Photography Passes - How do you go about one of those?

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Hi there........

I'm looking to go to lots of indoor venues this year, mostly motosport and although I'm not a press photographer or anything like that, I wanting to get closer to the action of whats going on? instead of just being in the crowd, if that kinda makes sense.

Now would this be some kind of photography pass? am I right? now this might be a random question but how would I get hold of one of these? Most big venues want n allow access to "press photographers" only and not some random who just wants the oppourtunity to take his hobby of photography seriously i.e me!

I'm not to sure what I can or lets say can't do? Are there any associations recognised that I could perhaps think about joining?

I'm just serious about my hobby in photography :)

Thanks for your help!

Ed :)
 
The organisers will either issue press passes or monitor who gets in on the day. You could try approaching them, but tell them you're a freelance press guy which isn't actually untrue, or turn up on the day with a yellow card on your vest saying PRESS if you feel cheeky enough. :)
 
CT said:
The organisers will either issue press passes or monitor who gets in on the day. You could try approaching them, but tell them you're a freelance press guy which isn't actually untrue, or turn up on the day with a yellow card on your vest saying PRESS if you feel cheeky enough. :)

Thanks CT for your reply, much appreciated.......

I've been sending my works upon request and recommendation from reviews/comments to companies and believe it or not I've suprised myself as some of my works are getting published! :)

I enjoy photography so much and although I'm not a professional I take the hobby seriously.

Ed :)
 
The Bureau Of Freelance Photographers might be worth joining for you?

CLICK.


If they issue some sort of dentity card all the better - great for giving you credibility for getting into places.
 
I was thinking of rejoining something like the NUJ as a freelance photographer, which with it comes Press credentials :)

However, to join, you have to submit proof of past work :(

Might be worth a punt if it's a road you plan to go down...

www.nuj.co.uk
 
If you do a google on "Press Pass" you'll see most events have weblinks to apply for such items. I'm sure you'll have the same for the events you want to attend.
 
A lot of venues require introduction letters from editors or proof that you are freelance by means of previous publications or links/access to your work (usually in the same field) before they will issue press passes. It can sometime pay to be cheeky though, at worse they will say no and you will find yourself in the same situation as you are now...nothing ventured-nothing gained ;)
 
Excellent all, the kind of response you'd expect from people that know :D good stuff! :)

I could be cheeky and go for the "nothing gained, not ventured" thing........ but dunno how well I'd cope heheh suppose I'll pluck the courage!

Ed :)
 
"I was thinking of rejoining something like the NUJ as a freelance photographer, which with it comes Press credentials

However, to join, you have to submit proof of past work "

The nuj also require at least 2 sponsors who are aleady members as well as proof of past work, this past work also has to be fairly recent.

It also dpends on the nature of the event. Rock n pop concerts are not down to the venue who gets in, thy are down to the promoter who will turn up on the day and usually say no to everything.

Local sporting events aren't usually too bad and as long as you contact them in plenty of time explaining what you want to do, they are usually very accommodating.

Well thats about all i have experience on this so good luck. :)
 
I think I am lucky in that I live on a small island, everyone tends to know everyone else, and of course thier business. When it came to getting a press pass I just made myself seen everywhere and known to everyone who matter, luckily I've had a load of work published so people now know my name, or my websites name which in turn results in being recognised when the accreditation forms are read.

Do evereyone a favour, do not give your work away for free, from then on who-ever you supply will expect it, and worse still, you could be doing someone who does this for a living out of work.

Motorsport press passes are wanted by many, you'll do well to get one without being known by someone, if I was to suggest anything it would be to Email motorsport organisor websites or contacts and ask to be put on the press release lists, its a start and costs nothing. Ask your local newspapers if they have the event covered, and if not, can you do it (get a nice letter from them explaining that your working on behalf of the paper).

Try chatting to a marshall, 10 mins of small talk could get you a long way (or a phone number if your that way inclined, lol) or better still, give him/her a coffee.

Good luck with it.

Kris
 
The only problem I have with the newspaper thing is that it crosses over into work then.

The point for me when I risk the enjoyment going out of my hobby is when I *have* to walk away with shots. That's not to say I won't though.
What I mean to say is, while I am perfectly happy to attend an event, take photos etc, then *if* I get some (which is more than likely), I send them to the Newspaper and if they want to use any of them great.
However, if I am there in behalf of the Newspaper, then they will be expecting shots at the end of it.
With that comes the worry of "Are they good enough, will I get some at all", and the mindset instantly changes to that of doing a required duty, which for me is the same mindset as going to work.

Do you see what I mean? For me, that's when it crosses over into work, and there's pressure to do it then, which takes the enjoyment out of it for me.
However, I do like the idea of starting off with the press mailing lists.
 
@ Marcel, I know what you mean about the crossing over into work thing, but I have to say that I still get a real kick out of knowing that you have to get some shots, adrenalin junky and all that and when your fighting with a press pack it becomes even harder but I get a real buzz out of it.
I think I need to see a mental health specialist or something!!!!
 
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