Photography Licences - FA Premier League / Championship

[markburton1889]

Hello.

My first post.

Wondered if anyone could help ?

I'm currently researching the role(s) of football photographers in the UK.
This is for a university assignment that I am currently taking, and i'd appreciate any advice / pointers.

What are the current requirements to become a Premiership / Championship photographer ?

What licences are required ? If anyone could point me in the right direction, websites / links etc, that would be appreciated. I've "googled" photography licences, sports licences but have so far come up with nothing that is suitable.

Many Thanks in advance ...

mark

[dseered]

I can't help you with how you get one, although I guess you have written to the Football Association, I am sure they would be able to give you the ins and outs of whats required, just a thought !

[markburton1889]

dseered..

thanks for the reply.
my main focus is not about acquiring a pass but what requirements are needed to
obtain one.

is it pieces of work that are published ?
affiliated with a club / organisation ?
working for a newspaper /magazine / website ?

I've had nothing back from the FA at the moment,
thought it would be better for me by asking the
folks behind the camera !

THANKS AGAIN..

mark

[Gary_Evans]

Friend of mine shoot Premier League stuff so I've pointed this thread out to him.

[snapzz]

To obtain a licence you need to submit a set number of proof of published images which may have to be re-inforced with sales invoices. The number varies according to which league (ie Premier, championship etc).Of course you cannot provide the proof unless you have a permit so its just about impossible to obtain one these days.You will also need the appropriate level of public liability insurance too. Or you can obtain a permit if you work for a newspaper, any of the clubs playing or you work for an agency.

HTH

[DarrenL]

Do a search on the forum for the word "Dataco" I'm not being rude but this comes up alot and there are some really helpful posts on the forum.

Darren

[Gary_Evans]

... I'm not being rude ....

Hmmmmmmmm.

So someone who covers the level of Shoreham FC v Seaford Town knows more than Snapzz?, who as I already said actually shoots Premier League football as opposed to knowing where you might get some info, assuming you can find the site in the first place!!!

[DarrenL]

Fair comment Gary and I can see what you are saying but don't assume I dont know the rules because I don't shoot Prem football. If I was shooting a Premership game you would not see the images on my websites anyway, data co rules and all that.

There is a huge amount of talent on this forum and the photographers are more than willing to pass on their knowledge and advice. I've found this forum so so helpful.

Darren

[markburton1889]

Do a search on the forum for the word "Dataco" I'm not being rude but this comes up alot and there are some really helpful posts on the forum.

Darren

Darren.

Many thanks, I'll certainly look into this as soon as possible.

Very Much Appreciated...

mark

[markburton1889]

To obtain a licence you need to submit a set number of proof of published images which may have to be re-inforced with sales invoices. The number varies according to which league (ie Premier, championship etc).Of course you cannot provide the proof unless you have a permit so its just about impossible to obtain one these days.You will also need the appropriate level of public liability insurance too. Or you can obtain a permit if you work for a newspaper, any of the clubs playing or you work for an agency.

HTH

Graham,

Thank you for the information. It seems like it's a chicken and egg scenario, with a minefield to cross in between !!

Very Much Appreciated..

Thanks for the info...

mark

[snapzz]

Graham,

Thank you for the information. It seems like it's a chicken and egg scenario, with a minefield to cross in between !!

Very Much Appreciated..

Thanks for the info...

mark

Spot on. Darren is is also correct about the Dataco. Much has been written on this forum regarding this and is also why you will no longer see any images posted.

[DarrenL]

It's worth mentioning that if you are shooting for a newspaper or agency, you do not need your own license as you are shooting under theirs. I wanted my own license but after some thought, I've failed to see the need for it as if you are employyed by an agency you will be "under the arm" of another license.

It would be nice to have my own but even just having a license does not give you a magic key to any club you want. You still have to apply in writing (fax generally) and ask permission and the club can say no if all the slots are taken by the big agencies, newspapers etc.

This is why there are a lot of restrictions on obtaining the license in the first place to ensure they are only given to the right people. And then also stipulations with what you can do with the images (such as posting on line). Breaking any of these could lose their agency/newspaper/club their license.

I don't shoot prem/championship football (yet) but I'm well aware of the rules etc.

My best advice if you were a photographer (and I know you are not looking at from our side) would be to practice and really hone grassroots/non league football. Once you are consistantly nailing the action, work on your pitchside workflow and live image editing. This is where it gets tricky.

Any questions please do ask, I'll be happy to help.

Darren