Pro card?? Anyone ever hear of this?

Ok, I have gotten very serious into photography this past year, upgraded all of my equipment, and am actually slowly trying to get my name out there, knowing that I'm not in a rush or anything because I still have a LOT to learn, then I hear this...

So, my wife knows a guy who is a photographer, and this guy says I should work on getting my "pro card", and this will get me into events and such, this "card" being some kind of credential thing...

Now, from what I understand, and from my own experience contacting all sorts of places and such, is that the only way you can get "credentials" is to actually work for a media company, newspaper, etc. I have NEVER heard of this "pro card", so I was hoping that someone might be able to enlighten me on this, if it does exist. I'm thinking no, but who knows...

Even if such a card existed,(and it does not as there is no serious licensing for photographers) why would it gain you access? Venues admit credentialed journalists to events because they want the publicity that comes from publication.

You could be the best photographer in the universe (pro card and all) and admitting you would gain them nothing if you don't work for a publication.

Getting nice photos on your Flickr is not the goal of the venue.

Well that's what I figured. I've sent a ton of requests to a ton of places, most say no because I am not credentialed. I wouldn't think a "card" would get me access anywhere. It'd be nice if it did though...

I was at an auto racing event this past Saturday, and I was granted pit access but NOT track access because I wasn't credentialed. Was ok by me, I met a lot of photographers, and they want me to submit pics to them, so was worth it for me so far.

I think I will have to meet this guy to see what in the heck he was talking about.

I will echo what Jeffrey says.

But I'm curious if there is a cost associated with this "pro card." If there is a charge - other than useful, worthwhile, and helpful training courses and/or seminars - then I would view that concept with suspicion as somebody's money making venture.

sapearl wrote in post #14072006
I will echo what Jeffrey says.

But I'm curious if there is a cost associated with this "pro card." If there is a charge - other than useful, worthwhile, and helpful training courses and/or seminars - then I would view that concept with suspicion as somebody's money making venture.

Yea, true. Funny, I can still recall when she told me what he said. I was like.. "Huh??" But I would like to talk to him to see what he's talking about, kinda curious anyway..

kenjancef wrote in post #14071890
So, my wife knows a guy who is a photographer, and this guy says I should work on getting my "pro card", and this will get me into events and such, this "card" being some kind of credential thing...

You might want to check with your local city or county media relations department and see if they issue media credentials, here locally the county issues media ID cards, the only requirements being one needs a letter from the employer requesting one be issued, a rolled fingerprint card and $21 for a background check, there is no charge for the issuance of or for the annual renewal of the cards.

The process was rather straight forward, one stops by the governmental center, fills out a form gets their picture taken, leaves the letter of request and the fingerprint card with the guy who takes the photo, and then once the background check comes back clean (about two weeks) the credentials are mailed out, the only down side is they all expire in October, as such if one applies in August the ID must be renewed a month later to be reissued on time for the following October, though I have met many guys working with expired ID’s as the expiration date is at the bottom of the ID and is in about a #2 font.

Wayne

Sounds to me like "pro card" is a figure of speech. Like he's saying, "Get your name out there and raise your skill level. Then you'll get into events."

I think the closest you are going to get, is a press card. But from what I understand, there is no real standard for such things in the US. They are simply issued by the publication (correct me if I'm wrong).

Here, we have a "proper" proper press card. Issued by trade unions (That are certified to do so, which not all are). Officially recognized and considered the only true credential.

I have one (even though I'm not technically a press photographer) and it does open quite a few doors.

Maybe it is worth looking into? If need be (and if it's important enough to you), you could always take a freelance gig for a newspaper.

quiksquirrel wrote in post #14075116
I think the closest you are going to get, is a press card. But from what I understand, there is no real standard for such things in the US. They are simply issued by the publication (correct me if I'm wrong).

Here, we have a "proper" proper press card. Issued by trade unions (That are certified to do so, which not all are). Officially recognized and considered the only true credential.

I have one (even though I'm not technically a press photographer) and it does open quite a few doors.

Maybe it is worth looking into? If need be (and if it's important enough to you), you could always take a freelance gig for a newspaper.

I had always thought that credentials were given to working press photographers, such as those from a newspaper, magazine, or some other type of media outlet.

And yes, I was thinking of taking freelance work in my area. I'm not in too much hurry since I know there is a lot more for me to learn, so I will slowly be getting my name out there.

I have never heard of a generic 'PRO' press card. I have found that in most cases you have to apply beforehand for press credentials through the promoter of a specific event. 'Press Credentials' for public events are generally associated with a bonafide media outlet and/or police department. However, knowing the right people helps too.

Interestingly, there have been Web sites that have offered "credentials" for a fee, but since they are not bona fide media outlets, you will likely be throwing your money away. Working for a media outlet, at least as a freelancer, is as far as I know the first step "in the door".

Otherwise, there are a lot of venues who let photogs in without credentials, but for others the door is closed, and in fact in many venues they won't let a photog in unless they themselves have issued the "pass", typically in response to an official request by a recognized media outlet/publication.

If I'm interested in photographing an event, I'll look for any info on the associated Web site, and if I can't find anything I'll ask at the "gate". I won't just try to sneak in.

tonylong wrote in post #14075698
Interestingly, there have been Web sites that have offered "credentials" for a fee, but since they are not bona fide media outlets, you will likely be throwing your money away. Working for a media outlet, at least as a freelancer, is as far as I know the first step "in the door".

Otherwise, there are a lot of venues who let photogs in without credentials, but for others the door is closed, and in fact in many venues they won't let a photog in unless they themselves have issued the "pass", typically in response to an official request by a recognized media outlet/publication.

If I'm interested in photographing an event, I'll look for any info on the associated Web site, and if I can't find anything I'll ask at the "gate". I won't just try to sneak in.

I always try to contact the venue, and they put me through to the promoter. That's what I did for the racing event I shot this past Saturday. What's the worst they can say... no. But it doesn't hurt to just ask!

kenjancef wrote in post #14075754
I always try to contact the venue, and they put me through to the promoter. That's what I did for the racing event I shot this past Saturday. What's the worst they can say... no. But it doesn't hurt to just ask!

Ah, yes, using the telephone works!

I've been presently surprised to find out how many venues will actually let a photog shoot without the cred's!

tonylong wrote in post #14075832
Ah, yes, using the telephone works!

I've been presently surprised to find out how many venues will actually let a photog shoot without the cred's!

Me too! I get limited access, but better than nothing at all. I took a chance last year and emailed the NASCAR track in New Hampshire asking to shoot, and they gave me garage passes! Got to meet some drivers, and got to watch the crews getting the cars ready, was pretty fun to shoot that.

Buy your IFPO lifetime credential for $81

...or pay me to make an IFPO credential for you, for $10 less that IFPO charges