My friend has issues, but got me thinking...

Tonight were going to a Marilins/Braves game and my friend called me to see if I can bring my camera along with my "humangous lens" (what he calls my 70-200) to see if we can score a press pass. I told him no, but now its got me thinking if anyone ever got lucky and received a press pass or anything by having their camera with them, at any event. Anyone?

I seriously doubt that you would score one of these at a MLB game. The security at both the team level and the venue (stadium) are pretty well tuned in to the fact that there are many that try this. I would be surprised if they weren't also well aware of the fact that a camera in the range of a 20D/30D or even 5D and a lens like the 70-200 is pretty commonplace these days. I've worked several sporting events with credentials that were weekend type of events and even though you got to know the security people at the various checkpoints they still checked our badges each and every time. I found out they had problems in the past where once someone became acquainted with the security folks, they would hand off their press badge to a friend.

You could try but I would be ready to check your gear or return it to your vehicle.

SSim--you say be ready to check or return equipment to car--can a 'customer' take pictures in a non-professional capacity at MLB games? I haven't been in a few years but used to take a p/s all the time. Has that changed? Just wondering...

Most of them have a list of what is allowed in and what isn't. If I recall correctly some of them have a rule that the lens cannot be longer than 6" and /or a maximum of 200mm. Check both the team and stadium sites for clarification, most of them do post this these days.

I can get away with such in certain places, mostly opened to public anyways. I just wave my local press pass, and ask them if I can walkaround for a few minutes, maybe stop at the press pit for a couple of photos and then scoot out to another assignment.

But I have never tried an MLB, NFL, NHL, MLS game. These are the big leagues, with Player Associations, and all sorts of crazy stuff and trade marked names.

Actually I would just let you know that although it is unlikely to happen, if you get in trouble for remotely trying to pass as press, if charged you could get into a heap of trouble. This has been my experience, so I have avoided it.

But best of luck, make sure to have the serial numbers for both units just in case, and post the photos.

Be sure to insure your gear.

That way when it is stolen out of your car because you could not get it into the event, you will be covered.

Seriously, chances of entry with a serious camera or lens into a major event like MLB, NHL or NCAA is less than nil. Never mind walkup press access. Speaking from experience. I've been to events in these series and even the fun ones (All Star events) are very restrictive. The only event I know of that is less restrictive is NASCAR, and they restrict where you can go.

Leave the heavy gear at home and enjoy the game.

youd prolly have a better chance bringing a bucket and a mop and trying to get in as a janitor!!

lol

tsxmike wrote in post #3097882
Tonight were going to a Marilins/Braves game and my friend called me to see if I can bring my camera along with my "humangous lens" (what he calls my 70-200) to see if we can score a press pass. I told him no, but now its got me thinking if anyone ever got lucky and received a press pass or anything by having their camera with them, at any event. Anyone?

Not at a national sporting event, but I was hired on the spot by the local paper last year at a festival event. Their photographer was unavailable and I was there with my gear and looked like I knew what I was doing. The paper used about a 1/2 dozen of my photos.

Mark

zacker wrote in post #3098481
youd prolly have a better chance bringing a bucket and a mop and trying to get in as a janitor!!

lol

And who would steal a bucket and mop from your car if it doesn't work.

Wow, I went to a major league sporting event over the weekend and security checked my camera bag twice. The second check the guard tagged my bag. Canon 350D with various lens, one being a 300mm. I mounted up the 300mm and snapped away getting some great captures. Guess I was lucky.

If you get a Credential for just walking in with your camera then I would advise you to turn around and walk out the stadium and head straight to the first convenience store you see and purchase a lottery ticket.

Oneslowz28 wrote in post #6242942
If you get a Credential for just walking in with your camera then I would advise you to turn around and walk out the stadium and head straight to the first convenience store you see and purchase a lottery ticket.

I didn't even think of a press pass at the time in fact there was sign stating no back packs allowed along with other items, glass etc. I was concerned I wouldn't get in at all. After the first guard checked my bag I thought I was out, but he directed me to another guard who checked everything in my bag and then tagged it. Just walked in with 10,000 other fans. So I starting thinking what would it take to get a press pass? So I searched POTN for the answer. I getting an education on the subject.

Man, this is an ooooold thread.

Mark_Cohran wrote in post #6243032
Man, this is an ooooold thread.

I agree on a very old thread, but very informative.

Thank you all for your help.