credentials

i am starting an online magazine. i went out to good morning america concert series last weekend and spoke to the woman that handles media relations. i didnt have credentials but after speaking with her for a few minutes she alllowed me to the press area for the remainder of the concert. she said next time just send an email to her prior to the shows so credentials/passes can be arranged.

so my question is, what kind of wording goes into this type of request? it is my goal this summer to cover alot of events in and around NY city most of them being free concerts, shows, reviews, etc. i dont exactly have an editor that can handle this request. any help would be appreciated i have this person's contact information. (the woman from ABC/Good Morning America)

Credentials

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here's what i do:

send an email to the person handling publicity with the event, location and date in the subject.

make it short and sweet. they don't care what you've shot before, or what sort of camera gear you have. tell them why you are asking for a pass (ie, who you are shooting for), and whether or not you will also need a ticket. you can also request the contact info of the tour manager in case of screwups. if you are shooting for a website, tell them that you will forward the URL when it's online.

works for me.

thanks narlus

There is an organization still around called IFPO, Internation Freelance Photographers Organization, www.aipress.com and they will write letters for you to get credentials or they have a form you fill out and send to the even coordinator yourself. I have gotten plenty of work thanks to them over the years and I'm talking major sporting events and concerts. Since I changed to digital I no longer have the fast lenses I did with film so I don't do those events anymore, you really need a 2.8 or faster lens. But give them a shot, you will not regret it.