Got a photo pass for Brands... what do I do?

[MikeHoyer]

I've been offered an oppurtunity taking photographs for a well known website. As I'm going to Brands Hatch this weekend, they have arranged a photographers pass for me, the boss of the site has done this and will post it to me.

Now, I'm very excited by this unique oppurtunity, but at the same time a little apprehensive... is there anything I need to bring with me, beside camera gear obviously. I assume I will need to "sign on", where and when would this be, and after that, where will I be allowed to go.

I'm sure I will find this all out nearer the time, but I want to be prepared! Cheers everyone.

[Les]

the most important thing is to enjoy it.

[Happy Snapper]

Yes enjoy you MUST sign on get yourself there early and decide what is need to complete the assignment. Never walk down the pit lane with you back to cars, walk where you are looking and look where you are walking! Paddock Hill bend on the exit is good for the starts, but not knowing what you assignment is you will need to work it out as it happens. Have fun.

[MikeHoyer]

Cheers! I've never done this before, so I don't need to do anything prior to going on Saturday? I've read stuff about insurance and various other things, but this is a one off, I suppose I'll be OK?

As for what exactly I'll be doing, I'm not sure, hopefully I will be given some say in it. Got a few ideas for quality shots lined up

Do you think it would be a good idea to write down some of the things I plan to do (provided I have a choice!) in advance, for my own reminder, and to check it's OK to do it? Probably better than turning up, and just snapping at random

[vwpilot]

Originally posted by Les
the most important thing is to enjoy it.

Wrong the MOST important thing is to be safe, the second is to have fun.

You will need to sign in at the track and if you have any questions about where you are allowed to be, just ask a corner worker. Remember they are in charge out there and will be glad to help you if you ask, they would rather that than have you somewhere you shouldnt be.

Be safe, keep your eyes open, get your job done and have fun.

[Ian Sowman]

Signing on will be in the media centre on the first floor of race control.

[MikeHoyer]

OK, I think I know where that is... is it the tower near the pitlane exit?

Also, do I get any parking privileges/free entry, or anything like that? :P

[redshoes]

Originally posted by MikeHoyer
I've read stuff about insurance and various other things, but this is a one off, I suppose I'll be OK?

As this is an MSV circuit you'll need to show proof of personal liability insurance. In practice it depends who is on the media desk and how thorough they are being.

You should normally get a ticket through the post to get you in the main gate. If not make sure you have a copy of the fax/email confirmation. The gate staff don't always have a list of who has passes and aren't in contact with the media office. You can normally park by the shops/grandstand near Paddock Hill.

[Kelvin]

I'm sorry but if you have to ask realtively basic questions, how on earth did you get the OK from this 'well known' web site, it seems to me to have little or no experience!

any way things you may/will need:
Stout shoes or boots!
Warm, waterproof clothing, the sun dont always shine!!
Be frindly to marshals, and seek their advice when finding your spot!

Kelvin

[MikeHoyer]

Well, there is a first time for everything... I'm sure I will be told this information before the day, but it's useful to know in advance...

As for experience, well no, I don't have much, all my photography has been from the other side of the fence, but I've been given this oppurtunity, and I intend to make the most of it whatever anyone else thinks. That's why I want to plan ahead so that I don't step on anyones toes, in a manner of speaking.

About this PLA, anyway I can sort that out before the day?

[Kelvin]

>>About this PLA

You probably need to speak to an insurance broker, 5 million pounds liability i think is the requirement.

[Piglet]

Haven't we discussed this on here before and come to the conclusion that if you have signed on you are an MSA official and the MSA automatically cover you for Public Liability Insurance (can't remember the figures - don't have a blue book to hand) so MSV asking for more is just crud? Or is my recollection of this a bit fuzzy?

[MikeHoyer]

It would be handy to know, to save shelling out if I don't have to

[Kelvin]

Signing on, on the day does not make you an MSA official. If Mike was to be so stupid as to run across the circuit at an inappropriate time, causing an accident resulting in someones death other than his own, then it is Mike who is at fault.

Kelv.

[Piglet]

Originally posted by Kelvin
Signing on, on the day does not make you an MSA official. If Mike was to be so stupid as to run across the circuit at an inappropriate time, causing an accident resulting in someones death other than his own, then it is Mike who is at fault.

Kelv.

I may be incorrect in my usage of the word "official" but I do think that the MSA provide TP liability insurance in case of brain dead photographers . Mike, your best bet is to either ring Brands or possibly more helpfully ring the MSA and talk to someone about insurance. If you can track down a copy of the blue book I've got a feeling that it's section W but unfortunately I don't have a copy.

[MikeHoyer]

Thanks Piglet, I'll give them a ring tomorrow.

I like to think of myself as not being brain dead though

[redshoes]

As I recall the MSA's cover is only for £2M. MSV require £5M.

[MikeHoyer]

I don't have either! However, as Brands is an MSV track, I guess it will have to be the £5m...

[Kelvin]

have u been to Brands, how did it go?

[MikeHoyer]

Yes I went, and it went well!

Tip to others... don't go around the grand prix circuit at night on your own... it's dark, cold, and dirty!