really stupid question, but i don't get it??

[david888lee]

i've been seeing a lot of sports photographers on sidelines, etc. However, how do they get sideline access to sports, concerts, etc. Do you work for a newspaper? And lots of times, people mention that at concerts, there were a lot of people from AP and getty etc. Isn't getty a stock photography site, where you can sell your photos? So how do they issue press badges, etc. Just wondering.. :].

hopefully i don't get flamed for asking such a noob question, just curious, in case in the future i want to pursue a career/side hobby in this etc.

[stathunter]

I work freelance for the team, event, promoter, paper, magazine or whoever has contracted me for the event. If I am not called by the event and have an interest in working it-----I simply call the promoter and sell my services to them.

[ChrisRabior]

You need to come into possession of a photo credential for each specific event. It's on a per game basis.

Basically, it comes down to connections. Most photographers on the field have passes through news/reporting agencies, the teams themselves, or some form of media directly associated with the game. Some of the photographers on the field are there for the sole purpose of shooting the cheer/dance teams, but none the less get field access for the duration of the game.

If you're not represented by an agency that has the standing to get you a pass, you have to do what stathunter said: freelance. That's a whole different ball game, and will require a very strong portfolio and some marketing of your talents to the right people.

[PhotosGuy]

A few threads:
Q & A: Dwight McCann (Event Photography) (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=81761)
Concert Photography Tips: A FAQ Perhaps (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=226809)
Anyone with Club/Nightlife photography questions? (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=363560)
Social Events Photographer - Sydney (http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=362179)

[liza]

I shoot for a newspaper and the school. People without credentials are not allowed on the sidelines.

[n1as]

Years ago I shot for the school. I was never asked for creditals. Anyone could show up on the sidelines, but nobody did. It was me, and the news paper photog and maybe 1 or 2 other hobby shooters who'd be there occasionally.

I shot a Globetrotters game once. Get permission from them before the event. By the 3rd quarter, there were photographers lined up under the basket. About that time security came through and started kicking them back into the stands. They got to me and said "we know about you, you can stay". When they were done, I was the ONLY ONE still left. All the others were crashing the party, only I had permission.

I thought it was pretty cool at age 17 to be the only official photog at a Globetrotters game!

Now, as an adult, I shoot for the school. I've never been asked or challenged as I take my place on the field. At an XC meet I was challenged. I said "yearbook" and they told me to stand "over there" (which was Exactly where I was going) and then they closed the gate behind me. I was again the only photog with permission to use the prime spot at the finish line.

- Keith -

[Mike-DT6]

Nice story there Keith :-) I hope you made good use of your vantage point at the Globetrotters game!

Mike

[MJPhotos24]

i've been seeing a lot of sports photographers on sidelines, etc. However, how do they get sideline access to sports, concerts, etc. Do you work for a newspaper? And lots of times, people mention that at concerts, there were a lot of people from AP and getty etc. Isn't getty a stock photography site, where you can sell your photos? So how do they issue press badges, etc. Just wondering.. :].

hopefully i don't get flamed for asking such a noob question, just curious, in case in the future i want to pursue a career/side hobby in this etc.

Usually a photo editor or someone calls for media credentials and then it's up to the organization if they want to issue them (a team or concert promotor can say no to anyone they want). I do it all myself and am to the point where many teams don't put an organization down on my pass cuz they know the photos go to a few different sources (basically, I'm my own stock agency). That's rare cases though, every other photog I see never gets that.

Getty/AP are stock agencies, they sell to EDITORIAL and coorporate clients so they are issued press passes because of that - the images are going to get used in media all over the world, that's the best promotion. They are not selling prints or anything to fans. Again the organization gives them the pass, and has the right to say yes/no to anyone they want.

[Mike R]

I would suggest that you start at the high school level, talk to the AD or Booster Club. Once you get the OK to shoot for them you will be able to perfect your craft and eventually submit images to a local newspaper for publication. Soon the coaches & parents will be looking for you at their events. This is a start to building your name and reputation. Then you can work on a portfolio to sell yourself to other newspapers.
You will need to get a faster zoom (70-200 f/2.8 as a minimum) to be able to shoot night games. Then it really starts to get expensive. I shoot with that lens and for day games I put on a 1.4TC which gives me f/4. At time I wish I had more reach at night games. Your 85mm should be good for indoors although it may be a bit short at times.