European Press Federation - legitimate service?

[shadowkipper]

I was doing some reserach on 'press passes', ID Cards and credentials etc and came across a few sites (clearly administrated equally by the same corp judging by the text/wording and layouts of each site)

One in particular:

European Press Federation (http://www.ep-fed.org/index.php?page=languages&action=set_language&content_ext=en&src_page=contents&src_action=&name=vorteile&active_menu_point=)

Now before someone says something along the lines of "there's a difference between a pass and credentials" or "press passes are given out by the company/editor"... I understand that but I was curious as to whether the service this site is offering is actually legitimate and helpful for aspiring photographers/photojournalists such as myself.

The EPF is charging a fair bit for one of these 'passes', just under £200 or so if you want the premium package and the extra fast delivery. Thats a lot of money for something like this but if it's legit and worth it...

Your thoughts please.

http://www.ep-fed.org/data/webdata/pictures_2/card_for.jpg

http://www.ep-fed.org/data/webdata/pictures_2/card_back.jpg

http://www.ep-fed.org/data/webdata/pictures_2/card_id_for.jpg

http://www.ep-fed.org/data/webdata/pictures_2/card_id_back.jpg

[Alleh]

It wont make a difference. You need to get a pass for each individual event you are trying to cover. That thing would only work on the same people that will let you in just because you have a camera with a big lens.

[Picturesports]

As Alleh says - it isn't the pass that matters but who issued it. If it has "insert large well known media organisation here" then it will carry more weight, but any event that requires accreditation will run its own vetting process be it one off for that event or for a fixed period.

The days of the press card wedged in the band of your Trilby are over. Last year I broke my all time record for bits of plastic with my face on :razz:

[Leechbert]

When I was in London I used a National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Pass. This was the standard press pass issued to Journalists and is recognized by the MOD, Police and other services.
Yes individual passes are required for certain events, but my NUJ pass meant I was able to turn up without prior accreditation to a large number of sizeable events and was given a spot-pass. When obtaining accreditation I found that my NUJ card was usually the first requirement on the verification procedure (and when it wasn't - it certainly helped!)

It was also essential when covering riots/demonstations/public rallies etc as it holds sway with the Met Police.

I'm afraid I can't comment on the Euro Press Federation card which looks nice and snazzy...however you'd want to make sure the card is recognized by law enforcement and governments in the locations you want to work.
This is all I could find after a quick run through the site:

The EPF press card is trusted by authorities, companies and organisers due to the high quality of work within the association. It also holds a high degree of acceptance within professional circles

You might want to find out precisely WHO these authorities are. If a questioning PC on the street doesn't recognise it - you'd be better off claiming to be Prince William pursuing his candid hobby...

[shadowkipper]

When I was in London I used a National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Pass. This was the standard press pass issued to Journalists and is recognized by the MOD, Police and other services.
Yes individual passes are required for certain events, but my NUJ pass meant I was able to turn up without prior accreditation to a large number of sizeable events and was given a spot-pass. When obtaining accreditation I found that my NUJ card was usually the first requirement on the verification procedure (and when it wasn't - it certainly helped!)

It was also essential when covering riots/demonstations/public rallies etc as it holds sway with the Met Police.

I'm afraid I can't comment on the Euro Press Federation card which looks nice and snazzy...however you'd want to make sure the card is recognized by law enforcement and governments in the locations you want to work.
This is all I could find after a quick run through the site:



You might want to find out precisely WHO these authorities are. If a questioning PC on the street doesn't recognise it - you'd be better off claiming to be Prince William pursuing his candid hobby...


Thanks for your information (And the posters above you).

How long ago were you based in London with NUJ?