Trying to contact local youth sport leagues but no response

Rather than just showing up on a public field with my gear and taking pictures, I got contact information (only email address) for local youth sporting leagues in my area. I sent emails to the respective presidents of these leagues saying I am so and so and live in xyz and would like to get permission to take picture for learning purposes only (no selling).

But I am feeling bad in not getting any response. I know folks can be busy but I was kind of expecting yes or no response after a week. I did go to 1 game which was being played closeby and talked to field co-ordinator and she took my business card but still nothing. Parents on the field don't even know the league contact to get in touch with.

So just asking folks here, what should I do? Is sending email to President of league is going too high, should I start down below somewhere, like coaches? I won't mind meeting face to face (I said so in my email).

Looking for suggestions.

Thanks.

Show up and take photos.

do you already have a semi decent portfolio.

bring some sample images and just show up and shoot, when people ask, talk to them and show them your previous work, then next time you go to the same place, show them what you shot previously, and work in the for sale pitch

Before "just showing up and taking pictures", I'd really suggest that you speak to someone that's affiliated with the league. Pester them if need be...eventually you'll get in contact with someone. If its Little League with young kids, some parents may not take too kindly to a stranger showing up and snapping pics of their kids for purposes unknown. Your intentions may be entirely above board, but they have no way of knowing that. Kids in parks and guys with cameras are a combination that usually draws attention. Just be prudent and use common sense.

Almost all youth sports organization have a Board of Directors that holds public meetings once a month. Call your City Hall - they will have that information (they tend to get the youth sports calls even though they don't sponsor them)

Show up with your portfolio at the board meeting. Make a pitch that includes 10-20% of all sales rebated to the organization. (You are setting the price, so factor their cut in)

You will get some business!!!

Tim

A former youth association President

Well I am trying to get persmission to build up the porfolio, that's why I was clear to the leagues that I was not trying to sell anything to them. For now I have only shot 2 soccer games and 1 baseball (little leagues for friend's kids).

I do take along my wife to shoots, which helps.

I will be going to the public meetings like mentioned. They usually do once a month at local pizza place.

I finally got a call from a local softball team. They want me to come over to take some pictures. I am felling much better now.