Getting a press pass...

How is this done? Do I have to be shooting for a publication or can I get one as a freelancer?

regardless you are freelancer or stringer, you still need proof that you work for a publication, and most times, you have to ask publication to apply for credentials for you, as an individual, you'll be turned away without a glance(from my experience)

Then again, it depends on which event you are going to cover and how big it is in terms of news value and effects.

I appreciate your comments but I am too jealous over your 70-200mm f2.8 IS for me to say thank you! Heheh!

hehehe, that is hell of a fast lens for action, wait till you try the 400mm f2.8 IS!!!

I used the 300mm 2.8L IS but wow was it heavy... I needed a caddy for it

300mm f2.8 IS is perfectly handheldable compare to 400mm f2.8 IS!!!

A senior newspaper editor (or similar) will be able to able for a 'press card' for you.

It is certainly a useful thing to have on your person as they show that you have been 'checked out' and are a reputable photographer - whether a freelancer or staffer. My card states that I am a 'bonafide newsgatherer in the eyes of the Association of Chief Police Officers of England and Wales'.

However, as sGu says, it will rarely get you in the door of a major event. Space is frequently limited and accreditation is required - therefore your newspaper/publication will still have to apply for a 'photographer's pass' for you.

A press card is handy though for smaller events and on-the-spot news-gathering - as it will give you credibility and help you to get into positions that non-holders cannot access.

Hope that helps.

media credentials are needed mostly anywhere regardless if you are working for a publication or not.

The chances of getting credentials by yourself are next to nothing (I've been turned down a few times ). Now if you are working for some sort of magazine/newspaper or any other body involved with the event you want to shoot, credentials are much easier to obtain.

A guy from our paper came to one of the (american) football games a few week ago, and it didnt look intimadating at all. Not to say i'd hand hold it for an entire football game, but it wasnt nearly as big as i thought it would be.

All other lenses (400 f/2.8 500 f/5.6 etc) all look mamoth online...and i'm sure they are in person

I managed to get a press pass for the UK's premier bike race, the Tour of Britain, by speaking to my local paper's sports editor. I explained who I was etc. and he said that he'd be happy to sign a letter requesting accreditation so long as I filled in all the forms!