Deerhaven Photography - last Rider's Choice day at SMP

I am a multiple international award winning photographer (one prize alone was worth $3600) who also writes articles for motorcycle and photography magazines, and who has had my images used by Jodi Christie, Shoei Helmets, Inside Motorcycles website, etc. That doesn’t remotely cover my credentials. Along with shooting the pros, I also enjoy shooting track days at SMP, because I know at any level the riders want good images. I shot the last Rider’s Choice SMP track day with no problem. However, today on July 31, 2014 I walked up to the Rider’s Choice registration table and asked, “Can I have a media pass please?” John McBride (whom I had never met) asked me where I would be shooting from. I said, “Allen’s Corner.” He said he didn’t know about that. Surprised, I said that I had been shooting at SMP often, and would not be in the impact zone, and if he was concerned to check with Jean who would vouch for me. “Jean who?” “Jean Gautier, the owner,” I responded. McBride responded that Jean (Gauthier) hadn’t been at SMP long enough. (Jean has owned SMP for 22 years.) John McBride said that HE owned the track that day. I apologized (although it wasn't merited), and then decided to walk away. McBride called me back to ream me out, saying he had never had a photographer not ASK to shoot at his track days. I assume he meant BEG because in what universe does “Can I have a media pass please?” not constitute asking? He continued to rag on me, loudly and in front of a couple of riders. Anyone who knows me from SMP knows I am not confrontational, I'm friendly, and I do my best to provide exceptional images. So at that point I walked away again, and told Michelle from SMP that I was leaving, and why. She asked me to stay and talked to McBride and his concern (which I don’t buy) was apparently that the riders might be distracted by me. I’ve shot Nationals, SOAR/RACE, lapping days and have never heard such a lack of confidence in track users. Michelle convinced me to stay, and I did so for two rounds. But I won’t be back for a Rider’s Choice day at SMP. If you want my images of you at a lapping day, try attending the SMP hosted lapping days, which are $20 less and include a fine buffet lunch. A better deal for you and I don’t have to put up with being treated like crap. If you were there today I have at least 2 great images of you, from different viewpoints, because I know it is important to you.

Wow... that's really unfortunate you were treated that way, Heather.

There exists two types of people:

1) Those who have met/dealt with John McBride.
2) Those who have not.


Welcome to group 1. Enjoy your stay.. we have cookies.

LOL... I wasn't going to say that, but I'm in group 1.

Thanks Dave and "Dresden". I've lived in Europe, the USA, and most provinces in Canada and have met so many exceptional people. Life is too short to put up with ... well, fill in the blank. ;o)

That's too bad. John is a good guy, he just has a different attitude than most and needs to be approached with caution lol. That being said, I'm sorry you weren't treated very well, hope to see you on the 8th!

Mina, judging from every other response to my post on Facebook and in talking to friends from the track, and the fact that you say he "needs to be approached with caution," your assessment that he is a good guy is unique. It would be nice to be treated "well" but all I really expect is to be treated with the same professionalism and respect that I give others, and not jumped on by a little empire builder who (according to others) consistently abuses the little power he has. And yes, I will be at SMP on the 8th as it is an SMP event. ;o)

Ballybay said:

Mina, judging from every other response to my post on Facebook and in talking to friends from the track, and the fact that you say he "needs to be approached with caution," your assessment that he is a good guy is unique. It would be nice to be treated "well" but all I really expect is to be treated with the same professionalism and respect that I give others, and not jumped on by a little empire builder who (according to others) consistently abuses the little power he has. And yes, I will be at SMP on the 8th as it is an SMP event. ;o)

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There are always three sides to a story, it seems it all went downhill when you starting mentioning the word "Gautier"

I like Mcbride, he tells it exactly like it is. No fluffing.

Deerhaven Photography would be better off trying to mend the fence instead of starting a flamming war on GTAM, in which riders choice is unlikely to chose to participate in.

jayv...as always apparently with this man it went downhill because of his attitude.

Ballybay said:

jayv...as always apparently with this man it went downhill because of his attitude.

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Never had any kind of interaction with the people involved but....

I always find very unprofessional when a business owner (as yourself) finds the need to come on a public forum to put down another business, even with justified reasons. I understand you are frustrated and most likely royally ****** off (i know I would be) however I see nothing positive that can come from your post except for feeling better with the support from people that does not like him.

I do appreciate what you do, as a racer I have good relationship with photographers as you guys do this mostly for us and the fact you enjoy the sport than for the money, so just file this one under a bad day and move on.

I don't think heather is shooting a track days to make money but as you said more for us. She is just voicing her opinion on a public forum and stating she will no longer attend RC track days.

I've had a little encounter with john, I was quiet and he was making fun of some of the Marshalls he hired as they were walking away. I assume he's that type of guy but didn't bother me much. I wouldn't go to anther RC track day only because I wouldn't do anther Thursday track day on the east end.

John is like an old 2-Stroke (Age pun intended). He is either on or off.

Looks like he was off that day.

Ballybay said:

jayv...as always apparently with this man it went downhill because of his attitude.

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Ballybay

You are surpised that you didn't get a warm reception when you:

- show up at RC function unannounced
- expect access to RC place of business for the day
- expect access to RC business customers
- name drop the name of the man that RC has already given money to hold their business function with his own clientele

I make a living cutting hair. Can you let me know when you are having you next function? People in photos like their hair to look nice. I will be there unannounced. I'm sure that you would mind giving me access to your customers so that I can make a little money. By the way don't worry, I won't get in the way in your photos, I have been around lots of cameras in my life. I really don't need to give these haircuts as I have a thriving business on my own and only do this because I love to give haircuts to the best photographed people. Don't worry I won't bug your clients too much. Don't know me? Don't worry. John will vouch for me and the haircuts that I give.

O and a buddy of mine does manicures so he will be with me.

Yes John is rough. Usually not to people who he does business with. As for bein rough on someone trying to piggyback on his $ that he is spending with his clients unannounced? Well then.....

Daismon, the marshalls are all friends of John. Don't be surprised if I listened to you talk to your friends various ways.

It's true. Listen to my friends and I you would think we were enemies.

I've never won a multi national award or had a picture published, and I've never written for a motorcycle magazine. But I used to go take pictures for personal fun at Mtn bike races and sporting events.
Maybe finding the organizer, explaining what your there for and which media your representing on that day would go farther than "can I have a media pass?" , if I didn't know you or your multi fauceted resume, and it appears John having spent his entire adult life in the industry didn't recognize you, I may ask what your doing.

I was at this track day because I was asked to be there by some of the riders. I charge $10 for a set of usually exceptional images. I hardly make a killing - I don't even pay for my gas. I am at the track because I love the genre and the community. My post was simply to inform those who appreciate my work that I won't be at RC track days, that they can find me at SMP track days, and why I made that decision. Until very recently I gave my images away, and still do to most of the regulars at SMP who have become friends. SMP is across the board a friendly place to all. I just prefer to stay away on days that changes and am happy with my post and decision.

Your true colours were shown in your first post as you soon as you mentioned to do a SMP td instead of RC days because it's $20 cheaper and they give you a free lunch, lol.

I guess you *haven't* been around long enough to know how some of the past SMP run track days were operated like a gong show with no care for rider or bike safety.

Everyone knows that photographers don't make much money, same goes for the marshalls and all the other volunteers, i would even lump the track day providers into the group of not making a fortune running a TD.

It's a small little community, try and repair the fence broken with John.

I've dealt with John numerous times and the OP once (the previous RC day at SMP and she gave me the one shot of me she had free of charge) and all were positive experiences. That doesn't mean one or both could be to blame but I'm not going to point fingers.

I'm sorry to hear you had a bad experience but hope it does not discourage you to shoot RC events. In the end, the only ones suffering would be you and the riders who would love to have some great pictures of themselves.

Good old sledgehammer john, haha

Great guy to deal with. One of a kind.

Sent from my Z30

Bakaboy you nailed it.

OP, whether you are making money on this gig or not, expecting to move in on another business unannounced is just plain poor business acumen. I've seen plenty of photographers at RC events, where motojournalists are testing bikes for feature articles in major magazines. You can bet they didn't just show up on the day.

Did you ever think to ask him, "ok, sorry for overstepping, what are the correct steps can I go through to offer photography at your track day?" Did you ever think to phone ahead? Did you think for a moment that you are asking his insurance to cover anything that happens to you if you get injured on the premises? How long have you been doing this?

Lastly, I've done TDs with all the organizers in Ontario and prefer RC's days above them all. That's my preference and I don't need to slag the other organizers to justify my opinion. I'm also a long time customer of RC. John calls them as he sees them, and you my friend got shown a big mirror. Personally I would have escorted you to the gate.