Media credentials

So, I figured I would ask here hoping maybe I'll catch the break I'm looking for. I've been photographing professional motorsports for the past 6 years and haven't had too much of an issue getting photo credentials for NHRA, world of outlaws, etc. I've have seemed to hit a brick wall with getting credentials for NCAA sports, NHL, NFL, MLB, etc. I've sent out emails with my portfolio contact information and the most I honestly get back is we'll hold on to your information and be in touch and then I don't hear back or he majority of places I'll email or call I just don't hear back period. For those that are professional photographers and or those that have obtained credentials how do you get them? Am I doing something wrong how could I improve my attempts? Or should I just keep grinding away on the phone? I've also attached a few of my photos that I provide in my portfolio below.

Thanks

Eric Myers

You generally need to be working media to get media credentials, otherwise there is little incentive for the promoter/venue to provide you inside access.

I'm not trying to do this "for me" I should've clarified that, I've never have shot just for me. I've always had a promoter or news outlet I'm working for. (National Speed Sport News, Competition Plus for example) I've always turned in photos to the publication that got me the credentials.

Eric Myers wrote in post #17744628
I'm not trying to do this "for me" I should've clarified that, I've never have shot just for me. I've always had a promoter or news outlet I'm working for. (National Speed Sport News, Competition Plus for example) I've always turned in photos to the publication that got me the credentials.

But who are you working for when you ask for credentials from NCAA, NBA, MLB, ? The league doesn't care about your skill but the value of the publications reach.

gonzogolf wrote in post #17744648
But who are you working for when you ask for credentials from NCAA, NBA, MLB, ? The league doesn't care about your skill but the value of the publications reach.

I've been messaging news outlets, not the NCAA or any of the sports listed.

Eric Myers wrote in post #17744650
I've been messaging news outlets, not the NCAA or any of the sports listed.

The press universe is shrinking. Newspapers aren't hiring anymore, they use wire services. You need to string for a local newspaper doing stuff and work your way up the food chain.

Keep contacting them. Be persistent. Perhaps every other week. They probably get tons of calls/emails everyday from people that want to shoot for them.

Personally, when I am out on assignment shooting sports, my editor as made all the arrangements for access and media accreditation. I have never had to call and arrange for my own credentials. Get whatever publication you are out shooting for to make the arrangements and it might be a little easier.

Sorry if my initial post wasn't clear in what I was trying to ask, the only publishers I personally have contacts with are through motorsports and they only do motorsports news. I have ZERO contacts with publishers in the stick and ball news area, thus why I've been calling and emailing news outlets for such sports, the most I get back is a no or they already have a photographer.

I'm just curious how people here that have photographed NFL, NHL, NCAA sports got their first credential and maybe I'm doing it the wrong way and that's why I'm asking for advice on maybe if I should approach this differently from how I did motorsports. Myself I'm in a pretty decent location for professional/college sports in the Bay Area and northern California, I'm in Vallejo and it's roughly 40 minutes from the Oakland A's, Raiders, and Golden State Warriors, 20 minutes to UC Berkley, hour south to Levi's Stadium, and an hour north from Sacramento Kings.. I used this information in the emails I've sent and I'm not even sure if it's relevant.

I appreciate every taking their time and replying.

-Eric

This article might have some insight. http://www.popphoto.co​m …mpics-jeff-cable-explains

the flying moose wrote in post #17745993
This article might have some insight. http://www.popphoto.co​m …mpics-jeff-cable-explains

Thanks, I'll check it out later tonight.