Does a Press Pass really work?

[Cordell]

I see places on the net to get a Press Pass made or a kit to make your own. However, I wonder can they HELP you get into some places the average person can't. I would assume that it also depends on the person being able to talk their way in, which I'm not at all good at, but can the pass actually help?

Now I'm not talking about if you work for a news organization such as AP or the local newspaper and you have a pass. I'm talking about buying one from a not so recognized news group. Can some of you give me a clue. I would like to get closer and take pictures of emergency situations, small time concerts, whatever else the average person can't do.

[iwatkins]

I don't know about in the USA, but in the UK, most top class events worth photographing have individual press accreditation processes. You apply using your press credentials and they check you out then supply their own pass.

Well, that is certainly true for many top class sporting events in the UK anyway.

Now, if you can get some press credentials from your national photojourno association (i.e. fake ones) then you could try and use these to get press passes. You will need some bottle and a lot of face to pull it off. In the old days, this sort of blagging worked well, but we now live in a different world.

The only problem I would see these days is that those people who check your credentials before issuing passes, will now of course actually check out your story what with the USA being more security aware. In fact, it might be a dangerious game to play at national or international level events that may see you locked up (or worse). :shock:

When it comes down to it, if you want to be at an event with a load of camera gear be up front, ask, don't lie and you may get where you want to be, but don't leave it until the last minute.

Cheers

Ian

[timmyquest]

I don't know about in the USA, but in the UK, most top class events worth photographing have individual press accreditation processes. You apply using your press credentials and they check you out then supply their own pass.

Well, that is certainly true for many top class sporting events in the UK anyway.

Now, if you can get some press credentials from your national photojourno association (i.e. fake ones) then you could try and use these to get press passes. You will need some bottle and a lot of face to pull it off. In the old days, this sort of blagging worked well, but we now live in a different world.

The only problem I would see these days is that those people who check your credentials before issuing passes, will now of course actually check out your story what with the USA being more security aware. In fact, it might be a dangerious game to play at national or international level events that may see you locked up (or worse). :shock:

When it comes down to it, if you want to be at an event with a load of camera gear be up front, ask, don't lie and you may get where you want to be, but don't leave it until the last minute.

Cheers

Ian

For the most part i think your right, my buddy is taking a class called "JILD" or Jobs for Illinois Grads. It's really a blowoff class about going into differnt careers, anyways they went to the United center to talk to managment about buisness type stuff and he told me he talked to a lady about getting a press pass and he said for your everyday event it isnt really that hard to get one.

I think it's really going to depend on the event though, getting in trouble by homeland defense shouldnt be a worry though unless your really stupid.

[scottbergerphoto]

I live in NYC. You need to get a Press Pass from the NYPD. That's only the beginning. Special events require add'l credentialling.
Here's the deal: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/dcpi/presscred.html
Scott

[Belmondo]

I attended a PGA golf tournament today, and all the professional photogs had special passes that had been issued for this event only. They were very large, and quite colorful. Apparently security requires that these passes should be visible from a considerble distance to preclude anyone with an unauthorized camera getting into the event and taking pictures that PGA doesn't make money on. They were also checking all purses and backpacks for cell phones and cameras, and impounding those that they found.

[Jim_T]

I'll echo every one else.. Almost all major events require proper accreditiation which is confirmed and issued before hand.

For emergencies, fires and disasters..... The local cops don't give the press any extra leeway.. They have to keep behind posted lines just like everyone else..

Even if the pass did get you somewhere special, I'd be concerned about passing off phoney credentials to get to places the public shouldn't have access to.. You could wind up with a major headache if you're caught.. Especially in today's terrorist aware society..

[hawg]

Sometimes a 'big white lens' is the only pass you need. I have been able to get backstage in several concerts just because i got a 'big white lens'. How I got the camera in the venue is a different story.

I've worked as a roadie for several years and I find the most effective way to get somewhere where you don't have access is' Act like you belong there'. You can't be timid. it works most of the time.

Once your in, don't call any attention to yourself and follow all protocols. For example in some concerts, there is a designated time to take photographs in each set. And don't get greedy, take a few shots and leave.

Also most shots I take are for personal use, if you sneak in and take shots with an intention to sell it you can get in trouble.

[GenEOS]

Most events here in Texas require you to apply for their own press credentials. I would highly suggest you not try to fake your way in to a major event of any kind. These days, it could land you in jail. With hightened security from 9/11, if not convicted, you will at the least be detained.

I shoot many motorsports events and most require, not only approval from the hosting company, but also require you to sign release waivers, etc...

In Texas, you can also apply for press credentials from the Department of Public Safety. Although not too common, they must be requested by your editor and revoked if you are fired or quit.

I have a few friends who have credentials they have made themselves. They are not fraudulant though. They list themselves with a photo, under their photography business. Under in large words "Media". This works for them, to photo most any "emergency" type situation. i.e. wrecks, news, etc... If asked they say they are freelance photogs. They also carry their NPPA credentials, which are not officially worth a dime, but looks somewhat official.

I know a lot of freelancers who work for the chronicle here in town. The chronicle does not issue ID's to it's "contract" photogrpahers. So they are on their own too.

All I can say is, DO NOT mis represent yourself. You will get into trouble.
It is a different world out there than it used to be.

[TeraGram93013]

Small town living sure is different!

I just pick up my camera and dive right in!

I've submitted several pictures to my local rag (published once a week) and have had two images on the front page above the fold. WHAT A RUSH! WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE.

You know it is completely different than when I was in college and actually studying (for a time) for a Journalism BS. The college and townie cops gave me no end of headaches. I never had a picture published on the front page though I submitted HUNDREDS to that daily paper!

Of course, back then, my main focuses were beer, pot, boys, more beer and oh yeah, more boys.

Now-a-days I just ITCH to take great photos. Every time I hear sirens I have to honestly FIGHT the urge to follow them to a scene. Of course, the fact that I've got a three-year-old under my constant care is a pretty serious grounding-force. Boyhowdy when her daddy's home though, I've got my kit and I hit the street a-runnin'.