. that's what the 600mm is for.







(taken from the garage structure across the way)

with the 600, i can get better shots than most of the photo pass locations, but I want to be able to get closer to the corners so that I can set up with a shorter lens to catch panning shots, rather than long distance freeze frames like these..

Excellent Stuff a few of mine

I think i may luck out. got a local paper that sounded like they are willing to get me a pass as a backup to their photographer.

Jeff Shyu wrote:I think i may luck out. got a local paper that sounded like they are willing to get me a pass as a backup to their photographer.

Good luck!

Gota go for it. It's not as hard to get in as it was at the height CART era. They almost eliminated small papers when Nigel Mansel joined CART. Anyway I look forward to seeing you trackside.

Only thing I can say is pay attention to the rules they give you at the photo meeting in the morning. The rules are pretty simple but we have a couple of photo's loose their credentials every year.

if i can get a pass, I'm kinda wondering if I even want to bring the 600 out.

last year, I was standing at 10, looking toward 9, shooting through 2 fences, and people.. >_<



even at that distance, the 600 felt too long. this was nearly a full frame shot:



planting the tripod on the top steps of the grandstands were pretty iffy too. I could feel the entire setup wobbling around shooting stuff like this

Depends on what you want to capture, and what your client needs. I don't see any use for 600, a lot of the guys have a 300 f2.8 but most of us have even stopped carrying those for the LBGP. Most useful range is from 18-300. Now I have to admit my assignments are generally to capture people enjoying the venue, signage etc. The cars are back drops as I am shooting primarily for promotional material. My favorite lenses are a 75-200 F4 L series and a 35-135 USM. When you within inches of a car you don't need big glass. You do need to understand manual focus, and metering.

Yeah, I was thinking more along the lines of carrying the 10-22, the 28-70, and 100-300. the 600 is really big for what I can use it for.

it's great when i can't get in front of the crowd, so that I can set up a bit further back, and shoot over everyone, but if I can get in front of them, it kinda defeats the purpose..

(ISO 100, Exposure 1/160 sec Aperture: 14.0, Focal Length 49mm.)

(ISO 100, Exposure 1/160 sec Aperture: 13.0, Focal Length 55mm.)




Not a lot of lense required for these shots, just some elbow room to swing through and choice of shutter speed. Shoot wide and crop in the computer. Not like the old days when you tried your best to control the negative because you weren't sure how the editor would view it.

yeah, problem was, if you were behind the 2nd layer of K-barriers, there's no way you can set up for a panning shot.. >_< (see above where I was blocked by 3 people with press pass, using their f'n camera phones to take pictures.)

Jeff Shyu wrote:yeah, problem was, if you were behind the 2nd layer of K-barriers, there's no way you can set up for a panning shot.. >_< (see above where I was blocked by 3 people with press pass, using their f'n camera phones to take pictures.)

Yep, know that. I always tell people its not that I am a better photographer than those in the crowd, it's that I have better access.

Jeff Shyu wrote: using their f'n camera phones to take pictures.

Don't be a hater!

KJ Christopher wrote:

Jeff Shyu wrote: using their f'n camera phones to take pictures.

Don't be a hater!

KJ Christopher wrote:

Jeff Shyu wrote: using their f'n camera phones to take pictures.

Don't be a hater!

Actually if they get caught (photo'd) and turned into Chris for doing that they will have there pass pulled, wont get a re-invite. Many are just taking video, but still against the rules. As I said every year a few get pulled. By the same token, not the pro's job to make it easy on you to get shots.

Chris Esslinger?

I should pull up a full rez photo of that, probably have a few more that shows their press member ID numbers.. }:)

Jeff Shyu wrote:Chris Esslinger?

I should pull up a full rez photo of that, probably have a few more that shows their press member ID numbers.. }:)

Becareful what you ask for, its a very small club these days.

I'll see you AT the press safety meeting at 7, Art!!!!

WOOOWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Jeff Shyu wrote:I'll see you AT the press safety meeting at 7, Art!!!!

WOOOWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Look forward to it. Are you coming out all 3 days? Life is a little different on the inside so if you want we can talk edicit and strategies. Obvious a little different for me since I am shooting specific assignments like signs, crowds, etc.

There are a couple of things your going to want to know, and couple of things your going to want to steer clear of.

Arthur Grant wrote:

Jeff Shyu wrote:I'll see you AT the press safety meeting at 7, Art!!!!

WOOOWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Look forward to it. Are you coming out all 3 days? Life is a little different on the inside so if you want we can talk edicit and strategies. Obvious a little different for me since I am shooting specific assignments like signs, crowds, etc.

There are a couple of things your going to want to know, and couple of things your going to want to steer clear of.

I plan to be there all 3 days, and would definitely appreciate some pointers from someone that's been on the other side of the fence..

I'm also planning to be at the El Toro events in the upcoming months, you should be able to tell who I am with the ridiculous 600 on my shoulder..

What type of Lotus formula car is that ? I didn't think they made a Champ car?

btw. You guys are such good shooters! No fair that you don't do your share of AX shooting ...

Mako to wrote:What type of Lotus formula car is that ? I didn't think they made a Champ car?

btw. You guys are such good shooters! No fair that you don't do your share of AX shooting ...

You are correct Lotus doesnt make a formula car, or engine, but they recognized the value of the series for advertising, and IRL last year was cheap to get in to. The car is just the spec indy car, Lotus just put its well recognized colors on the team. Worked nicely I feel.

I have enough to worry about learning to drive, I leave the cameras home when I come out to play.

Jeff, if you come out for practice on the 19th, find a sweeper where you can work on panning. The long lens is cool but it has a fault, the image of the GT40 is nice but the wheels are frozen, it could have just as easily been parked, the difficulty is holding sharp focus on the elements of the car you want to control say the drivers helment or hands, well blurring the wheels to signify speed. Also appeture control. Not a big issue at long beach but a lot you can do with it.

You can't miss me I have the dark blue C4 vette with GS stripes.