I spent this past weekend checking out a couple tracks and watching races. See below for a few shots from the AHRMA National at Log Road MX and I may add in a few from Badlands Off Road Park later this week. Please be aware that none of these pictures are for sale.
Why? I must have permission from the track owner or promoter (sometimes both); whichever the case may be. Many people assume that you can just show up at a track or any other sporting event, take and sell pictures. Not the case. Take all the pictures you want, but not for profit unless you have been cleared by management. It is private property even though a public event. This is even trickier ground when doing school sports (especially college level), but I won't get into that here.
Some tracks/series contract with photographers to cover all or most of their events. I will not even think of trying to undermine another photographers contract! Don't want someone doing that to me and I won't stoop to that level. Will I pitch my services to the owner and try to generate future business? Heck yeah. I like to eat just like eveyones else reading this. I will not however post pictures for sale knowing that another photographer has exclusive rights to cover that event or the owner/promoter has denied me permission.
So, just remember when you see me out at a new track you may not be able to purchase those pictures from me.
2 comments:
Actually, in Illinois you may enter private property and take pictures of ordinary (non copyright or trademarked thinks), like kids on dirt bikes, and you may sell them for a profit. The private property owner can tell you to stop, but cannot take your equipment or your negatives. He or she may only tell you to leave or allow you stay providing you don't photograph.
Interesting. True, each state and local government have differing laws regaurding this matter. I tend to go with the assumption that the owner has the right to know and approve what happens on their property.
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