Melbourne/Shepparton - Special Offer for a Motorsport Newbie

[MSF]

Hey guys,

Who likes to shoot motorsport but has never really had the chance to get to the great spots and try their hand ??

Well, I am offering the opportunity for one lucky person to be granted FULL media accreditation for the upcoming Dutton Rally in Victoria. (August 31st to September 2nd)

This is primarily aimed at those guys who *REALLY* want the opportunity to learn to shoot motorsport but have not had the chance to do so before...

Motorsport is Dangerous, and you will be required to read and sign the media event accreditation and imdemnity form and must follow all the rules and directions given by the officials, and you must be 18 years or older but effectively you will have an Access All Areas pass for the entire weekend... You will also be supplied with a media ID tag and Flouro vest - both of which MUST be worn at all times, - the vest must be returned, but you may keep the media ID Tag as a momento..

Transport and Accomodation etc will be your responsibility, so you MUST have a car to get about in, transport can not be guaranteed

There are a few criteria you MUST meet..

1. Attitude
If you are a w@nker - don't bother applying

2. Equipment
You must have your own decent quality DSLR and Lenses... - I don't expect you to have a 5D and a bag full of primes, but if you tun up with a point and shoot - I will not be impressed... Realistically, a lens length of at least 200mm is practical, and a wider angle for the people and closer action shots is a great bonus.


3. Attitude
If you can not conduct yourself in a professional manner - don't bother applying.

4. Previous work / Experience
If you have attended heaps of motorsport before, or are regulary published in car magazines, then please don't apply - let the guys trying to get some experience go for it...

5. Attitude
If you can't follow simple rules and directions from officials who have your saftey in mind (they don't care how great a shot is, they don't want you run over (too much paperwork)) - then don't bother applying

6. Published work.

NOTE: YOU WILL NOT BE PAID.....

The photos you take are YOURS, however you agree to release the hi resolution images to the event management for use for the event as required. You are not allowed to SELL or SOLICIT FOR SALE, any of the photos you take to the competitors or participants. You may however offer for sale your images for editorial use for external media publications.

So, are you interested ??

I really want to give the opportunity to somone who is really enthusiastic and keen to shoot the event from start to finish and give you a chance to practice and improve your skills. We don't NEED the extra photos (we normally manage over 10,000 images for the 3 days already) - so this IS NOT about us getting slave labour, but rather this is all about YOU having the opportunity to tag along and see how it works and see if you have what it takes...

If you have any questions, please post here and I will do my best to answer them...

Otherwise email me at jason@motorsportfotos.com with your name and basic details, what equipment you have (or can borrow), your photographic experience and why I should pick you over anybody else... Feel free to include links to previous work if you are happy enough to show it.

Include your phone number and best times to call as I will definitley need to call you to make sure you are someone that I can work with to start with...

If you want samples of the types of images you will be shooting... check out http://www.duttonrallyphotos.com
The locations for the 2007 event should include..
DECA Shepparton,
Shepparton Airport,
Winton Raceway
Sandown Raceway
Essendon Airport
Shepparton carpark Motorkhana
and possibly others...

Why am I doing this.....?????
I was lucky enough to have someone give me a similar break when I was first starting out and I'd like help someone else get the same break that may just kickstart a future career.

All the best...
Cheers
Jason
http://www.motorsportfotos.com

[michael_]

nice one Jason, what a great opportunity for someone starting out, i can honestly say after shooting dutton nsw that the person will have a ball and i cannot wait for next year where hopefully i can go to more than one state.

see you on thursday jason

[TonyH]

Great opportunity for someone Jason.... I'm sure you'll have the guys here kicking your door in wanting to be the "Lucky" one....

[Jonesy]

What a great oportunity, and so good of you to offer it.

If I could get the time of I'd be there in a flash. but work and distance is restricing. I hope someone takes up this offer and can benifit from the experience

Cheers

[MSF]

Thanks for the comments guys...

If this works out to be successful and I don't end up with egg on my face - I'll certainly offer it for the other events also.. - The Dutton Rally covers QLD, NSW, WA and VIC...

They are heaps of fun, that's for sure..

A couple of things that have been asked (from a few people that have emailed questions...)

1. Do I have to prove that I represent a media publication to be eligible

NO, This is an opportunity to get full media access, without actually representing anyone officially. You can be a total freelance newbie... But, if you are successful in selling your stuff to a mag or local news paper later ... Kudos to you.. you are on your way

2. Do I have to cover all three days...
It would be preferable.. There are different events and different tracks etc - it is the easiest way to learn as you will cover as much as possible.

3. What if I don't like it, can I leave at anytime...?
No, by taking this on, you have to sell your soul to me and you will be locked up in a dungeon for the 51 weeks until the next Victorian event.....
/sarcasim off
Of course you can, if you feel that you are not enjoying as you probably should, or the fast cars are too scary for you - LOL, then as long as you let me know so I am not worried when you go missing - and return your vest, you can head home when ever you like.

4. Can I bring my mates / girlfriend / mummy / auntie edna ??
Sure you can.. make a weekend away of it with your loved one if you want, however they will not be granted the same access that you will, and will be left with the other spectators. This may or may not be a good thing - that's up to you to decide.. From personal experience - if they are not MORE interested in motorsport and socialising than you... then they may be a burden... Let them go shopping with your credit card instead if you think you may get the "I'm borrrrrred... can we go now..." (after 15mins of the event on day one...).


5. What are the hours
The event usually runs from 7am in the morning (Breakfast and drivers briefing) through to 11pm at night ( Awards presentations and drinkypoos) the actual driving events run from about 9am to 5 pm, but you can come and go as you please and swap between events..

6. What do I need to say in the letter to you ??
Well, just be yourself - if you don't, it will become obvious when I call you anyway.. I am not looking to be impressed by your previous experience - that's NOT what this is about.. Seriously, if you have never shot a moving car in your life, but are super enthusiastic to learn, then that would be favoured over a regular motorsport photog who is complacent and up themself...

Also, I really need to get the name of the person decided upon and all the paperwork sorted about 2 weeks before the event (so your submissions must be in by the 17th August... so get cracking, you have about 2 weeks)


So... anything else ??

[Matt. K]

Jason
Great offer Jason. Hopefully you will drag a 'gifted' out of the woodwork!

[MSF]

That's certainly what i am hoping for..

Two more questions I have rec'd

1. I am not from Victoria - I live in (Insert state/town here) - can I still apply ?
Of course, but you are responsible for your travel and accomodation remember. But as i menttioned above, if this works out OK, I will include the other state events in it next year.

2. What if my photos are all crap ?
Well, as long as you have learnt something from the event, then I look at that as a positive. As I said, we currently manage around 10,000+ images over the weekend already, so we are not asking you along to boost the number of shots that we get, but for you to learn. If you get some spectacular shots, and they are used by the media - then that's a bonus..

[seeto.centric]

bah. its in melbourne.. no money to travel atm either
id love to take you up on it, its a very generous offer, but unfortunately due to transport constraints, i cant
thanks anyway from all members here!

-j

[MSF]

Well, I am a little surprised...

I would have thought there would be plenty of people chomping at the bit to come along to this... Had many emails asking questions, but no actual applications...

Time is running out if you are interested....

[!~DeViNe~DaRkNeSs~!]

i know that chance's like this are few and far between and it would be the experience a n00b like me needs.
BUT
my car is rooted and theres no way id get around + i have no $$$ for accomodation etc

is the essendon airport event open to the public? as this is merely 5mins from my house and id at least like to come see

[poompy]

WOW what an opp. i would definately snap this up if my leg wasnt in a brace.

c'mon guys there has to someone out there...maybe they are little shy?

[MSF]

is the essendon airport event open to the public? as this is merely 5mins from my house and id at least like to come see

Unfortunately I have discovered that we are not running the Essendon Airport Motorkhana this year...

the event schedule is available at...

http://www.duttonrally.com/_assets/VICe ... dule07.pdf

[methd]

i would snap at this opportunity, but I will be in thailand

[Louie]

It is a fantastic opportunity which I would have really liked to try - I even meet most of the criteria (newbie, never shot a moving vehicle, want to learn, etc) except for the bit about being available that particular weekend

I do hope someone is able to take advantage of this, and also that other opportunities come along when more people (including me!) are available.

Elena

[MSF]

Hey Guys,
Last opportunity to register your interest...
Decision will be made this Friday evening.

I have three takers so far that I've spoken to and all are equally as deserving.

One from Canberra
One from Albury
One from the Gold Coast

time is running out if you still want to apply

[MSF]

Well, My job to decide just got a whole lot easier

(not sure if people want their names mentioned as they have not posted publically)

The Canberra applicant pulled out this morning citing financial reasons...
(was looking really good too...asked all the right questions, was super keen and mature)

I called the Albury one who said that they can't do Saturday now and said that it's not worth them travelling down and back twice, so Sunday was out too...

So.. Mr Gold Coast... unless anyone else steps up to the plate to challenge you for the position - You are it...
So.....Unless of course Tom Cruise is coming over for a Roast Dinner and you need to cancel.. looks like you should start packing your bags... Final confirmation will be given tomorrow when i call you...

Also, I have spoken with two of the editors / journalists for the national motoring magazines that are covering the event and they said they would be happy to run your images and give you some exposure...

Thanks to all who expressed their interest..

[christiand]

Hi MSF,

what became of the Melbourne/Shepparton - Special Offer for a Motorsport Newbie ?
Are there any images, any interesting news ?

Regards,
CD

[MSF]

Well I just got home from melbourne about an hour ago and starting backing up the 32Gb worth of shots...

As for the the newbiw, well I certainly hope that he has a good excuse for NOT showing up.. I called him oin Thursday afternoon to make sure everything was still ok, (which he said it was) then when he hadn't shown up by lunchtime on Friday I called him but his phone rang out and kept going to voicemail. I tried at leat 20-30 times over the afternoon and evening and then again on Saturday morning before giving up.....

So, as for the newbie, (John) I hope that he is OK ( still not answering).. it was a fantastic event. - I will have the shots on-line progressively over the next few days and will post a few of the out of control 'hero' shots for you guys to give some comments on..

I have a few media obligations for images, so once I get them out of the way, I'll get back in here and post them up..

Cheers
Jason

[aussichef]

well Jason
if you do another even in Melbourne or in South Australia for that matter i will put my hand up
I would have this time but saw the post to late
warren aka aussichef

[!~DeViNe~DaRkNeSs~!]

ohh thats really crap, that was such a rare opportunity!
wish i had of had a vehicle n a few spare $$ to go and do it!

[skyva]

I hope you keep offering the opprtunity. I would have liked to have offered my time but I was skiing that weekend. One of the problems is that while it was a valuable offer, it was free, so there is little incentive to turn up if something else came up.

[Reschsmooth]

One of the problems is that while it was a valuable offer, it was free, so there is little incentive to turn up if something else came up.

Really?? So, if you take the only spot that has been offered, the opportunity itself is not incentive enough to turn up (not even mentioning common decency and respect, which are just as important). I have no idea why the person didn't turn up, and this is not aimed at them, but I find it odd that the assumption is that "if I have nothing to lose (because I haven't paid for anything), I can turn up or not at my discretion" seems valid.

Wow, I must be old-fashioned.

[christiand]

Hi Jason,

PM sent.

Cheers,
CD

[MSF]

I agree Patrick,

In this industry especially, people are judged as much on their attitude and professionalism as they are their abilities. I am still waiting to hear back from John as to his excuse...

The parts of this gig I didn't tell people about ( for reasons that I only wanted GENUINE applicants) were as follows..

All Meals and Accommodation was being provided for the lucky person, as they would be attending all the event functions etc, They would have gotten a few of the event merchandise things (shirts/caps/jacket, bags etc)

So yeah, it was a pretty good opportunity for someone starting out - No strings attached...

[sheepie]

This is rather sad, and like Patrick I feel I must be a little old-fashioned with my ideas. Without wanting to be seen as persecuting the recipient of this offer - after all, there are reasons which could have meant participating wasn't an option at the last minute, and if that's the case, so be it - but I find it difficult to accept that not even a phone call or other message was given to explain the absence.

Many times on this forum, there have been amazing offers of people's time and expertise. Some times these offers have been taken advantage of.
I speak of great opportunities going back to the Jenolan Caves meet (it is my understanding that hardly anyone ended up sending their pictures in), through several Portrature Sessions for which it has required constant reminders for people to provide copies of pictures.

Let's not loose site of the fact that people here are not doing this to make a living - they are offering these opportunities for the advancement of your skills. Sometimes, as in this case, they are going out on a limb and putting their own reputation at stake.

Let's make doubly sure that others thinking of offering such a chance in the future aren't given the impression that their efforts are wasted.

[bwhinnen]

Sad to hear. Would have been some great experience.

Personally I didn't apply as I have more than enough on my plate and figured this would be perfect for someone just starting out to have a go and wanted to give them the chance.

Maybe next time I'll jump at the chance instead

Brett

[Bindii]

I have only just found this thread and for one I was shocked that you only had three applicants for the spot... and even more shocked to find that the person you selected didn't even bother to show... what a fantastic opportunity and to throw it away is almost unbelievable... I agree with Reschsmooth its terribly disrespectful not to mention the height of bad manners...

I certainly hope that this one persons actions hasn't deterred you from being able to make the same offer in the other states as you previously mentioned? It would be a pity of the misdeeds of one ruined others for the same chance...

[!~DeViNe~DaRkNeSs~!]

ohhh na, if i had known the accomdation was in i would have hired a car and gone all in :(:(:( dam!

[MSF]

This might annoy some people, but I did it for a reason..

I did not mention the "extras' until I had chosen someone and they were definitely keen and interested. ie, if the person is prepared to make a small sacrifice to come along to experience the event, then they deserve the extra freebees thrown in..

The Canberra person who cited financial reasons for pulling out put me in a difficult position in regards to telling them there and then that accommodation was covered, or accepting their decline. Hindsight is a wonderful thing and maybe I should have told them, but others had also mentioned that the only thing stopping them from coming was the cost.. So was it unfair to tell one, but not all...

Basically - The last thing I wanted was somone coming along on a free junket and not being there for the right reasons..... Been there and had to put up with that before and I vowed NEVER to allow it to happen again... *shrug*

[Kyle]

I'm sorry to hear that the person who signed up failed to come through for you Jason

I trust that you had a good event none-the-less?

[MSF]

Hey Kyle,

The bloke from here wasn't the only one not to show. I had 3 "normal' media people signed on for the weekend and one of them diddn't show either...

Got some great pics...

http://www.motorsportfotos.com/ADR_VIC for some samples I just resized ...

I think they are too big for showing here though, (1200x800) so just click the link...

[Kyle]

I find it odd that people who apply for accred to do a no-show.. I guess there are circumstances that can stop one from going, but 3 people..

Darren will absolutely love the shots of him flying through the air, but one has to ask what he was thinking :D

Love all apart from a couple, did you grab the 300f4 off Michael?

[MSF]

Nah, they were all with the 20D and 70-200 2.8
(Jadey was using the 30D for the weekend..)

My 40D's arrived on Monday - so I missed out on using them for this event, but They will certainly be getting a work out at Bathurst :p

Sorry, to clarify - I meant to say - Had 3 Accreditations (plus the one from here) - only 2 of them showed up (one of which was a driver / media anyway)

Darren had some problems with the car and coming into turn two he missed a gear and it shot him accross the other side of the track, it was an expensive 'off" too.. 3 Bent rims and one cracked rim. (Front Drivers) - He was NOT happy understandably..

[sheepie]

...I did not mention the "extras' until I had chosen someone and they were definitely keen and interested...Basically - The last thing I wanted was somone coming along on a free junket and not being there for the right reasons..... Been there and had to put up with that before and I vowed NEVER to allow it to happen again... *shrug*

Agree totally with your approach to this - it was a unique opportunity and you really did need someone serious. If you'd made people aware of the "freebies" then (as much as it's not nice to say) I can guess there would have been more people "interested".

I hope you are not put off, and look forward to more offerings like this - hopefully (from my own, selfish, point of view) they will be at a time which works better for me!

[michael_]

wow that track definately has alot of attitude, love seeing cars up on two wheels.

pity nobody came through Jason, your generosity speaks volumes and its ashame because with the amount of shooting done at dutton in one weekend a non seasoned motorsport photographer could gain quite abit.

[christiand]

Hi Jason,

thanks for sharing the fotos and thanks for your PM.

Cheers,
CD