Photos at Race tracks

[pitslug]

So over the week end I was at a local racetrack that had a sign up that said " NO PHOTOGRAPHY OR VIDEOS " allowed per management.  Now I fully understand that tracks have photographers on site and these people sell their photos for income. I understand that if they do not make any money they will no longer be a service at the racetrack. BUT here is the problem with "NO PHOTOGRAPHY ", in an age of instant social media people will use their cell phones for pictures. It actually help to promote your track if people are posting things from your track. Facebook "live" is away of staying involved the race track even when other obligations pull you away. Racers use social media to keep track of our racing families that race other series or classes at other tracks. To try and ban photography and videos all together seems a bit over controlling and just reading the sign leaves negative impressions about the track.   Your thoughts are appreciated;

[Admin]

Social media has changed everything....even they way our members use this site. But, I'd suggest you contact that track's management directly as to why they restrict photography and video. I suspect it's so they can control their brand image or restrict live or delayed broadcast of the event. When folks don't go to the event, there's no $$$, and no $$$ means no racing.

We'd be interested in what you find....

[raceannouncer]

So over the week end I was at a local racetrack that had a sign up that said " NO PHOTOGRAPHY OR VIDEOS " allowed per management.  Now I fully understand that tracks have photographers on site and these people sell their photos for income. I understand that if they do not make any money they will no longer be a service at the racetrack. BUT here is the problem with "NO PHOTOGRAPHY ", in an age of instant social media people will use their cell phones for pictures. It actually help to promote your track if people are posting things from your track. Facebook "live" is away of staying involved the race track even when other obligations pull you away. Racers use social media to keep track of our racing families that race other series or classes at other tracks. To try and ban photography and videos all together seems a bit over controlling and just reading the sign leaves negative impressions about the track.   Your thoughts are appreciated;

The same problem is being addressed by NASCAR (and its tracks) regarding the use of "drones".  Your use of the term "over-controlling" is an interesting one...what would be your opinion of the word "control" and where is the line drawn to exert the amount of control you think is proper? Since the tracks are NOT public property and thus have the right (and power) to set rules and policies, they DO have the say over what goes on at the track.  A purchase of a ticket to watch a race is not a "carte-blanche" to do anything you want; plus, in my way of thinking, just because the technology exists, you do not have the right to use it as you please.  (But I DO think the rapid growth of technology opens up a whole new realm of opportunity for racing venues if used correctly and responsibly!)...just my two cents.

[lynchmobb]

I have personally only seen 1 local track with the 'no photos' posting. I can see that there should not be photos/videos taken by private parties that would then be sold - negatively affects the track photographer business. But for private fans who are taking photos for their own use? No way to police that. As for the 'live videos' - that does take away from possible fans in the stands, but what about the people who 'live text' the race results? Same result, and no way to enforce unless they made everyone check their cellphones at the gate. Maybe have camera/cellphone fans sign a release when they enter the facility, stating the photos are for personal use & will not be posted 'live'. That whole 'drone' thing is another sticky issue, in addition to the possible safety issue if the thing crashes into the stands or a racecar!

Very interesting topic!

[Gomerpyle]

You tell fans they can't take personal photo's or video's with their cell phones and Walmart camera's then you will lose a lot of fans. The Greatful Dead still made out pretty good and there are MILLIONS of bootlegs recordings out there. If you want a professional video made, have Ron Hills make you one.

[The Race Report]

Scott...   Saturday night a person in the stands live streamed green to checkered flag racing via Facebook.  That is stealing from the track owner!  Buying a ticket does not give anyone the right to share that sporting event with the rest of the world.

Try that at a professional baseball game, hockey game, basketball game... etc.  Management will warn you once, then you are invited to leave the premises.

Photos are okay...  personal video maybe...  live streaming is theft.


Paz...  Drones are strictly banned at Watkins Glen International and most other major race tracks...  as well as most of the baseball and football stadiums I know of.
WGI does not even allow professional broadcast media to use drones, and my helicopter budget is all used up for this year.  I'll tie a GoPro to a seagull and hope for the best.

[94Reasons]

The Drone thing I understand but if a friend or family member does good or heck even wins a race then I am for sure going to whip out my phone and snap a picture to spread the good news and share the moment. I applaud the track photographers and I do BUY their product. I mean lets face it they know how to frame the shot and take a better quality of photo, but I don't want to wait 2,3 or 4 days for the picture to share.

[raceannouncer]

The Drone thing I understand but if a friend or family member does good or heck even wins a race then I am for sure going to whip out my phone and snap a picture to spread the good news and share the moment. I applaud the track photographers and I do BUY their product. I mean lets face it they know how to frame the shot and take a better quality of photo, but I don't want to wait 2,3 or 4 days for the picture to share.

I somewhat agree with this train of thought--no matter how good smartphones are (and they ARE pretty damn good)...the pictures won't turn out as well because, yes, the person taking the shot knows very little about composition, lighting, focusing and other factors which separate good from bad shots!  I'm ALWAYS amused by folks who take a smartphone shot using the flash.  Pro photographers know that even the best pro flash equipment don't do well for getting good pics to be taken at a far distance.  a flash is mostly used as a "fill" light to better illuminate close shots.  Also, race track lighting (or lack thereof) has much to do with getting a worthwhile pic as well...

[coop24]

Ron what do you mean by live streaming??? Every week we go live on fb for Kenny's feature do to our kids not all being able to be there to watch is that illegal???

[Chargincharlie]

No food ,no water ,no phones,no camera's, no coolers what the stink next.how about no smoking in the stands I'm sick of feeling like I smoked a carton of cigarettes when I leave the track.

[94Reasons]

Video is an entirely different subject. May I recommend a great video product is Wyoming county's video of their SHOOTOUT.  Great footage and nice editing. That's a product worth paying for. May I suggest to the video crew that after a 2 year period to put it on You Tube or the tracks website. I believe that this would help promote the event and may help sell the most current release.