Help on Credentials please.

[Jonny]

Guys,

I have just been in touch with the press and publicity office of a local council that are running an event in August. I have ask who to apply to for credentials to try and get closer to the action and i have been given a name and number to fax off to.

Now can you help me with my wording so i don't make my self look like a total fool. This will be (if i get in) my first time on the other side of the fence. It is not a major event and i don't anticipate any major problems but i do want to try and give the right impression.

How would you go about writing for a media pass?

Any help you can offer is VERY MUCH apprieciated.

Thank you in advance

[IndyJeff]

Originally Posted by Jonny Skyman

Guys,

I have just been in touch with the press and publicity office of a local council that are running an event in August. I have ask who to apply to for credentials to try and get closer to the action and i have been given a name and number to fax off to.

Now can you help me with my wording so i don't make my self look like a total fool. This will be (if i get in) my first time on the other side of the fence. It is not a major event and i don't anticipate any major problems but i do want to try and give the right impression.

How would you go about writing for a media pass?

Any help you can offer is VERY MUCH apprieciated.

Thank you in advance

First off, generally you don't apply for credentials, the media who has hired you will do that on their letterhead.
In some rare instances you can do it on your company letterhead. Enclosed with your request should be a response letter from clients who are interested in purchasing images for publication.

You are in the UK so I don't know the differences there. Here, in the states, a media credential is issued to the "working media". Freelancers have a client before the event. They don't just hand out credentials to anyone who wants to try and get some better shots to maybe sell to the media.

May I suggest, asking if they are interested in your services themselves.

[KennyG]

Jonny,

The first question you will be asked is who you are doing it for. If it is simply for yourself then the chances are they will say no to the request. If you are doing it for a publication, then they should ask on your behalf. If it is for a participating group or organisation you should get a letter from them to support your application.

You must state clearly why you need the media access and who will be using the images.

[gmen]

Jonny,

As Jeff and Kenny have already stated, you will need to get the backing of a publication or a participating team/organisation if you are to apply successfully for accreditation.

What is the nature of the event? Is it something a local newspaper may be interested in (if they are not already sending a photog)? Would the council themselves be interested in your services? Have you contacted any of the participants to find out if they require photographic coverage of the event? Are there any specialist publications that may be interested in submissions?

I would certainly explore these and other avenues before simply applying on your own behalf. Media access is just that - for the working media. You will be best served by having a credible outlet for your images.

--- Gavin

[Jonny]

BUMP>

Well i applied and got confirmed!

Cool, looks like next month i will be photographing the likes of Rachael Stevens, Lemar, Lee Ryan, Stereo MC's and Frankie goes to hollywood!

Looking forward to it!

[robertwgross]

Originally Posted by Jonny Skyman

Cool, looks like next month i will be photographing the likes of Rachael Stevens, Lemar, Lee Ryan, Stereo MC's and Frankie goes to hollywood!

Are these soccer players, or what?

---Bob Gross---

[Jonny]

LOL, no.

They are some minor players in british music.

Heres Rachel:




Gonna make sure i have my 100-400+Extender for this girl!

[hando]

Bump

So how did it all go?