Press Passes

[robie]

How would someone be able to get a press pass for sports events?

I will be going to college next year and hoping to get in the photography program. I want to start developing a portfolio as soon as possible, so I would like to know if it is possible to get press passes if you are not a proffesional photographer.

I would like to know for concerts as well.

Thanks.

[elysium]

How would someone be able to get a press pass for sports events?

I will be going to college next year and hoping to get in the photography program. I want to start developing a portfolio as soon as possible, so I would like to know if it is possible to get press passes if you are not a proffesional photographer.

I would like to know for concerts as well.

Thanks.
For press passes, you would need some sort of accreditation usually. If you check a specialist event, they normally have a press pass application system and their requirements vary.

Sadly, most places will not dish out press passes like crazy as they are limited and given to people who do really need them for their job. Be pointless if every budding photographer got a pass and the actual press did not. Would be zero publicity.

You maybe lucky. If you do end up going to college, keep at it and maybe become a photographer for the local magazine and take it from there.

Looking at MPH
http://www.mphshow.co.uk/

You need to register before an application is accepted.
http://www.mphshow.co.uk/page.cfm/Action=Form/FormID=3/t=m

Have a look and see some of the fields. Not all events will be like this, more exclusive events or things like major sports will have even stricter restrictions.

You could try and talk your way into it but just remember, others really depend on it for a living. Im not trying to dishearten you from this since I know how exciting and challenging this would be but maybe try local publications first of all such as open events.

[robie]

For press passes, you would need some sort of accreditation usually. If you check a specialist event, they normally have a press pass application system and their requirements vary.

Sadly, most places will not dish out press passes like crazy as they are limited and given to people who do really need them for their job. Be pointless if every budding photographer got a pass and the actual press did not. Would be zero publicity.

You maybe lucky. If you do end up going to college, keep at it and maybe become a photographer for the local magazine and take it from there.

Looking at MPH
http://www.mphshow.co.uk/

You need to register before an application is accepted.
http://www.mphshow.co.uk/page.cfm/Action=Form/FormID=3/t=m

Have a look and see some of the fields. Not all events will be like this, more exclusive events or things like major sports will have even stricter restrictions.

You could try and talk your way into it but just remember, others really depend on it for a living. Im not trying to dishearten you from this since I know how exciting and challenging this would be but maybe try local publications first of all such as open events. Thanks. I can probably speak to one of the city newspaper photo editiors to see if they can let me go with one of their photographers to an event they are covering. I am going to a couple of concerts soon the Sam Roberts concert says no cameras. I want to see if they will make an acception for me. I am not sure about the Great Big Sea concert. Many people bring cameras to concerts.

[elysium]

Thanks. I can probably speak to one of the city newspaper photo editiors to see if they can let me go with one of their photographers to an event they are covering. I am going to a couple of concerts soon the Sam Roberts concert says no cameras. I want to see if they will make an acception for me. I am not sure about the Great Big Sea concert. Many people bring cameras to concerts.
Cameras are generally not the problem, some bangs or organisers maybe iffy about DSLR's.

If you are planning concerts, get editors to speak to the organisers and get something written if you can. Verbal agreements can go wrong.

[robie]

Cameras are generally not the problem, some bangs or organisers maybe iffy about DSLR's.

If you are planning concerts, get editors to speak to the organisers and get something written if you can. Verbal agreements can go wrong. What are Bangs? Editors from where?

[elysium]

What are Bangs? Editors from where?
Editor from anyone you have worked with or maybe someone you will work with in the future.

[jamesb84]

How would someone be able to get a press pass for sports events?

I will be going to college next year and hoping to get in the photography program. I want to start developing a portfolio as soon as possible, so I would like to know if it is possible to get press passes if you are not a proffesional photographer.

I would like to know for concerts as well.

Thanks.

My advice would be that if you want to build a portfolio, then any event where you need a pass is going to be too "high up" for just a portfolio shoot.

Have you looked at little league/amateur league stuff for sports? And perhaps small upcoming bands for music?

Remember, that those of us who depend on the pass for our livelihood would not react too kindly to people taking the limited numbers that there are away from us!

Be honest with organisers, you never know, you might get lucky...it's how i got into my first rugby game.

Since you seem to want to build a portfolio, then that would be my advice...if you only wanted to get into pro sports events for bragging rights, then my advice would have been VERY different ;)

James.

[DC Fan]

How big is the college? If it's small enough, you might not need to bother with a credential to get action shots. All you'd need is a camera and a long lens.

http://www.fansview.com/racing/10042008b0299.jpg
http://www.fansview.com/racing/10112008a0591.jpg

The top picture was taken at a game between two Football Championship Subdivison (former Division 1-AA) schools that don't award football scholarships. The bottom picture comes from a game between Division Two teams. Neither location came at a major event. Neither came from a field location, but each spot was very close to the field.

Typical of small-college football, both fields have large open areas where you can walk around at field level and get good, nearly unrestricted views of the game. Neither image required a field pass. The locations were further back than you'd have with a field pass, but standing further back meant far less risk of being mowed down by charging players. And since they were small-college games, there were no crowds of photographers or others on the sidelines to get in the way.

The cost? $8 for parking and $12 for a ticket to the first game, free parking and a $5 ticket to the second game.

If you want to develop a portfolio, look for small-college and minor league events. They're good places to develop skills and instincts without any pressure.

[Michael_Lambert]

I am also in Canada and it's not easy. I have contacted many events and have been told over and over again that they only allow access to "Working Photographers" i have even called and tried to pass myself off as a "Working Photographer" which they they offered to email me a form which requires you to put down who you are working for and the contact details for the editor which they will call to verify.

As for taking the camera anywhere i have had to bail on events cause they would not let me in with the camera.

[Phil Light]

FWIW - I can't speak as to how it is in Canada but it was pointed out to me a few years ago that "Press Pass" is an outdated term. The "cool" phrase now is Media Credentials.

[Michael_Lambert]

The other thing i have noticed on most of the applications is that it clearly states that the images taken can only be used solely by the agency you are shooting for.. for editorial use.

[liam5100]

Like others have said above, level matters. I shoot professionally and even some high school games arent that easy to get into anymore.

There is always the old "throw the 300 2.8 over your shoulder, walk in like you belong there" technique..

[robie]

Like others have said above, level matters. I shoot professionally and even some high school games arent that easy to get into anymore.

There is always the old "throw the 300 2.8 over your shoulder, walk in like you belong there" technique.. Ha ha.

[20DNewbie]

Like others have said above, level matters. I shoot professionally and even some high school games arent that easy to get into anymore.

There is always the old "throw the 300 2.8 over your shoulder, walk in like you belong there" technique..

LMAO! The 70-200 2.8 has worked for that even, although just small event type deals. When I throw the 300 on a second body, it's acts like Moses parting the Red Sea.:lol:

To the OP, during this past spring semester my prof assigned me a sports photog portfolio. I found a RSL(rugby super league) team locally and gave their press/PR dept. a call. They were more than happy to allow a student to take pics.

This semester my project just fell out from under last Friday. So I decided to hit up a local MMA training/fight center this past Saturday. Tomorrow I head in to start shooting training and this Sat. I'll be ringside at a fight(praying I don't screw the pooch on it). Now this is no Mac Danzig level fight, just a little local jobber, but it's a start.

Just get on the blower or start sending out emails, the worst they can do is say no.

Good luck in sorting it out.

[ak_powder_monkey]

vollunteer for the school paper

[robie]

I forgot to tell you guys this. This is for my local Junior A Hockey Team called "The Langley Chiefs", part of the BCHL (British Columbia Hockey League). I have sent an email to the Director of Marketing & Media Relations for the Langley Chiefs saying this:

I was wondering if I can shoot for the Chiefs sometimes because I will be taking photography in college next year in Ottawa and I want to start setting up a portfolio for practice. I will be getting a Canon EOS 50D with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS Lens. Please let me know. Thanks.

He replied back with this:



Hi Derek,


By all means – all we ask is that you provide us with digital copy of your photographs and that we have the right to use them for our promotional material, etc. If that is OK with you, Shelley will make sure your name is at the pass gate.


Thanks,

Jared


This is awesome!

[jamesb84]

I forgot to tell you guys this. This is for my local Junior A Hockey Team called "The Langley Chiefs", part of the BCHL (British Columbia Hockey League). I have sent an email to the Director of Marketing & Media Relations for the Langley Chiefs saying this:

I was wondering if I can shoot for the Chiefs sometimes because I will be taking photography in college next year in Ottawa and I want to start setting up a portfolio for practice. I will be getting a Canon EOS 50D with the 70-200 f/2.8L IS Lens. Please let me know. Thanks.

He replied back with this:



Hi Derek,


By all means – all we ask is that you provide us with digital copy of your photographs and that we have the right to use them for our promotional material, etc. If that is OK with you, Shelley will make sure your name is at the pass gate.


Thanks,

Jared


This is awesome!

Well, yes it may be awesome that you've got a pass...HOWEVER...the idea that the team will get to use your images for free instead of paying you or anyone else does mean that you're being taken advantage of i think.

If I was making a living out of selling photos to that team for their "promotional uses" I would be VERY pissed, since you've just taken my livelihood away. I also don't like the "promotional material, etc" bit. What counts as promotional material?! What does the etc mean?!

Yeah, great, it's awesome, you got a pass...you got to take pictures...you got to build your portfolio...but what about every other photographer who would go along and be trying to make money!? It is a very fine line you're treading here between getting a foot in the door, and getting taken advantage of + annoying any other pro shooters there.

A good way to get ahead in this game is by playing fair, and NOT taking food off another photographers table. I would reply to him saying, "i'm not going to be comfortable seeing images of a potentially low quality being used, if it's ok, I'd prefer to come along and get some practice first, then perhaps sell to you further on down the line". If he says "no way, not interested" then go elsewhere...sounds like he wants your free pictures more than you need to go along to his game.

Just my 2 cents (or 1 penny at the current exchange rate)

James.

[jamesb84]

In addition (having a spare 5 minutes) I went onto the BCHL website (and the Langley Chiefs site) and stumbled accross...

Media Accreditation Form (http://www.bchl.bc.ca/leagues/custom_page.cfm?leagueID=2393&clientID=1413&pageID=94) for the BCHL 2008/09 season.

This I think makes it a little worse that you're doing this. You are now over the thin line and into dangerous territory. You're at a game, where there are already procedures and accreditations in place...taking money away from working togs and giving your work away for free.

I would strongly recommend you to find an alternative venue to do your portfolio shots.

James.

[cecilc]

Hi Derek,


By all means – all we ask is that you provide us with digital copy of your photographs and that we have the right to use them for our promotional material, etc. If that is OK with you, Shelley will make sure your name is at the pass gate.


Thanks,

Jared


This is awesome!

I agree totally with James .....

This is really awesome ... but it's only awesome for that team !! They get all of your work for nothing !! Yea, that's a GREAT deal for them .... very bad deal for you, though !!

And a very bad deal for every other working photographer at those games ....

I would just like to be there when you become aware of the fact that you're getting screwed .... it's one of those "Aha!" moments ....

[jacuff]

The easiest way to get credentials is to get on board with the school newspaper. Otherwise, you'll need to convince the SID (Sports Information Director) that you being on the field will be mutually beneficial to both the school and you.

If you only want to build a portfolio, check with local high schools or smaller colleges/universities. Don't settle to give your images away for free.

[20DNewbie]

If there is already a S.O.P in regards to proper photogs and your unable to sort something else out I suppose you could hand them a CD of the really crap throw away shots(whether taken intentionally or unintentionally is up to you*wink wink*). Remind them that your "new to this type of shooting" and they shouldn't expect very much at this time so not to hose the paid shooters.

[robie]

I agree totally with James .....

This is really awesome ... but it's only awesome for that team !! They get all of your work for nothing !! Yea, that's a GREAT deal for them .... very bad deal for you, though !!

And a very bad deal for every other working photographer at those games ....

I would just like to be there when you become aware of the fact that you're getting screwed .... it's one of those "Aha!" moments .... The only photogs that will most likely be there are newspaper ones and rarely, I see a picture of the Chiefs in there. I don't care if I am giving them away for free; I just want some practice. I will be sure to take pictures at some Midget AAA Hockey games before the Chiefs games to get some practice. I just want to build a portfolio. Who knows? I can fill out that media form and get hired. You never know what can happen. They might like my photos.

[jamesb84]

...I don't care if I am giving them away for free; I just want some practice...

Let me ask you these questions...

1. Do you want to become a professional photographer at some point in the future...ever?

2. Do you want to charge people (possibly this team, possibly others) for your images at some point in the future?

3. Even if you want to remain amateur, do you still want to get access to these types of events again?

4. Does your portfolio need to include images shot at a semi-pro ice hockey game? Or any semi-pro sports? Will other people applying to college courses have them?

James.

[cecilc]

I don't care if I am giving them away for free; ....

Then you still don't get it! .....

If you start out giving stuff away, you will always be expected to provide stuff for free ! If you don't feel that your work has value now, it will be very difficult to convince clients down the road that your work has value then ...

I can fill out that media form and get hired. ....

Really !!! Why should they hire you ?! They're getting your work for FREE !! When do you think they will see any value in your work if you don't see any value in it now ?!

[robie]

Then you still don't get it! .....

If you start out giving stuff away, you will always be expected to provide stuff for free ! If you don't feel that your work has value now, it will be very difficult to convince clients down the road that your work has value then ...



Really !!! Why should they hire you ?! They're getting your work for FREE !! When do you think they will see any value in your work if you don't see any value in it now ?! I'm moving next year so it doesn't matter. And yes, I want to become a pro sports photographer, but I just want some practice right now. Who knows? Maybe they will pay me. And for my portfolio, I can take any pictures I want. I am just choosing to do a portfolio for my own practice.

[jacuff]

I'm moving next year so it doesn't matter. And yes, I want to become a pro sports photographer, but I just want some practice right now. Who knows? Maybe they will pay me. And for my portfolio, I can take any pictures I want. I am just choosing to do a portfolio for my own practice.

Are the athletes that are on the field PRACTICING or is GAME TIME for them? Same thing for the working photogs.

PS: Unless you have a contract with them, they probably aren't going to pay you. They'll pay a stock agency, but probably not you.

Practice your techniques when others aren't working. There's a pecking order and photogs that give their work away for free is at the absolute bottom of that order. If you want to get near the top (SI or AP for example), you'll have to conduct yourself in a professional manner. The it doesn't matter, I'm moving mentality isn't very professional as it does matter. That's what people have been trying to tell you. Your conduct has an impact on who will hire/pay you. Giving away images for free is not the kind of image you want to portray. If you want to practice your panning technique, get your longest lens and see if you can keep a vehicle sharp and blur everything else as its moving. Go to a local ballpark and practice freezing the action or catching it at the peak moment. Practice during high school sports (yeah there will be working people there too, but a lot fewer of them), but don't give away your images for free. If they want to use one of your images for their yearbook, sell it to them.

[stathunter]

Personally I think if Robie is going to shoot for free for experience-- more power to him. I have shot for free but do not give my rights away. You can simply provide the organization a few photos with your logo on them.

I have been to events where I was there to shoot for free but I always call all of the news editors/sports magazines and try to make it as profitable as possible. Unless the news agency is paying for exclusive, I typically try to sell other photos to other agencies or mags. Once you do this a few times you will know that there are others who will purchase a photo or more from you and it pays for being there, plus gain more experience and stuff for your portfolio.

Heck I did a boxing event this weekend. Provided the promoter with a few shots-- all had my logo on them and they link all the photos to my website. Then I sold several shots to five different news agencies. When I was at the event I had two news agencies work out agreements with me for photos. I also made many new connections to other media groups. Always focus on the business end of photography. Act professional and do some networking while at any event.

[clarence]

Personally I think if Robie is going to shoot for free for experience-- more power to him.

+1

He gains practice, builds a portfolio.

Even if the team uses the free photos in an ad or program cover, that'd be a great addition to his portfolio too.

For you already established "pros", would you give a copy of your files (and usage rights) for a free opportunity to have access to shoot the World Series, the Super Bowl, the Olympics? Would you be willing to submit a free picture if SI wanted to put on the cover? That'd be a nice feather in your portfolio and would pay off much more in the long run.

[robie]

+1

He gains practice, builds a portfolio.

Even if the team uses the free photos in an ad or program cover, that'd be a great addition to his portfolio too.

For you already established "pros", would you give a copy of your files (and usage rights) for a free opportunity to have access to shoot the World Series, the Super Bowl, the Olympics? Would you be willing to submit a free picture if SI wanted to put on the cover? That'd be a nice feather in your portfolio and would pay off much more in the long run. Thanks. That's what I'm saying. This will look good on my resume even if I don't get paid. Who knows? Maybe the newspaper will buy a photo or more from me?

I would supply free photos if the NHL, MLB, NFL, Olympics, or any other pro sport(s) wanted me to shoot a game, event, or two for them. It's a great opportunity that will look great on your resume.

[20DNewbie]

Thanks. That's what I'm saying. This will look good on my resume even if I don't get paid. Who knows? Maybe the newspaper will buy a photo or more from me?

I would supply free photos if the NHL, MLB, NFL, Olympics, or any other pro sport(s) wanted me to shoot a game, event, or two for them. It's a great opportunity that will look great on your resume.

The problem with that is the next guy behind you doing it for free, so why should they pay you when you feel it's your turn to start earning?

All you gotta do is ask one of the local papers if they're in need of a stringer. Heck, I just walked into a MMA gym the other day for the first time about a school project and in about 10-15 minutes I had creds. for a match this Sat. with 15 fights on the card, 8 amateur and 7 professional. I've know idea how that one worked out, all the gym owner was asking about was a couple of prints(I'll be doing them a home) to hang on the gym walls. It wasn't in a "only if..." type of way either, it was more like "would it be ok if I could get a few to hang" type of way.

If you don't ask, you'll never know.

Good luck either way.

[jacuff]

The problem with that is the next guy behind you doing it for free, so why should they pay you when you feel it's your turn to start earning?


QFT +1

[dmwierz]

Thanks. That's what I'm saying. This will look good on my resume even if I don't get paid. Who knows? Maybe the newspaper will buy a photo or more from me?

I would supply free photos if the NHL, MLB, NFL, Olympics, or any other pro sport(s) wanted me to shoot a game, event, or two for them. It's a great opportunity that will look great on your resume.

Sorry, but if you believe this, you're living in a dream world. Pro leagues police their images very strictly, which include controlling who gets credentials (agencies and their photographers). Consider this: when you shoot a pro event, the team/league will always want to know what is in it for them? There is a reason why these things are generally administered by the Public Relations department - they want the images taken of their team in their arena of their games to have the maximum chance of being published in as many places as possible.

If you're shooting for your "portfolio", why in the world, in this day of less and less people getting credentials, would a team want to give you credentials just so you can build up your resume? Why would they want you taking up one of their limited positions just so you can show your friends what you came up with? Plus, unless they know what you're gonna do with your images (and fully trust you will only do what they want you to), they will probably be extremely unlikely to credential you. Again, a team's image is very important to their PR department and the photos taken at their events are a big part of this.

And, furthermore, you honestly don't need images of pro events to prove you're a talented photographer. Saying you do is just another indication of your lack of not only experience but also of your not understanding the way the business really works, or for that matter, what actual Photo Editors look for .

Shoot at the High School level as much as possible and as many challenging conditions as you can. Build you portfolio then try to work up to covering a JC or smaller college. Then once you're fully skilled at this level, use what you have accomplished to get the attention of a local newspaper (or if you're good enough, a smaller wire service) to break into the Div 1 NCAA or Pro level.

This whole journey I outlined above doesn't need to take years. If you have the skills, and are willing to work your butt off, you can rise quickly. I personally know of a pro shooter who went from shooting kid's flag football one year to a working a major Div 1 NCAA football program in just over a year, and the NFL the next year. This shooter also went from covering T-ball one year to working MLB just about 1.5 years later, and also being assigned to work pro tennis, NASCAR, NHL and NCAA football, baseball and basketball, all within 2 years of starting out. However to get here, he shot every weekend throughout this entire time, worked literally hundreds of youth and middle school games (of almost every conceivable sport); covered dozens of High School events (sometimes 2-4 games per weekend), all while holding down a 60-hour per week job in Senior Management.

And don't fool yourself into thinking anyone who has you work for free will ever take you seriously. You'll always be "that guy who works for free" in their eyes. From their perspective, pro photographers ask for and receive what they are worth, and if you're asking for and they're paying you nothing, this tells you what value they place on your work.

[robie]

You have all seemed to misunderstand me. I am not working for them. I am just shooting a game or more and just letting them know I will be there. There aren't even any other photographers there. I live in the city and the newspaper dosn't even have any pictures of the team or they have one or some every so often. I am going to college so all I want is some practice. Yes, I am going to shoot lower levels and as much as possible, but it doesn't mean I can't shoot Junior A Hockey. All they are asking is just to provide a digital copy of the images I have taken so I don't take pictures and leave. Yes, I can leave and still give them the copy, but I won't sell. That's rude. It's a great opportunity for me and I am going to do it. I understand the business, but I am not officially in it right now.

[dmwierz]

You have all seemed to misunderstand me. I am not working for them. I am just shooting a game or more and just letting them know I will be there. There aren't even any other photographers there. I live in the city and the newspaper dosn't even have any pictures of the team or they have one or some every so often. I am going to college so all I want is some practice. Yes, I am going to shoot lower levels and as much as possible, but it doesn't mean I can't shoot Junior A Hockey. All they are asking is just to provide a digital copy of the images I have taken so I don't take pictures and leave. Yes, I can leave and still give them the copy, but I won't sell. That's rude. It's a great opportunity for me and I am going to do it. I understand the business, but I am not officially in it right now.

No, I think we understand. What I think you're not understanding is the fact that your time, your skills, your experience and your equipment are worth more than nothing. If they are interested enough (and you're talented enough) to give you credentials, then they should pay your for your work. EVEN IF you're just startng out.

Think of it this way: what if they had to go on the open market to get a photographer to shoot their players for them to use in their promotional material - you got to believe the photographer who got this job would ask to be paid for his/her time, experience, equipment, etc....so why again should you work for free?

The single most common thing I see noobs do when they are in this position is to under-sell themselves, up to and including working for free. When I first started working in this business, I was amazed at how much people are willling to pay for quality images - but you, the photographer, have to ASK for the money. Of course, if you offer to do anything for free, the customer will take you up on your offer, however, AGAIN, they won't respect you. Guaranteed.

I have seen it happen over and over - shooters with even years of experience shooting teams for free get run out of what they have come to see as THEIR game by a pro photographer who comes along and charges the team for his/her well-marketed services and products, and the "old" photographer is left trying to figure out what the heck happened.

Even if you only asked for $50 to cover your time and expenses, at least you've established yourself as having value in their minds, and if they're not willing to pay you for your time, then you are essentially paying THEM for the privilege of working for them. Doesn't make much sense to me.

[robie]

No, I think we understand. What I think you're not understanding is the fact that your time, your skills, your experience and your equipment are worth more than nothing. If they are interested enough (and you're talented enough) to give you credentials, then they should pay your for your work. EVEN IF you're just startng out.

Think of it this way: what if they had to go on the open market to get a photographer to shoot their players for them to use in their promotional material - you got to believe the photographer who got this job would ask to be paid for his/her time, experience, equipment, etc....so why again should you work for free?

The single most common thing I see noobs do when they are in this position is to under-sell themselves, up to and including working for free. When I first started working in this business, I was amazed at how much people are willling to pay for quality images - but you, the photographer, have to ASK for the money. Of course, if you offer to do anything for free, the customer will take you up on your offer, however, AGAIN, they won't respect you. Guaranteed.

I have seen it happen over and over - shooters with even years of experience shooting teams for free get run out of what they have come to see as THEIR game by a pro photographer who comes along and charges the team for his/her well-marketed services and products, and the "old" photographer is left trying to figure out what the heck happened.

Even if you only asked for $50 to cover your time and expenses, at least you've established yourself as having value in their minds, and if they're not willing to pay you for your time, then you are essentially paying THEM for the privilege of working for them. Doesn't make much sense to me. I was actually thinking about this and my dad said they should pay me, so I think i will ask them to pay me. %50 sounds good enough just to be there and provide my photos. If they like my photos enough, who knows? maybe they will offer me more money or possibly a job. Thanks.

[cecilc]

I was actually thinking about this and my dad said they should pay me, so I think i will ask them to pay me. $50 sounds good enough just to be there and provide my photos. If they like my photos enough, who knows? maybe they will offer me more money or possibly a job.

Wow .... 180 degree turnaround ....

As Dennis said, we've ALL understood you ! Mainly because ... hey ... we've all been there ....

[gromeo]

Well said Dennis

[clarence]

I think i will ask them to pay me. $50 sounds good enough just to be there and provide my photos.

Maybe I missed it, but have you posted a gallery of the shots that you're going to show them to convince them that instead of buying a ticket and sitting in the crowd, they should pay you and give you free admission and have free access to the best seats in the arena?

I'd be really interested in hearing their reply.

I'm not saying that an 18 year old can't take great shots, but I thought the original intent of your question was looking for a place to get initial experience.

Maybe you have good negotiation skills, but what's your contingency if they say No? Are you going to ask if you can still shoot in accordance to their original terms of media access with portfolio rights in trade for a copy of your photos?

Or are you going to ask if you can buy a ticket and ask permission to bring a camera into the bleachers.

So all of you SportsShooter pros built your portfolio with paid gigs from day 1 as a newbie?

[jamesb84]

So all of you SportsShooter pros built your portfolio with paid gigs from day 1 as a newbie?

Hell no...I went out and did some REALLY BAD low-level games, think just above the level of friends in a park and you're there...

I got better at shooting (good enough to make some decent images consistently, no matter how bad the play was) and used the best in a portfolio.

The difference with most pro's is that they WORK DAMN HARD to get to the level we're at (for me that's just below Premiership football and doing European/International Rugby).

Once i'd done my time with really really low level stuff (where they were glad to have me along to take shots...and sell them to players...wives...families...the club) and I was confident enough with my abilities, i approached agencies, papers etc. and started work as a stringer.

So I have 2 portfolios really, the one from low-league work with 3 men and a dog watching, and one from championship football and world cup rugby.

Plus, I agree with Dennis' sentiments on this one, if there is one guy on here who I would trust implicitly, it would be him.

James.

[gromeo]

"So all of you SportsShooter pros built your portfolio with paid gigs from day 1 as a newbie?"

I don't know about any body else but my first gig was paid, ( my instructors assisted me in this) shooting with the leisure service in the city I lived in, It was a quarterly publication I negotiated pay per quarter and the they paid for film and darkroom supply. It was mostly LL sports and civic arts stuff, I used that to build a portfolio in order to apply for internships, even after getting into internships most assignments were HS and LL sports and spot news stuff, it wasn't till my second or third internship that I shot a D1 Sport, this was back in the 80's.

[brphotography]

How would someone be able to get a press pass for sports events?

I will be going to college next year and hoping to get in the photography program. I want to start developing a portfolio as soon as possible, so I would like to know if it is possible to get press passes if you are not a proffesional photographer.

I would like to know for concerts as well.

Thanks.


Im not to sure what its like over in Canada however I have been able to get Media pass's and accreditation over here in Australia

Best thing to do is find a local paper, ask that you want gain experience, unpaid and that your willing to work odd hours, your enthusiatic and want to learn about the Media and how it works

You will be suprised and dazzled at the reaction you will get.

I shoot sport on a regular basis now for a volenteer soccer news paper and from that I then meet with teams, organise photoshoots. I am also venturing to other sports such as Basketball and Football.

Concerts can be tricky, normal play is your there for three songs, you cannot use flash, and when your time is up your out.

Be aware also that if your shooting for the Media most times the outlet wants there photos that day, so if your shooting a concernt at 10pm then its best to have your shots up by 12pm, other wise by the next morning its old news and some other paper or magazine has already published shots and the publication has lost there edge, unless you got a pap shot, ie the lead singer falling over backwards and making a laughing stock of himself.

Best thing to do is act confident on the phone, call the marketing or PR company for the event and mention that you want to speak with the Media manager, when you speak with them advise that your wanting to obtain Media accreditation and ask that the can email you there forms so you can send them back (This is the deal in Australia, dont know if its the same in Canada)

Once you have done the first one its gets easier each time, you also will meet other photographers, make great friends and live the life, photographing famous people

Feel free to drop me a message if you have any questions, I will do my best to answer them.

Regards
Brett Robson
Freelance Media Photographer
WWW: http://brettrobsonphotography.wordpress.com
Email: brettrobsonphotography@gmail.com