Press card, any advantage?

treeman

treeman

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I came in on the tail end of a conversation between two photographers yesterday, with one saying to the other that "life will be much easier once I get my press card". Unfortunately we all had to rush off at that point, and I never saw him again. But has left me wondering if there is still is, these days, any advantage to having a press card?
 
If you are not a full time working journalist, why would you want a ' Press Card ". It is only a form of registered Identity confirmation. It is not a magic " get in to any event free" pass.
 
Plenty of threads on it.

Key things are big events, eg baftas, outside no 10 - you need one, but you also need to be shooting for something deemed big enough to get a place.

In some riots or protests, press card holders will be the only ones to be allowed out of a kettle as it ID's them as a legit journo.


end of the day, unless you're a full time news photographer, you can't get one. If you are, you can get one but probably won't use it very often.
 
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itsdavedotnet said:
Plenty of threads on it.

Key things are big events, eg baftas, outside no 10 - you need one, but you also need to be shooting for something deemed big enough to get a place.

In some riots or protests, press card holders will be the only ones to be allowed out of a kettle as it ID's them as a legit journo.

end of the day, unless you're a full time news photographer, you can't get one. If you are, you can get one but probably won't use it very often.
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Pretty much what's said above, apart from the fact that I'd substitute the word Press for News. There's a wide range of snappers that have them from hard news guys, through sport to editorial and photojournalists. The principle requirement is that you should be published in the media and that your income should derive principally from that work - some Gatekeepers are stricter than others in that respect.
 
I've found having a press card extremely helpful. Granted I've only actually ever had to use it once (to get through police lines, I need the loo and there was a pub just behind the police cordon...so it was vital :D also managed to get through a few other lines etc. and made the whole day a bit easier). Apart from anything though, it's very very reassuring to know you have it in your pocket to use whenever you need it.
 
DemiLion said:
There's a wide range of snappers that have them from hard news guys, through sport to editorial and photojournalists. The principle requirement is that you should be published in the media and that your income should derive principally from that work....
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That's where I would be coming from, just not sure it's worth paying the cost of joining one of the Gatekeeper organisations (at £200 ish p.a.). :shrug:
 
treeman said:
That's where I would be coming from, just not sure it's worth paying the cost of joining one of the Gatekeeper organisations (at £200 ish p.a.). :shrug:
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You dont have to join any organisation to gain a UK press card.
 
treeman said:
Quite, so what is the advantage of having one, as opposed to any other ID card?
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I have a few photo ID cards.. Mostly for Sports. But no card is as secure as a Press Card.. Lets face it anyone with a bit of know how can make photo ID

When you are issued a press card you also have a password. On the back of the press card is a police number anyone checking you can ring.. your photo ID and your password proves you are who you are..

As Arthur points out. it's not a magic wand.. Had one for quite a few years now and cant reecal using it to get into anywhere.. rarely use it to show who I am and on the few occasions..those viewing havent got a clue anyway.. Never been asked for my password..

I take it everywhere with my other cards.. the day I don't is the day I will need it I guess:)
 
treeman said:
Hmm that's not what I was told by the NUJ (one of the Gatekeepers) last week, but then maybe they would say that :shrug:
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Thats for joining the NUJ ..after joining you can apply for a press pass.. or not.. not every member of the NUJ wants one..

Applying for a press pass does NOT require you to join any organisation.. You need to prove you are making aliving from news gathering by photogrpahy.. Letters from picture editors.. I think my press pass cost about 20 quid.. covers making and admin I guess..
 
KIPAX said:
Thats for joining the NUJ ..after joining you can apply for a press pass.. or not.. not every member of the NUJ wants one..

Applying for a press pass does NOT require you to join any organisation.. You need to prove you are making aliving from news gathering by photogrpahy.. Letters from picture editors.. I think my press pass cost about 20 quid.. covers making and admin I guess..
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Hmm cheers, I'll look into that further. I've been told I'm eligible to apply on account of the amount of editorial work I do.
 
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