Getting media pass for University hoops/football games... questions

I'm going to be working for the school paper / magazine this semester and hopefully next semester as well, and I wanted to try to get a photo pass for mens basketball and football (spring scrimmages). Just wanted to know if there was anything I should send the media director besides the fact that I work for ASU's State Press/State Press Magazine and am seeking a media pass... your help is appreciated.

The school paper/magazine applies for you.

gosundevils wrote in post #11537761
I'm going to be working for the school paper / magazine this semester and hopefully next semester as well, and I wanted to try to get a photo pass for mens basketball and football (spring scrimmages). Just wanted to know if there was anything I should send the media director besides the fact that I work for ASU's State Press/State Press Magazine and am seeking a media pass... your help is appreciated.

If you work for the school paper, they should be the ones that get you a press pass.

Can't get one from the school paper until the semester starts... we've got 4 home games before then.

gosundevils wrote in post #11538941
Can't get one from the school paper until the semester starts... we've got 4 home games before then.

If the paper wants coverage they would get you in otherwise you don't belong there right now.

Sledhed wrote in post #11541008
If the paper wants coverage they would get you in otherwise you don't belong there right now.

Thanks cutie.

gosundevils wrote in post #11541060
Thanks cutie.

Just telling you how it works, if you don't want to listen that's up to you. The media outlet contacts the media director and applies for your credential. If you contact him on your own, odds are you will be denied or even black listed. If that happens you won't even get in when the paper applies for you.

I've seen pictures of Chris, he is pretty cute.

gosundevils wrote in post #11538941
Can't get one from the school paper until the semester starts... we've got 4 home games before then.

You should talk to your school paper and see if the can get your credentialed for those games to use as practice...I would think they would do that. I don't know of any D1 schools giving credentials out to any freelance photogs to any non Olympic sports (i.e. football and basketball) A few DII's will and most DIII will on the other hand. If the school paper will not, you can try sending an e-mail to the SID, but make sure you explain your situation fully. Chances are you will not be put on the black list that way.

What I would suggest if you want practice before hand try getting in a DII or III school, or even a High School first.

Good luck.

I'll second Sledhed's comments: the paper applies for credentials. Chances are they have a season pass already for their reporters and photographers, so get in touch with your sports/photo editor to see if you can get an assignment.

Just because you work for the paper doesn't mean you, as a photographer, have free reign to seek credentials for whatever event you want to go to. Your editor may or may not like that kind of behavior.

Chris has it right, unless you have a name behind you it's the paper (or client) and you don't belong there to practice or just be there for the hell of it. Spots are reserved for media on assignment for a reason, the school paper I would assume would take back seat to nationals, rags, and everyone else to because the school has a paid sports photographer they can just give the paper images from if they have a working agreement with each other, which they probably do.

I'm a fellow university news photographer (yay for the PAC 10) and I'll echo what everyone else is saying. The paper applies, not you.

Email your photo editor (or call them) and have them apply for you. For me it's as easy as having them shoot an email to the sports information office so my name is on the press list for the game. It usually has to be done 4-5 days before a game. Good luck and have fun!

MJPhotos24 wrote in post #11562780
Chris has it right, unless you have a name behind you it's the paper (or client) and you don't belong there to practice or just be there for the hell of it. Spots are reserved for media on assignment for a reason, the school paper I would assume would take back seat to nationals, rags, and everyone else to because the school has a paid sports photographer they can just give the paper images from if they have a working agreement with each other, which they probably do.

Every time I've shot, its the other way around. The schools tend to treat student media better than other outlets, we get as many passes as we need, before anyone else does. The only time anyone gets preferential treatment over us is when ESPN rolls into town, and they get treated better than anyone.

it helps when your dad owns a sports paper I fight other photographers for the LSU and saints games all the time.

When I started shooting for the University, I simply contacted the Sports Information Director about being a contributor. He asked to see my work and I directed them to my website. He then told me to just call him with the dates I want to go to and my name will be on the list. Granted, I am doing it for a Division II school so it might not be the same at Division I schools.

The Sports Information Director is the person that schedules all media passes so that would be the person you would ultimately need to work with, whether through your school or yourself.