Press pass

[sito]

I am planning to start shooting professionally sports events, but I do not have an idea of how to get a press pass or accreditation. Could you help me out in this?

[brivett]

In the UK Press Passes are only issued by The National Union of Journalists - Which requires nomination by an existing member and accreditation by a publication.

[PhotosGuy]

CREDENTIALS
Press Pass - real or false.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=125619

SPORTS:
Sports Shooting Tutorials and Advice
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=135417

[INNflight]

Again ... not press pass! Credentials!

If you already have a few photos for a portfolio, why not try to get permission from a local paper, magazine, sports team, whatever?

[brivett]

In any situation, a "Press Pass" is actually of very little use. It may get you to a forward position if shooting a dissaster or public order story which is under Police control, but that's it.

It will not get you into sporting events, concerts, airshows or other such gatherings.

For anything usefull you need to submit credentials to the organisers ahead of time and seek to be added to their list...

That said, when I was 18 (25 years ago!) I made a fake one which got me into a nightclub to photograph a wet T-shirt competition... :-)

If you just want to get practice, just looking like you should be there is 99.9% of getting the shot (oh... and F8)... There is no space for the meek.

Baz

[Mike Panic]

if you are going to be "shooting professionally" - that usually means you either work for someone or are a business yourself (w/ tax id's, etc.) - at that point you need to get in conact (or have your employer) w/ whomever is planning the event to find out what kind of media coverage is there, what they can comp you in for (usually free or reduced admission) and where you can and cannot go.

additionally - they will (or usually do) wnat to know what you will be doing w/ the images. the point of the event people letting photogs in is so tthey can get exposure. if you are just "some kid w/ a camera" who wants to get extra close and practice shooting, they prob won't let you in. look at it from their eyes, what can you give to them as a result of you being there?

[gmen]

I am planning to start shooting professionally sports events, but I do not have an idea of how to get a press pass or accreditation. Could you help me out in this?When you state that you are planning to start shooting professionally sports events do you mean:

(a) You are planning to start shooting sports events professionally

or

(b) You are planning to start shooting professional sports events?

(b) will certainly require the backing of a publication to gain access/accreditation.... but (a) might be a different kettle o'fish completely ;)

---- Gavin

[frenchdub]

In any major sports arena the forward spaces and designated photographer spots are often hard to get and reserved for the major agencies, daily newspapers, specialist magazines, freelancers on caontract in that type of order... It would be highly unlikely that you'll get access to this type of event...On top events there is a definite pecking order even for accredited media...so unaccredited photographers have little or no chance.
However, local soccer games, lower profile events are usually pretty easy to get into by simply asking permission. If you can get a few shots published this will add wait to your demand, as you can legitimately say you will be submitting the shots. These events will often not be covered by local press who have to make a choice and can't cover it all... find out if the local newspaper guy is there .. if not submit you shots on spec.. I got my first publications this way. After a while if you are any good you'll pick up the odd assignement and the ball starts rolling.

Other events like cycle racing, golf, tennis, skiing etc can often be covered by simply buying a ticket...you may not be in the prime spots but you'll be close enough to get a good veiw and often no worse off than the pros.. I covered my first Wimbledon this way and got shots published...
Secondly even if you could get access to a major event, you'll have a hard job selling the shots unless you get an exclusive, as most major media will already have pictures...
When I worked the photo desk at Reuters we only ever picked up amateur or semi pro stuff if it was exclusive...ie. a F1 crash etc..

One of the top Allsport photographers, I used to know in the 80's in London, started off by covering local sport in London while working as a waiter... he sent in his films to Allsport and they eventually started using them.. He kept at it and is now one of the World's top sport's shooters.

Keep at it an best of luck..
Gareth