All

Nah man I’m not mad at all. I don’t even really disagree with what you’re saying. As Fresh Top End says, it’s hard to get into the industry so making money is a tough reality. But the statement of “it’s easy” discredits those who have worked super hard to get into the position they are. I know it wasn’t as “easy” as just buying the newest and nicest gear. Yes, I believe anyone can learn the fundamentals of photography but it is a whole lot more than that even to get your foot in the door. That’s all. I just...

But the underlying message is reality; it is very difficult to break in at the level where you are making money shooting Moto. There are very well-established shooters who have existing relationships with journals and vendors, and those vendors want quick and reliable access across the season without thinking twice. And there is a lot of competition within those established shooters for those gigs. That is a tough nut to crack, tougher than buying gear. None of which means that someone should not pursue it. Wishing the OP luck.

They are in the position they are in because they're good photographers, hustle, and don't mind the travel/grind. I've have been shooting with all of them for years, including all the worlds best surf photographers who have now been sidelined because work dried up. I chose not to shoot action sports for a career because I'm motivated by money, and I prefer to shoot on the side for the love of photography. I teach people photography all the time, and yes it's a lot easier now with the latest gear although it's never been super tough if you used the...

this

LMAO come on dude. Go ahead and tell any of those guys that they're only in the position they're in because of the gear. The best editing in the world make up for shitty composition. Just a hilarious statement all around. OP: You are more likely to get a pass for RCSX Amateur Days than the Saturday Night SX. Unless you're on assignment it is pretty tough to get a pass.

Be legit. Or know somebody. Daytona is way different than the rest of the races.

I would not suggest changing career paths to be a photographer in action sports. Photography is so easy now and great photographers are a dime a dozen. A lot of them are like you, who will work for free to get credentials. I've done it myself over the years just for the love of photography, moto, surfing, and travel. If you had skills 10-15 years ago when photography was more challenging you could make some okay money, but the gear nowadays makes it so easy that any dummy can shoot good photos. The editing is what will set you apart...

If you would like to get your foot in the door, We can help you out with credentials. Shoot me an email and we can talk about Daytona.

Can't help with the credentials, but just wanted to chip in and say I like your two photos from the Rolex 24. Great shots.

I tried to get access almost 10 years ago for the Atlanta SX and had no luck. I was working for J&P Cycle just down the road from where you are and I was writing for our blog and I supplied them with the traffic numbers of our blog which were pretty strong, and I got nowhere. I wrote the story from the stands, and it got a decent amount of hits. The ironic thing is the very next year I went to Atlanta and sat in the press box and did track walk and VIP'ed it with a team.

To be honest, SX access can be more challenging than the outdoors if you've not got an existing track record. I don't know about Daytona personally, but generally there is just a space issue with SX that can be limiting on available credentials, and personally I never sought an SX credential because there are shooters making their income shooting with existing relationships with vendors and magazine who have first dibs on that space. If you don't have an assignment you're going to have a friend who can grease it for you. That's kind of the trick to breaking in to...