How to get your foot in the door?

Ask Devin Davis?

Seriously though, I've always liked your work and I thought you already had a foot in the door. Wish I could help - even from 12,000 kilometres away.

I'd tell ya, but then I'd have to kill ya

Don't be afraid to just ask, be persistent and make them think you're better than you actually are. Sometimes that's all it takes.

http://vurbmoto.com/darkroom/2011-twmx-slam-darkroom/7111/

First, understand that too many lenses are chasing a very few opportunities.

So, to get in you need to network and introduce yourself.

Do you use LinkedIn? If not then start.

Who utilizes images at moto companies? Think Art Directors, Marketing Managers, etc.

Submit images that are unique and high quality - anybody can shoot a whip but can you provide images that showcase a company's rider or products?

I took a look at your Washougal gallery, from this I might suggest you take some pit images. Often overlooked you may find yourself getting more of these published than action shots,
.

At a race shoot where Simon isn't - in other words be creative - do something others aren't.

Learn from others - look at all the mags, websites, the ads, the catalogs - absorb and look for new or different angled

Finally, consider for cash flow reasons to shoot and sell at local races. I guarantee it will be financially better for you.

P.S. Follow your passion and never give up if this is what you really want to do!

Forgot this: do not let people use your images commercially for free. Try to learn how to price your work in a competitive way. All Shooters need to eat, pay mortgages, buy new gear. Giving images away hurts everybody.

Out of all the advice in this thread, this one is the most important, IMO. Giving away free photos kills opportunities to make money for yourself and for other photographers as well. Once you give away free photos, then the company, website, mag, etc. can and will take advantage of you because they know that you are willing to give up free photos for exposure. What happens when you think you are good enough to start making money and over the exposure factor? It's hard to break that barrier unless you are dealing with certain people who actually respect you. I've been there. It also kills opportunities for other photogs because people are willing to give their photos out for free and the actual photogs trying to make money are "outbid" by people giving out photos at a lesser quality. It hurts both sides.

Beyond that, networking is key.

Chapter 2:

Be professional, be courteous, be nice, be reliable, be mature. No attitude, please...

A long time ago (5 years...) An Editor complimented me on how I submitted my race images. So, make it easy for clients to get, view, and select your images.

Put in the hours. Expect to spend 12 hours on your feet at a National shooting. Cool images can be had early in the day and late in the day. I remember a Cudby shot from RC's last Kawi race at Steel City. It was an image of the bike leaned up against the rig fencing. Verizon impactful and something that was shot probably well after the spectators had left.

Invest in the best gear and s/w that you can afford. A 300mm f/2.8 lens from Canon or Nikon is worth the $8,000 or so they cost these days (note: may be off here a bit as I have not priced them lately.)

Think world-wide...there are outlets for your work in Australia, UK, Italy, Germany, Japan, etc.

What skills you hone in moto shooting can be leveraged in other action sports and other types of shooting. Diversify if this is your business...