PRO photogs?

[Big Red]

I help run the Tough Tracks 4x4 Challenge and we have a few photographers and videographery on the tracks while people are competing.
In other comp we often hear complaints about too many people on the tracks spoiling the view of the spectators so before it gets that far i am trying to come up with some solutions or suggestions.

We could hire a Photographer to cover the event [2 big days] and allow access to the pics by any magazines that want them?
would this be acceptable to a magazine that normally would take their own photo's?
how much would it cost to hire a photog for the weekend?


just some thoughts i am having.

[sheepie]

I think you're always going to have people wanting to take pictures. The question you need to answer for yourself is "do I want to piss everyone else off by only allowing a 'pro' to take the pics?". Don't turn this event into yet another place the average Joe Bloe can't enjoy his hobby in.

[Matt. K]

Question might be..."How do I stop spectators from taking pics on Public property"? This presumes the event is on public property.

[Big Red]

oh sorry, i should have explained better ...
any one can take pics from behind the bunting but only authorised people are allowed on the actual track ... the problem is we will end up with several people on the track [2 from TV, 5 from magazines] and spectators have a hard time taking pics.
Me being a photog makes me more aware and i have been trying to keep bunting low, banners on the other side of the track where they are not in the way etc etc

[robw25]

Me being a photog makes me more aware and i have been trying to keep bunting low, banners on the other side of the track where they are not in the way etc etc

well done shane, thinking of joe average ! these pics were taken" behind the bunting " http://robw.smugmug.com/gallery/685111

cheers rob

[sheepie]

oh sorry, i should have explained better ...
any one can take pics from behind the bunting but only authorised people are allowed on the actual track ... the problem is we will end up with several people on the track [2 from TV, 5 from magazines] and spectators have a hard time taking pics.
Me being a photog makes me more aware and i have been trying to keep bunting low, banners on the other side of the track where they are not in the way etc etc

OK - congratulations on the effort then! Sorry I missed your original point If only there were more organisers that thought of such things we'd all be happier, and churning out stunners like BBJ (Yeah, right!)

I doubt you'd get away with just one official photog. I think the approach is usually more photogs increases the competition to 'get the shot' and keeps their mind on the job. Also increases the chances of one of them getting a 'minties moment'

Looking at Robs pics, if these are from this event then I don't think you have too much to worry about! What sort of complaints have you had from Joe Bloe? I know when I go to to an event I expect to be blocked out a little by pro photogs. I also still get some reasonable shots that I'm happy with - even if there's photogs in them photo's

Maybe an alternative would be to have one or two areas that the public can have limited access to (timewise) that allows them an unobstructed view of some of the action?

[Matt. K]

Wonderful that you have considered the other photogs. Simply means they will get better pics and as an organiser that's want you want.