Hahaha I love this topic because a few years ago I was asking the same thing (along with all the rest) and complaining, in the same sort of "I've got a camera and the fence is ruining it for me, it would be better to be the other side".
Now looking back I was both naive and arrogant to think I should be the other side. Here's what I have come to accept:
In fairness fence limitations are only a real issue at Silverstone, Rockingham and Donnington - of all the other circuits, Oulton is a doddle to the point you may as well be press, certainly close enough not to need to envy the guys actually
working, Brands and Snetterton are similarly open.
Fences provide you with a challenge and an excuse
- if that excuse wasn't available to you i.e you were press - would your photos be that much better? or would you then move on to gear being the next step of excuse?
I've come to realize I actually like watching the racing with my friends, shooting what I want, when I want, drinking beer... without the fear of an editor or client busting my balls about shooting to spec. I like being able to experiment and mess about - judging by the number of 'bibs' I've watched relentlessly machine gun into a corner I'd rather step back and try somewhere else.
I found myself at Silverstone standing by the low fence at club for the Blancpain with 15/20 other speccy siders all doing the same machine gunning. I looked around and just thought 'we are all just getting the same shot' - what is the point, I'm sure the delusion that we could all do better if accredited to get to the other side, but it is a delusion...If you think a couple of feet will make much difference besides the increased risk to life, you, I and everyone else is mistaken.
If you take crap pictures behind the fence (not saying you do, I've not looked), being press will only mean you take crap photos the other side of the fence. Just look through these forums and see what people can produce from low-end gear and no access - If you can honestly say you can do just as well then the best of luck to you, I can't so I'm getting used to this fence work, no real right to be there
As previously mentioned there's also plenty of very average photographers in the pro ranks that in my opinion are taking spaces away from really talented folk stuck on the speccy side. You have to put the work in either way so no discredit to anyone i'm sure the majority haven't just blagged it. Granted there's quite a few PROs in here that should be filling the pages of Autosport because there's some really stunning work on show.
Don't get me wrong I'd love to have a go - Ive been taking photos at tracks for 6/7 years. I realize now that I just enjoy taking photos and that the limitations are just challenges for me to learn more skills and eventually to try and do something different from the guy next to me and the 100 other guys next him or her (I saw a really hot lady photographer working the WEC...tangent..). Spec side photographers seem to outnumber normal spectators at most of the events I've been to this year - so you wont be alone
.
On another point raised, Ive been surprised at just how many PROs do actually get out of your way, duck or wait for you to finish - especially given the fact that you are potentially encroaching on their business..Thats excellent to see
. I am happy to move out from a spot to make way for a PRO for 1. unlike speccys they tend to move on very quickly rather than camp out at a spot (guilty as charged) 2. I realize they are working and I'm just on a Jolly on my day off