Before you ask about a press pass...

Often on here I read about how newbie’s (or those wonting that break or for what ever reason) asking how to get a press pass or to the locations where they will get the best location etc.

Now I was just on Sportsshooter.com and found an interesting news letter that should about cover it for those that wish to start out.

http://www.sportsshoot​er.com/news/1446

It's about asking that question "why” and the reason I found it interesting is because to me it made the point, that to get the press pass etc you need to start off with what you can shoot to make your portfolio work for you.

I kind of figured that it's not what you shoot, but how to you shoot the subject that you make the big newspapers and magazines want to use you.

PS, if I had posted this in the wrong place I do apologise, but I figured this is where most people ask how to get a press pass.

It would cover it, if we were able to read it. There is a large advertisement graphic covering the top half of the article, and no button to close it. Guess you have to be a paying member to view it.

My browser went straight to the article...

Steve

works for me

decent read, thanks

I got it too. Interesting article.

The article has changed to "Leading Off: What's Your Motivation?" now.
BTW, never ask for a press pass unless you want to be ignored. They're "credentials" now.

Nope, it's pointing to the right place. The article talks about those that are asking, how to get in to events like the super bowl etc to get the shots required for a portfolio.

The main point I was trying to say is that you don't need to get press "credentials" in to these events to increase your portfolio.

Your not going to get into the Super Bowl, Olympics or any other major sporting event just to build a portfolio. Events like that are crowded on the sidelines as it is with "working media" people. Most major sporting venues are trying to cut the number of credentials issued with sideline access, not increase them.

If your wanting to build your portfolio and use sports, stop by the local high school or jr college. Most high schools would love to have someone shoot their games. I'll do 10-11 hs football games in a year and about half the time, someone from the other team will ask if I can do their game sometime. Sorry but I am already contracted with one hs and that is it.
I was shooting from the opposing teams side last week, (sun was at my back there) and one of the coaches comes up and starts a conversation before the game. He asked if I do freelance assignments. Well yes but what do you have in mind? Of course he wants some shots on their homecoming night in 3 weeks or so. I told him I could do it but, the compensation I would have to get would be around $300 and that would be without prints. LOL He about fell over. He said when their school can build a 4.2 million dollar stadium, like the team I shoot for, he will give me a call.
I'm not trying to build a portfolio but if that is what your wanting to do, the high school is the place to start.

You don't have to have Payton Manning passing to Marvin Harrison to have a good shot. John smith catching a pass from Bob Jones can make just as spectacular shot for your portfolio.

Trust me hs football is fast paced enough to cut your teeth on. I can't imagine never having shot a football game before, or very few, and going to a Division A or pro game and shooting it.

I ran into an AP photographer at our local AA league baseball game a couple weeks ago. Really nice guy. After he had his shots, we sat and talked for about 1/2 hour at the field while the game continued.

I told him that shooting sports is rather fascinating to me - baseball, football, racing, etc. His advice was similar to IndyJeff's - start small. Go to a local little league game and get some shots, or hit the local HS football game or practice.

Taking that advice, and trying to get more confident at shooting sporting events, I started small - really small - and took some shots at the first soccer practice session of the season for the team my son is coaching. There's nothing cooler, especially for parents, than to see some cute shots of their seven- and eight-year-olds having a good time learning a sport.

And, I learned a lot in just 1/2 hour of shooting. I'm going to hit a few more practices and work on my technique. I keep driving by the local softball and soccer fields to see if there is anything going on, but I believe we are in between both seasons right now.

My humble first efforts are in my pbase portfolio (link in my signature).

My browser takes me to the article in question, but the first three or so paragraphs are obscured by this graphic... And I find no way to get rid of it.

For those that cannont read due to the advertisment, the first few paragraphs :

Bruce Hamilton wrote:
My browser takes me to the article in question, but the first three or so paragraphs are obscured by this graphic... And I find no way to get rid of it.

Try to make your browser window wider.

The picture is part of the text, and the text should flow around it. But if it's very narrow, it obviously doesn't work.

Best regards,
Andy