Racingfanatics

Well...let me continue...
I still own the domain name of Racingfanatics.com (and Racingfanatics Corp is still a legit S Corporation) and may plan to 're-launch' in 2008; however, after the SLC race several developments began to take place.

First, the inconsistent running of the ALMS forum and 'politics' of the Series began to sour on me. As many of my close friends know, Racingfanatics was more out of love of the sport (along w/ friendships at the races) and the continuing development of my photography skills.

Although I was fortunate to be able to assist a few ALMS teams and drivers, as well as, a few support series teams with photography services and, marketing sponsorships on the website was in place, every race week attendance was just a little better than just a break even out of pocket expenses. Again, the love of the sport, the love of developing my photography skills, and the true friendships I had with a few others, made it worth while for me.

At the same time, my responsibilities of my primary source of income increased....and the continued politics of the Series, as well as, continued tolerance by the Series to allow a few to degrade (in public) my efforts (and others) made me take a step back and question whether it was "all worth it".

So here I was, sitting on $xx,xxx.xx of professional photography equipment and no where near a ROI as projected. What took place next is something I never planned and am still trying to get my arms around.

Over the Summer months, I have been able to create a youth sports photography business in SW Indiana that has exploded into a nice business. The trick in this type of business is to win contracts from leagues as the "Official Photographer". This gives the photographer exclusive rights to sell prints to all parents and coaches, and 'locks out' all other photographers. The other trick is to set up a process where parents can either buy prints at the games, or as I am doing, order on line.

Well, to date, I have been able to win contracts with: the largest school district in the area for all sports in 2007/2008 from grade school to high school, three baseball leagues, two football leagues, two soccer leagues, and just recently, two basketball leagues. Needless to say, this has taken priority over any activity for Racingfanatics.

The amount of money parents spend on photographs, t-shirts, mouse pads, and photo books of their kids is mind boggling. It is common for a parent to purchase 25+ pictures of their kid (mostly 5x7s)....In addition, parents love to have custom posters 16x20 action posters created.....

So this brings this long winded post to the answer of the question...Where is Ken May? I still plan on shooting as many races in 2008 as I can, but I truly believe what JT has done here, may put websites like Racingfanatics 'out of business' .

If everything goes as I think it will, the almsforums will be one of a few places to read, learn, and enjoy everthing about the Series we all love....as well as, have intelligent discussion on forums without the mindless posts and politics of the Series forum.

Please visit my photography website at www.kennethmayphotography.com and let me know what you think!





So where is Ken May? Here at almsforums and hopefully at the races in 2008, either under the Racingfanatics banner or perhaps another....