Got Media Pass, what to expect?...

Guys,

I have attained my first media pass for a 3 day Balloon Festival this weekend and i am looking forward to getting some great shots. There is also a concert on each evening so i will have the chance to shoot some famous peeps.

Now, as this is my first outing in this capacity i would like to ask your advice on how things go.
My pass has already been sent via post so thats not an issue but there was little detail as to what to do and where to go. Do you generally have to report in to anyone? Do they give you details then of what and where you can do and go? i am pretty sure that i don't just turn up and wander round everywhere!!

i don't want to look a total fool so a bit of knowledge would be great.

Thanks guys

I would think if you have the pass just stick it on you and walk up to the front of the stage. I had a press pass for the gathering of the vibes music festival this past weekend. You pretty much just had to show the guard the pass and then could go in front of the stage. There was a seperate space between the crowd and the stage for the press people. They even had a platform you could stand on so you could get a good ways up onto the stage. I wouldn't worry about it though, if you walk into the wrong spot someone will be sure to let you know. I also had good luck with putting my camera on a monopod, and holding it way in the air and triggering it with a remote switch.

It depends from event to event. I usually shoot skiing (and cycling in summer) and even in skiing it's completely different from event to event. On ski jumping you usually have particular spaces where you can be. Of course you can wander around on bottom of hill but up the hill there's just few spaces for photographers and that's it. On alpine skiing you can go down the track but on end FIS delegate tells you if you can be there or not. On other side is xc skiing and biathlon where you can freely walk around the track and be whereever you want to be.... places infront of tv cameras and commercial signs are always "keep away area"... on every single sport
So my suggestion is to come hour or two before event, pop by in press center and usually, if there are restricted areas or photographers designated areas, there's map of them in press center. And if there's nothing, ask person responsible for media where you can go. It might make you feel novice, but it's still better then having someone on your back, yelling at you for doing wrong things. Afterall... we all went through this once for first time, and noone was born with all knowleadge.... although it helps if you know particular sport from before as sportsmen (my case in skiing) or spectator.

Few things you will want to do.

1. Find media relations or the director of photography. Ask him/her what, when, where you can and can not go. Follow these guidlines to a T. If you do something against the rules, not only will you hear about it but whoever you gained the credential thur no doubt will hear about it also.

2. Find out if they have a media center and if you have access to that.

3. Find out what the schedule is for media meals. Make sure you ahve access to that.

4. Find out if there are any other media perks you have overlooked.

For most events you will have to 'sign on', or more accurately sign your life away. I mean that literally. You will sign a form absolving the organisers of any responsibility should you do something silly like stick your head in front of a balloon burner.

Always admit to the press officer that it is your first time. To be honest, they will know if they have been doing it long enough themselves.

When you get there find out where the director of media relations might be and talk to them about what you are and are not allowed to do. Dont act like its your first time EVER with creds, just admit to them that this is the first event LIKE THIS that you have worked and you want to know the ground rules so that ou do not do something that you are not supposed to do. They will always thank you for making sure you know the rules and should be more than accomodating to you about it.

Naturally I am a shy person, so I'd ask one of the other photographers who is going about the ground rules. Always helps having local friends that know their stuff. Good luck and remember, have fun!

I wouldn't advise doing that these days. You may get somne jerk who will say something like, "Sure you can get some greta shots when the balloons are just beginning to inflate by getting right up in the basket and shooting the inside of the balloon." The you do and find out that is the only rule for which they will confiscate your credentials and kick you out. Besides how do you know the guy you ask isn't doing this for the first time too?

Undoubtedly this is the critical thing to do. If you're new to a venue (seasoned pro or not), check out the access restrictions (and health & safety info) with the relevant media relations/press officer. The three key words are: 'Get there early'.

I had a look at the Northampton Balloon festival website the other day (assuming that's where you're shooting), looks like you'll get some good photo opportunities!

Who are you shooting for? Your client will probably have given you a list of shots that they'd like... that's where the challenge begins... matching the access on the day with the client's requirements!

Have a great weekend!

---- Gavin

Thanks for the advice, i will look up the media people as soon as i get there.
Yes, it is the northampton festival but i won't be there early. A days ballooning starts around 6am and ends with the night glows after sunset.....thats a long day!
I plan on getting there around 1pm and see what i can get as the days light fades a bit. There is a concert on in the evening which i will also have access to which looks a good oppotunnity.

I hope you did well!
I would have reccomended getting their early-a ways before the start of the event so that you're not taking up someones time that is intended to be used elsewhere-they will be nice, but you must realize they will be busy-it's stressfull for them, too. Even if you show up early just out of professionalism it will earn you a little more respect, or in other words, you'll score more brownie points. Not to mention the fantastic lighting available early in the morning.
When I cover an event I like to get there a couple of hours prior to the start-IE bike race weekend-if the track is hot at 8 I'm there no later than 6:30. Meet with whoever is in charge, or in charge of media depending on the size of the event. If there are marshalls that I don't allready know, I'll try to take a second and intorduce myself, let them know where I'll be shooting from and 'ask' them if they feel o.k. with that-it gives them the feeling they're in control, and I've never had one give me any grief yet. Find out where you are and aren't allowed and stick to it like it's the most important thing in the world. Find out where to go sign your waiver BEFORE you get into location and start shooting-dont make them come find you(waivers are pretty much a given as covered by kenny g).
Finally-once you've taken care of all the formalities-clear off and give them space to do their thing smoothly. Take a walk around and try and figure out some shots beforehand. Especially if the venue is new to you.
Finally if you have the access, mill about the subjects and shoot them getting prepared. This will add depth to your coverage. ie. when I shoot a race and I know there will be a podium presantation afterwards, I shoot the victory lap, and then hustle my butt off to the other end of the track to cover the podium...the clients will thank you for it.
Most importantly-carry yourself in a professional manner at all times. I'm not sure what your full time job is, but if you're acting as a member of the media for the day-treat it as you would a job. You're not only representing your client, but you're representing YOURSELF. Organizers/media relations folks have INCREDIBLE memories. You wouldn't believe the things they'll remember about you, be it good or bad.

BE HONEST with the folks in charge. Introduce yourself and make sure you mention this is your first time shooting this type of event, don't try to 'save face' by acting like you know everything you need to know. Most likely they'll figure that out for themselves anyway.

Be PREPARED. Bring lots of water, lots of kleenex and energy bars etc. A cooler in the car with a little ice is a good idea also-especially if you're able to scoot back to your car from where the event is being held.

ALSO! Enjoy yourself! Have a blast, and do it safely!