[ratpack] Re: Credentials

  • From: Larry Knight <carpixguy@xxxxxxxxx>
  • To: ratpack@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Thu, 9 Sep 2010 21:38:18 -0600

All three pics are beautiful. The girls of course, but that camaro looks
nice.

I didn't say I had to sit in the stands, I said sometimes I'd rather sit in
the stands and not have to produce pics for an editor, much more enjoyable.
Now of course if JG gives out creds like at mpra weekends, well that is just
a win win isn't it.
Keep feeding my family man butt pics this weekend. I'd say I'll miss you
guys, but that would be too mushy and sissy, so I'll just say, I don't know
how you guys will get along without me!! (maybe a little cocky?)

Have fun fellers
Larr

On Thu, Sep 9, 2010 at 4:52 PM, PAUL W WATSON <TSWATSON78@xxxxxxx> wrote:

>  Hi Larr and all,
>
> I had a short chat with J.G. this afternoon.  I asked about my credential
> approval for NASA, he said don't worry about it.  I got the impression that
> they are treating NASA like a MPRA weekend.  Show up and get your media
> wrist band and come on in.  None of the woe is me, I have to sit in the
> stands, crap Larry.  Come on out when ever you can.
>
> It was sort of nice when Leighton Reese recognized/remembered me and came
> up and shook my hand.
>
> I am attaching a couple of photos that I took today.  I must say that
> drivers are getting better looking all the time.
>
> P.
>
>  ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* Larry Knight <carpixguy@xxxxxxxxx>
> *To:* ratpack@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>   *Sent:* Thursday, September 09, 2010 1:48 PM
> *Subject:* [ratpack] Re: Credentials
>
> Well gentlemen and others,
> Here are some thoughts I have had while reading your e-mails....
>
> 1. You all have fun this weekend and enjoy the Race, I'll be watching on TV
> and looking to see if you guys get in the way of the TV cameras. I'll miss
> the lunches and comrodarie more than those butt ugly prototypes!!! I will
> miss the GS cars though, let me know how the Camaros look in real life.
>
> 2. Credentials. I think we have actually had it good till lately. My editor
> tells me that one year Daytona Speedway asked for the media to pay premium
> entry fees and pay $50 a day for the "free media meals" for each of the
> photographers that they granted creds to, but not the TV media or
> journalists. He told them to go to hell and that they would never cover
> another event at Daytona, no matter what media outlet he ends up working
> for, now or in the future (go get em ed).
>
> 3. In some of my discussions with other media managers (well just JG and
> two others) each santioning body is EXTREMELY different from the next. And
> even worse, they are different from one year to the next. One major
> santioning body (I forget which) leans entierly on the tracks to manage the
> media, while the American Lemans series does it all them selves. The Lucas
> Off Road series was especially weird this year and ran all of thier creds
> through a trailer parked over by turn one. The Lady was really nice, but
> their procedures were wierd, and JG had nothing to do with it. Sometimes
> they ask JG for help with the creds but put restrictions on him too. The
> Superbike event was very very late giving out thier creds and JG just had to
> wait with the rest of us. So it is really hard to tell who is rejecting the
> creds, JG or the sanctioning body. I was declined for the Monterey Historics
> 3 times (through my editor) because the new media manager had never heard of
> the website, because it is European, but it had 3 times the hits per month
> as some of the other websites they did grant credentials to. And there were
> not that many photogs at that event. It is just not a standard thing. I also
> didn't get told No to creds for Monterey till way after the deadline to book
> airfare (at least on Delta)(my family flew home, I drove), so I didn't even
> know if I had creds before I was spending money to go. I wish it was more
> standard. So If the media guy & or the sanctioning body & or the secratary
> to whomever,  doesn't think much of your paritcular meda outlet, negatory to
> the creds!!! I am not sure how much of this is really JG though.
>
> 4. Paragraph 3 is probably just a reiteration of discussions we have
> already had, but Ray, I am fast approaching where you are with all of this
> too. Nothing to do with JG though. I get really sick of my spot in the media
> room being moved because I am not with a big magazine. I didn't even get to
> sit down to eat at the superbike race, no room for us little guys. Long
> beach had 25 internet connections for the photogs, and over 150
> photographers, who do you think got those connections. Not only that, but
> since my media outlet is European, 10pm our time is 6am thiers and they want
> to wake up to pics of our events monday morning, and there is always
> pressure (for me) to have my stuff cleaned, cropped, corrected and uploaded
> by 10pm our time. I had no such pressure for the Montereay event, and other
> than a few photog heads in a few of my pics, I really enjoyed "shooting from
> the stands". So I am almost to the point of paying for a ticket, shooting
> what I want, and just "leaving it in the can" till I am damn good and ready
> to look at them. Maybe I'm not on the exact same frustration page as you
> Ray, but in the same chapter anyway.
>
> Wake up!!!! I'm done.
>
> Having said all that, I will miss shooting the BUTT UGLY prototypes, GS
> group and yes Paul, I will miss the Girls Of Miller, which by the way, I
> will expect a full accounting of by you Mr. Watson. My email will handle 10
> meg of data per e-mail, so start them comming with todays batch of unloading
> the cars-GOM pics.
>
> Oh and I am not coming because of Soccer and Family commitments. (If momma
> aint happy......)(by the way, if momma is a red head, and she it, that
> particular truth isn't just mearly a saying, it takes on a "physical law of
> the universe" type thing, sorta like gravity!!!)
>
> Bye the way too, I probably won't be out to the NASA event either, I have a
> Doc appointment to determine if my head has a re-occurance of that pesky
> little skin cancer thing I had a year or two ago, and if it is, he has
> reserved the operating room for that weekend. Wish me luck, but I don't
> think it has come back, but we will see. If it is negative, you may see me
> on one day "shooting from the stands". Work has also stepped up the "Pain in
> the Ass" quotent on Thurs and Fri that week. Who scheduled this thing??
>
> I am planning on the Viper event in Oct. and maybe even the porsche club
> event on sept. 25thish. FYI
>
> See Ya
> Larr
>
> On Wed, Sep 8, 2010 at 7:01 PM, Ray Buck <rbuck@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>
>> Once again, that'll depend on whether you talk to my ex-wives' lawyers.
>> :)
>>
>> So far, I think I've refrained from saying or doing anything that would
>> bring wrath down around my head.  So if ya say yer associated with me in any
>> way, they'll prolly just say, "huh?"
>>
>>
>> r
>>
>> Sent from my Dreadnought using that barely tolerable Thunderbird email 
>> program
>>
>>
>>  On 9/8/2010 6:44 PM, Michael Wells wrote:
>>
>> I just want to know if I tell people I'm part of the Rat Pack if they'll
>> look at me with reverence or if they"ll look like they're going to hurl.
>>
>>
>>
>> On Wed, Sep 8, 2010 at 6:38 PM, Ray Buck <rbuck@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>
>>> I spose the name dropping depends on what height ya drop it from.  It
>>> might hurt.
>>>
>>> Honestly, I'm not quite sure whatcha mean....but as long as you don't
>>> tell any of my ex-wives' lawyers, I guess it ain't too bad.
>>>
>>> Here are the Concours photos:
>>> http://www.chevyasylum.com/cruisin/cruisin2010/20100828/Welcome.html
>>>
>>> Now I'm workin on photos for the race team (Poteet & Main) that I shot
>>> for at Speed Week...and who are payin my motel for the Shootout...so I guess
>>> I otta get 'em something to hold in their hands before they decide how many
>>> rooms they're gonna reserve.
>>>
>>> r
>>>
>>> Sent from my Dreadnought using that barely tolerable Thunderbird email 
>>> program
>>>
>>>
>>> On 9/8/2010 6:13 PM, Michael Wells wrote:
>>>
>>> Is the safety meeting just for Sat & Sun or do they expect you to be
>>> there Friday as well?
>>>
>>> Glad to hear the good news Ray, does this mean I shouldn't use your name
>>> when I name drop?
>>>
>>> Dr Z
>>>
>>> On Wed, Sep 8, 2010 at 5:07 PM, Ray Buck <rbuck@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>>
>>>> Well, the answer is in.  JG accepted my "convincing" and sent me a
>>>> credential form.  I'm very grateful to him for reconsidering after the 
>>>> email
>>>> I sent.  I sent him a brief note to convey my thanks.
>>>>
>>>> It helps for this weekend, but I don't exactly know how it's gonna go in
>>>> the future.  However, I'll do my best to refrain from negativity and
>>>> doomsaying.
>>>>
>>>> Paul's post has real good info, particularly about parking and not takin
>>>> a car onto the track at major events.  That's a bitch for me and I may end
>>>> up seeing if I can afford to rent a golf cart.  Hell, maybe several of us
>>>> could go in on one together.  I know that some of the "big boys" share
>>>> carts...why not us?  Something to think about.  I'm for sure gonna have a
>>>> back pack rather than carrying everything in my camera bag.
>>>>
>>>> In other news, Jim Halladay and I are about halfway through getting his
>>>> Chevy Colorado pickup ready for the 130 club on the salt flats during WoS
>>>> starting next week.  Hell, if all goes as projected, we may both become 130
>>>> Club members.  If not, there's the Monte Carlo that can be run next year.
>>>>
>>>> Back to work on the photo editing.  I should have Concours photos in a
>>>> few hours...see attached as an artsy-fartsy example.
>>>>
>>>> r
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On 9/8/2010 3:46 PM, Michael Wells wrote:
>>>>
>>>> All,
>>>>
>>>> Well maybe it's because I'm newer to this whole gig that keeps me
>>>> enthused, I also have the benefit of having no little kids at home to chase
>>>> after. As much as my wife loves me she's not about to come to the track and
>>>> watch me take pictures. So my only other alternative is to hang out with 
>>>> you
>>>> bunch of misfits. John has been good to me so far and I'm pretty lucky to
>>>> have found someone that will sponsor me for credentials. I had to work for
>>>> this one and I'm going to ride it as far as I can.
>>>>
>>>> As much as I love to shoot nature & waterfalls they can't give me the
>>>> same kind of adrenaline rush that motor sports has. And the fact that I've
>>>> been able to sell a few photos is a huge bonus & ego stroker. I'd hate to
>>>> not see you at the track any more Ray but I haven't walked in your shoes so
>>>> I don't know your level of frustration. Part of this is the camaraderie,
>>>> where else am I going to hang out with a bunch of mentally deranged 
>>>> photogs?
>>>> I don't know where this will lead but it's been fun and I hope this
>>>> continues. I hope something works out for you Ray, Brandon, the guy that
>>>> came to the ALMS race with me will only be there Sat til 3, I don't know if
>>>> credentials are transferable but he won't be using his either Friday or
>>>> Sunday. Just walk up and say you're Brandon Storr, who knows? I don't know
>>>> if that will work but it's out there.
>>>>
>>>> I also can't wait for the lunches at Hires, my wife just rolls her eyes
>>>> when I start talking about panning & shutter speed and so on...
>>>>
>>>> Well there's my two cents.
>>>>
>>>> Michael aka Dr Z
>>>>
>>>> On Wed, Sep 8, 2010 at 12:37 PM, Ray Buck <rbuck@xxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> After talking with John Gardner about credential requests, and in
>>>>> particular, www.landracing.com (he said "give it a try") he denied my
>>>>> request.  I pointed out some things he might not be aware of (like my 
>>>>> photos
>>>>> of MMP on landracing) and asked him to reconsider.  I haven't heard from
>>>>> him.
>>>>>
>>>>> If I don't hear back and I don't get credentials for this weekend, I'm
>>>>> considering severing my relationship with MMP.  The credential hoops and
>>>>> changing rules and moving targets are too much hassle.  I may just cut 
>>>>> back
>>>>> to doing car shows and the salt flats.  It would sure be a nice thing not 
>>>>> to
>>>>> have to do a paper chase for every fucking event and find myself in 
>>>>> conflict
>>>>> with the "big boys" who have corporate backing and departments who handle
>>>>> all that stuff for 'em.  Working 16-18 hours a day to get all the photos
>>>>> edited and on the web is gettin to be a real energy drain.  I know that 
>>>>> it's
>>>>> something that I've chosen to do, but it might just be for the best if I
>>>>> didn't have that never-ending series of hoops to jump through.
>>>>>
>>>>> When Spencer Young bought the old Bonneville Raceway Park and built
>>>>> Rocky Mountain Raceway, it just stopped being fun.  I'd been a permanent
>>>>> fixture at the Saturday nite roundy-round races and ran my Monte Carlo on
>>>>> the drag strip there.  After numerous incidents (the biggest one was not
>>>>> being allowed to bring a "cold cup" of water into the track) I decided 
>>>>> that
>>>>> the costs outweighed the benefits and I stopped giving Mr. Young my money.
>>>>> I haven't regretted it at all.  MMP is starting to get that way for me.
>>>>>
>>>>> Since Larry's death, the track has begun a downward spiral that just
>>>>> doesn't look very good.  It wouldn't surprise me if it didn't go up for 
>>>>> sale
>>>>> or just closed down.  But aside from that negativity, I get the feeling 
>>>>> that
>>>>> they'd rather not have to bother with ANY photographers, no matter how 
>>>>> much
>>>>> free PR they get.  We've discussed this in the past and I don't see any
>>>>> changes that would make things better.
>>>>>
>>>>> So if I don't get the credentials for this weekend, I'll shoot the
>>>>> Peach Days car show in Brigham City and probably not even bother going 
>>>>> back
>>>>> to MMP.  Besides: next year is lookin awful bleak as far as events.  No
>>>>> ALMS, no vintage or historic races, only Superbike, Grand-Am and NASCAR 
>>>>> West
>>>>> (combining 'em is really a dumb idea) and some bread and circuses for the
>>>>> masses like the off-road stuff.  Superbike has been a pita from the word 
>>>>> go
>>>>> and that only leaves 2 major events.  I can live without 'em.
>>>>>
>>>>> RtR
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> On 9/7/2010 1:56 PM, PAUL W WATSON wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>  Yes,
>>>>>
>>>>> Does anybody know what track configuration[s] are being used?  NASCAR
>>>>> in the past has used the 3 mile perimeter track and the Grand Am cars use
>>>>> the full 4.5 mile track.
>>>>>
>>>>> Paul
>>>>>
>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>> *From:* Michael Wells <mcwellsphoto@xxxxxxxxx>
>>>>> *To:* ratpack@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>>>> *Sent:* Tuesday, September 07, 2010 1:11 PM
>>>>> *Subject:* [ratpack] Re: Credentials
>>>>>
>>>>> Sounds like the start of a party for the Rat Pack. Will the Big Sigma
>>>>> be along for the ride?
>>>>>
>>>>> Michael
>>>>>
>>>>> On Tue, Sep 7, 2010 at 12:58 PM, PAUL W WATSON <TSWATSON78@xxxxxxx>wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>>  I'll be there Thursday thru Sunday.
>>>>>> P
>>>>>>
>>>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>>>> *From:* Michael Wells <mcwellsphoto@xxxxxxxxx>
>>>>>> *To:* ratpack@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
>>>>>> *Sent:* Tuesday, September 07, 2010 12:05 PM
>>>>>> *Subject:* [ratpack] Credentials
>>>>>>
>>>>>> All,
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Well the credential confirmation came through on Saturday so Brandon
>>>>>> and I are good to go. Are we going to see everyone there?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> Michael
>>>>>>
>>>>>> --
>>>>>> Dr. Z
>>>>>> aka Michael Wells
>>>>>> MCWells Photography
>>>>>> mcwellsphoto@xxxxxxxxx
>>>>>> 801-850-7279
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> --
>>>>> Dr. Z
>>>>> aka Michael Wells
>>>>> MCWells Photography
>>>>> mcwellsphoto@xxxxxxxxx
>>>>> 801-850-7279
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> Dr. Z
>>>> aka Michael Wells
>>>> MCWells Photography
>>>> mcwellsphoto@xxxxxxxxx
>>>> 801-850-7279
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> Dr. Z
>>> aka Michael Wells
>>> MCWells Photography
>>> mcwellsphoto@xxxxxxxxx
>>> 801-850-7279
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Dr. Z
>> aka Michael Wells
>> MCWells Photography
>> mcwellsphoto@xxxxxxxxx
>> 801-850-7279
>>
>>
>

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