Press Accreditation?

[sGu]

Don't mean to post it twice, but i'd like to hear more people's views on this, here is the link to the actual post:

EDIT

See question below! :)

[CyberDyneSystems]

Sorry.. deleted the first one before reading the that this duplicate was only a link...

Please don't post twice... and then say "Don't mean to post twice"... are you implying that it was an accident? :roll: :wink:


Anyway.. :)

Please re-post the question in ONE thread.. this would be a good place for it :)

[IndyJeff]

Damn, CDS is on the job and with a lightening quick delete finger too.

[stopbath]

Damn, CDS is on the job and with a lightening quick delete finger too.
That's CDS accreditation of his press (of the delete key...)

[sGu]

my bad, and i do apologise for that.

here it goes again. I came across this site: http://www.presscard.info and it offers EPA press accreditation card for Europe and USA, but it's not so convincing.

so i was wondering if anyone of you have tried it or actually have one of these. If you do, does it grant you the access to events and shows like it says it does? what restrictions does it have? For the ones in UK, is it widely accepted? If not, is there an alternative card? and where can i apply for one?

thanks folks, and i'm sorry again for post it twice, it won't happen again. :P

this is kind funny, you see reply first then you see what the question is, i bet it doesn't happen very often, hehe.

[IndyJeff]

I wouldn't spend more than 35 cents on a deal like that, and then just for the odd souviner that it would be. When you attend an "event" like a sporting event as a credentialed photographer one thing they ask is who you will be shooting for. Now they will not take your word for it, they want it in writing on company letterhead.
I imagine this "press pass" would get you across a police line at a major fire if you found a cop who wasn't in a bad mood. Or maybe closer to a major accident on the highway but, don't try to use it to get into a major racing venue, any NFL, NBA, MLB or college program event. I am pretty sure they will tell you to get lost. I could be wrong, but you have to have a client at least at every track I shoot at. The days of just showing up and shooting freelance spec are pretty much gone.

Sad thing is someone is probably making a killing off people buying up something he prints off on his computer and then laminates in his garage and ships out to the customer that has no more validity than a Dick Tracy ID badge from a box of Cracker Jacks.

[sGu]

i wasn't expecting any major event access with that card, just wondering any public events, shows n stuff, otherwise u'll probably c more people with a camera than actual audience :P

[IndyJeff]

When you say shows and stuff, what do you mean? Like concerts?

[sGu]

sort of, like music festivals, fashion shows, public events etc. which everyone can attend, with or without a ticket will grant u different access, while with passes u'll get to the front or even backstage, that kinda of thing.

[IndyJeff]

Keep this in mind, usually the smaller the event, the less famous the main attraction, the less press there is covering the event, the easier it will be to gain access. Be careful, don't lie and tell them you are working for a paper or magazine if your not tho. You do and as luck might have it, there will be someone from that publication already there and that will be the quickest way to be escorted off the premise.
If anyone asks who your shooting for simply tell them you are shooting on spec and may submit to any number of publications. HINT: This will be a great time to ask if they will be interested in buying any photos for use in advertising next years event or for their website but, remember if you sell them a picture with people in it, get a signed release. You will be as liable as they are if the person doesn't want their image used in an ad campaign.

[sGu]

i thought the same, i wouldn't lie just to simply gain access, not that desperate, hehehe

well, it doesn't seem to be very promising, i'll give it a pass