How to obtain a media pass?

[johneo]

Are they given out by venue or event or organization? Or do you apply for one somewhere and get it?

I have a website that I want to expand on, not like a newspaper but more of a local interest type thing. I would like to include a lot of local events (school sports, political events, some news worthy stuff) and am even thinking of doing a little video with possibly making it into a 1/2 hour public access show eventually.

Any ideas?

[NZDoug]

Make your sales pitch to the promoters or organizations.
They will try to hit you up for freebies.
You may have to give to take, until your images are worthy of them parting with money.

[Filmer]

There is an organization still in business (because I\'m still a member) called IFPO, International FreeLance Photographers Organization who (if you join) will assist you in getting credentials. Comes with all the forms you need and a letter but if you would like them to write a custom letter for you to get the credentials/media pass there is a little charge but well worth it. Thanks to them I got into the World Gymnastics Championships in Montreal and ended up getting a staff photographers job for a magazine because of the images I got..all thanks to IFPO...That was back in the mid 80\'s but they still do their great work and are going strong.www.aipress.com

[IndyJeff]

If you are a legitimate news site your local school would probably love to have the coverage. The trick is to get the word out so people visit your site.

Credentials are issued by the venue, most of the time. Now if your talking high school sports, usually you will just have to sign a media sheet at the door. As tournament time rolls around they gte a little bit more strict with who gets in and who doesn't and you need to call ahead or possibly mail a letter (on company letterhead) to get the credential.
When it comes to state tourneys your state high school athletic association will be the one you will contact to get access for the finals.

[Wilt]

There is an organization still in business (because I\'m still a member) called IFPO, International FreeLance Photographers Organization who (if you join) will assist you in getting credentials. Comes with all the forms you need and a letter but if you would like them to write a custom letter for you to get the credentials/media pass there is a little charge but well worth it. Thanks to them I got into the World Gymnastics Championships in Montreal and ended up getting a staff photographers job for a magazine because of the images I got..all thanks to IFPO...That was back in the mid 80\'s but they still do their great work and are going strong.www.aipress.com (http://www.aipress.com)


[retch] IFPO, a somewhat useless certificate in exchange for your money. Might get you into the county fair, but if you are going to venue featuring a recognized entertainment celebrity, the IFPO certificate is valueless. A close friend of mine did a lot of work for music celebrity groups, and she held IFPO in very low regard.
There is a valid protocol to follow, and credentials are provided when you have the endorsement of a recognized publication, via a letter on their letterhead. Otherwise, it is just luck or naivete when someone grants access to the press pit to an IFPO certificate holder.

[transcend]

Make your sales pitch to the promoters or organizations.
They will try to hit you up for freebies.
You may have to give to take, until your images are worthy of them parting with money.

You NEVER have to give away your images. If they are good enough to use, they are good enough to pay for.