Mary Kate Loc: NYC

They are not press passes. They are used for access to a variety of locations on the track. You pay extra for those.

GEEPOPS

More than likely it was a event run by a local camera store sponsored by Kodak

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

So.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Just a guess they each paid $1,000.00 to get those vests and be in a special location(s) allowing for a good point of view.

dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

Thank you. I see it all the time and wonder the same thing. I believe it is simply an attention getter but is definitely not needed especially with the written word.

I have never actually heard someone start a conversation with, So, but possibly others have.

The word, OK, is another I see sometimes both in writing and spoken words. Often people start a sentence with OK while writing. But more often a person will start talking and after every sentence or two will say, OK. I believe they are somewhat insecure and want instant verification of what they are saying.

Interesting topic but probably for a new thread rather than pirate this one.

Dennis

Dennis

Caranx Loc: Atlanta

This topic was interesting at first then quickly became so-so.😊

Starphotog

Here is the answer to the original question...
Being a photojournalist for 41 years now and shooting more NASCAR races thanI care ti mention, I can explain the Kodak vest question.
You show your photographer credentials and drivers license at the “vest” area in the media work area inside the track and are given to use a Kodak vest. You license is copied and off you go. When you are dine shooting the race weekend (could be one to multiple days) you return the vest and your info is erased. If you dont return the vest you are sent a bill for a replacement! You are NOT required as a credentialed photographer at any NASCAR race to wear the vest BUT it is more helpful for you to have the vest on during your time shooting. What the vest does is show any official at a glance that you are at least supposed to be a pro and they dont check your credentials! The big bold number on the vest is connected to your name and identification so if you are doing something wring tney simply call in the number and BAM.... If you dont have a vest on then you will have to show your credentials seversl times a race and race weekend so the vest makes your job easier!! The vests are property of NASCAR and travel from track to track so you will see the same vests every weekend at different tracks. Most of the regulars shoot for the many NASCAR magazines that are in publication ( Circle Track, Pole Position, Speedway Ill etc)

OddJobber Loc: Portland, OR

Right?
Understand?
Know what I mean?

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Most drag racing tracks that I have been to you can either get a more permanent credential with a lanyard or a vest of some sort that identifies you as media to their staff. Some organizations are much stricter, NHRA for example, and others enforce the rules more loosely. Ultimately I feel you are responsible for your well being and equipment well being and not interfering with the racing in any way. Some track and organizations allow the use of flash or strobes and others do not. Usually you have to sign a release and sometimes a set of rules to adhere to when receiving your credential. I have even had some tracks ask for copies of your photos that can get a little dicy. Usually an inquiry with the sanctioning organization and the track staff where you want to shoot will help you learn how to get access if you can. This should be done several weeks to several days in advance of any actual event. The staff is often too busy to deal with this stuff during race days unless you are already know to them. In drag racing the shooters are pretty well known to each other and often friends. So, you sort of have to accept that they are wondering what you are doing there in their world and if you have the common sense and manners to shoot with them. In time they can become friends too. But many of them are shooting to make a living or part of their living and some of us are out there shooting to promote the sport, but not for a living. Be respectful of those who are trying to make a buck. It can also be a very long and hot day or days at an event. Many tracks have media rooms with internet access, workspace, drinks, snacks and meals. In todays world many of these people are trying to get their photos processed and uploaded to websites as quickly as they can.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

In todays world these organizations treat media very very well in general. They understand the value of the extra exposure, pun intended, and the coverage both live and in images of their events bring to them. Small local tracks are where I have run into more issues shooting than any large regional or national event. At smaller tracks there can be a photographer who feels they are the "Official" track photographer and that you shooting may be infringing on their status or business. i have had these people tell me I can only shoot this or that and where I can shoot from. I try to get along with them but I also feel I have been given certain rights to shoot by the track management or organization. Often it is easier to just get along with them than to make an issue of it. Sometimes it is easier to just move into the stands and shoot from there with a longer lens.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

chuckyd123

I have been hearing and seeing the word "SO" at the begining of statements for the last 10 years give or take, and it makes my skin crawl. The word never belongs in the beginning of a sentence and I cannot figure out how or why anyone began using it that way. Not being the word police, just not liking the way people brought up using English don't know how to use it

photoman022 Loc: Manchester CT USA

So, what's your point?

Mary Kate Loc: NYC

"credentialed photographer shooting that." The "credential" is a pass to various pit areas and other restricted areas. Not a photographers pass or credential.

isokc Loc: Tacoma, WA

Why do some not capitalize the first letter of their sentence?

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

Could be a club, or could be a contest spooked by Kodak to get free pics. With the guy using a phone, no telling what it was.