Photographer’s Inside Scoop – Long Beach Grand Prix

Each year the roar of engines come to life at the Long Beach Grand Prix (LBGP) so here’s my personal photographers inside scoop. Most people in the Los Angeles and Orange County area are unaware of the weeklong races that take place each spring in Long Beach. It’s loud, fast and a huge event. Whether you’re a spectator or a photographer, there’s something for everyone. But note, everything there has a price, even for photographers. I’ll break it down for you and give you a photographer’s inside scoop on the Long Beach Grand Prix.

Credentialed and Non-Credentialed Photographers

There are two types of photographers at the Long Beach Grand Prix, credentialed and non-credentialed. Those who are part of the media or are covering the event on behalf of any sponsor are usually referred as credentialed and need to apply for the credentials directly with the Long Beach Grand Prix. This happens usually several months or weeks prior to the event. Links to it are always on their website. The credentials get you access to areas that the general public is not allowed. Also a chance to conduct interviews with drivers and pit crews.

For everyone else, they are considered non-credentialed. And they can photograph anything from the general public area and from the general stands. If you have a reserved ticket, you can do it from your reserved seat. You don’t need any other special ticket other than an entrance ticket. See this site to get a discount or free ticket to the Long Beach Grand Prix.

Super Photo Ticket

But don’t worry, LBGP does have a section for those photographers that want a special area to capture the action, but it will cost you! They call it the Super Photo Ticket. Currently for the 2023 Long Beach Grand Prix event, it costs $340 total for the three days. This will get you access to a special raised area on certain race track corners that have a better view in order to photograph the race cars.

Does it get crowded there? Yes, but you can rotate around throughout the day and weekend. It’s mostly for photographers who are doing it as a hobby or to post for social media and websites.

Hidden Tips for Photographers

These racing events have many sponsors, and depending on the level of sponsorship, some have their own private areas or tents. Some have free food and drinks for their guests. Several years ago, I was able to get a guest pass to one of these VIP tents (the VIP areas are within the LBGP venue, but not visible or accessible to the general public).

That particular year Tecate was a major sponsor and they had a VIP tent with free food and drinks (alcohol) as well as music. Plus celebrities often showed up as well. Below are a few photos from that event, with a fun musical guests El Conjunto Nueva Ola, the Tecate dancers and of course legendary boxer Evander Holyfield!

A Photographers Inside Scoop

The Long Beach Grand Prix attending as a photographer can be as fun as you make it to be. You have options to pay for an upgrade and get the action you want out of the event. Or ask some of your friends and see if any of them work for the sponsors. They may be able to get you access to these fun VIP parties. Or just pay the general admission and photograph whatever appeals to you.

And just a reminder, don’t forget to double check all your photo gear before the event. This happened to me once and I had improvise at the last minute. Now, I always make sure I have a checklist the night before, with all my photo gear, Macbook Pro and extra power source (I leave my Jackery 500 in the car just in case I need to go back and charge anything throughout the day). I do this for every planned photoshoot, whether it’s an event shoot or a portrait shoot like with Emily Probst or Megan Felix.

Finally, the concerts at the Long Beach are all included in the regular admission price, so don’t miss out on that as well. For example, one year I attended, I was able to see Billy Idol and the late Chester Bennington from Linkin Park band. The important thing is to have fun and take advantage of what is available at the event. Hope this photographer’s inside scoop on the Long Beach Grand Prix was helpful. Go out and shoot this event!