"Press" Credentials?

[nicshow]

What can you tell me about obtaining credentials to be allowed onto the floor of some event? I assume newspaper and press photogs have valid credentials through their employment. How do others obtain credentials to allow admittance or does it just vary from venue to venue and event to event?

Thanks,

Nic

[tipsy]

what kind of events are you talking about? i'm a music press photog in the UK and i get my photo passes through the record companies. i work for magazines and it's just a case of building up a good network of press people at Record companies that you can call on for passes.

best way to get a photopass for any sort of even (not just music) is to get on assignment from a magazine or widely read website.
x

[coreypolis]

unless you work for someone its very difficult ;)

[ssim]

It varies from event to event. Sometimes it will be the venue that allows the access while others it may be the entertainer.

These are difficult to obtain unless you have a letter stating that you are shooting for a recognized and associated publication, news agency, etc. If you are trying to get this just to shoot for yourself, your chances are pretty slim but you can always ask. Just be prepared for a no answer. There are some that try and use this to just get free admittance to an event.

Are you shooting for anyone or is this just a personal thing.

[nicshow]

This is a finals for high school dance competition. Some of the kids have asked me to come and photograph it. So, I'm just trying to anticipate how I can get on the floor of this large venue if there are limitations to who can be on the floor.

I might talk to the local paper and agree to provide pics to them in return for a press pass?

[wannasmaxx]

This is a finals for high school dance competition. Some of the kids have asked me to come and photograph it. So, I'm just trying to anticipate how I can get on the floor of this large venue if there are limitations to who can be on the floor.

I might talk to the local paper and agree to provide pics to them in return for a press pass?
In that case, I'd ask the kids to write a letter stating they want you to be close to the action so they can get "portfolio" shots.. As long as they are legit performers in the event you should be OK.. You can sub "portfolio" for whatever best explains your intentions.

[cowpix]

I would contact the school or governing body of the competition.

[jlsohio]

I don't work for anybody, but I wanted to shoot a major harness race. I contacted the race track via email. I rec'd a press pass for the event. I stood side by side with the pros at the finish line & 50,000 fans. They were really cool about it too. Can't wait to go back next year.
jls

[slappy sam]

Wow thats pretty cool jls, maybe I'll try that out someday. I'd love to shoot something bigger and actually be close to the action and in the presence of some pros.