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Archive 2010 · Photo Credentials. Why?

Joe Zimmerman
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p.3 #1 · Photo Credentials. Why?

Jon Uhler wrote:
You know what I think would be a more telling thread then this one. I think it would be more informational if all the working pros here would say how they got on the side lines the first time instead of telling those who are trying to get on the sides line why they shouldn't.

I mean we all had to start somewhere. It is a catch 22. We are all told that we shouldn't be there, yet we need to be there to get portfolio shots so we can get the jobs that makes us belong there. Yes, I know...go shoot the lower level sports to get the feel and to get the port shots. But you and I both know that having pro shots in your port helps. I said helps, it doesn't always matter. In this day and age every little thing helps.

Anyway....

I got my first sideline pass because I work for Central Michigan University as an IT manager. I also shoot sports as a side job. So I do not make 100% of my income from being a photographer. So CMU came to UGA to play football. The media director from CMU did not plan on sending a photographer to cover the game, so I offered my services. I shot the game for the paper and recieved the cred in return. I shot it to get port material of college level play and they got a couple pics. I did it to build book. This in turn landed me other colleges in my local area.

My second cred came from the Army. I shot the FedEx cup with behind the ropes creds. The golf match held a clinic for disabled vets, so I traded photo services for creds to cover this clinic. The cred also allowed me behind the ropes shooting for all practice and the 1st day of open play. The military was stationed around the course so I shoot that. Once again this was to build book and to help out the Army.

Some may see this as giving away pics for free. I, as a lot of others do, think this is needed to build book. You have to have a good book to get paying gigs. These two events have helped me tremendously.

The big flaw in this method is your portfolio is eventually going to be useless. EVERYBODY wants to shoot the big games and be on the sidelines. You see more and more people talking like this. "I'll give away my photos to the team because I want to build my portfolio". Sure you build a nice portfolio but by the time you're done and want to start earning money to pay off that 20 grand in gear they will be onto the next free shooter looking to build his portfolio. There are papers right now getting rid of their shooters and using interns who work for free for school credit. Well were are they going to work when they get out of school once all the papers use interns? There they are wanting to get a job taking photos for media organizations and they are contributing to the demise of their own future. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?

I shoot high school varsity stuff and I'm making little money but I love working at this level and have no real interest in shooting college or pro stuff. I work for myself and cover what I want when I want. I wouldn't mind shooting some football during the day once and not have to deal with the Friday night lights in dungeons, but that's really the only reason I would want to shoot higher levels. But I wouldn't do it for free. I can see a slight difference in that if you can get in to shoot without having to give up anything to the event holder then I don't believe that is hurting the industry. Once the organizations start getting a whiff of the free stuff it will get harder and harder to get money for doing it. The other way is like the old saying people use (not just in photography mind you). How do you make a million in photography. Start with 10 million.

Mar 19, 2010 at 12:09 AM

rokklym
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p.3 #2 · Photo Credentials. Why?

I admit, I'm a weekend warrior for now, most of my clients don't even know that but I do hold down a 50hr a week job to make ends meet. I'm working very hard at making this my only job, but it takes time.

I do have one big sporting event that I am the staff photographer for, and I do get credentials for that, which is cool because there is a guy that shoots for the AP that shows up and can't go where I can.

I guess if you want to get credentials, you should be part of the media. I have tried a few times to get them for concerts just to add to my portfoio and didn't have any luck. I shot one concert for a local band that hired us to shoot their promotional photos and when they played, they got me permission to shoot anywhere I wanted. Later that day when a bigger band played, the security wouldn't let me back into the cage, so I shot over the shoulders of the other "Pros". I emailed a link to some of the photos to one of the band members and they said that I had taken the best photos of them they had ever seen.

this connection lead to a nice commercial photography gig and more band shots. I guess when I have tried to get credentials, it was to add to my portfolio to show to future clients.

Mar 19, 2010 at 01:30 AM

KathleenMartin
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p.3 #3 · Photo Credentials. Why?

Ok, jumping in...

At the beginning of this school year, I decided to get serious about shooting sports, specifically at the high school level. I wanted to be able to shoot from the sideline (as I had been at middle school games) so I contacted the AD for information & permission. I started with 4A high school football this year, along with all the other fall sports at the school - not even close to NCAA.

I shoot on spec & for a local sports news website. Some of my photos are picked up by a weekly newspaper.

So to answer the question of why did I ask for credentials...? It was the right thing to do. By going through the AD, my life is MUCH easier. He helps me out when he can as does the administration. In return, I "give" them action photos for the yearbook (I'm getting an ad in return).

It's also been more profitable. By having the "permission" of the school, I don't have any problem contacting coaches & team moms to promote my photo galleries.

In addition to shooting high school sports, I shoot club lacrosse. When we travel to tournaments, I call ahead for permission. It's polite & helps to avoid any issues.

Next month, I'm going to be shooting Duke women's lacrosse. I have credentials through the school plus media credentials. It's a contact I created through the help of a fellow FM'er. I won't be selling the images (not sanctioned by NCAA) but I will be using them on the sports news website. Plus, I get to take photos of my niece!

Something that hasn't been mentioned... It saves money! Free entry into the games is nice (too bad I'm typically bringing my husband & son to the games - is that a tax write-off?).

Good luck getting to 9 pages...!

Thanks!
Kathleen

Mar 19, 2010 at 01:46 AM

James L
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p.3 #4 · Photo Credentials. Why?

Right or wrong I think most aspiring photogs feel it is a starting point to something bigger. That was my thought. I have gotten media creds at the local drag strip for small races and events but that was it.

Ultimately I realized I was in the way of the pros and did not belong.

I wont pursue creds again until its a job requirment or a real source of income.

James

Mar 19, 2010 at 02:30 AM

RASTA14
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p.3 #5 · Photo Credentials. Why?

steve, going back to your orginal question-why do i want credentials? my reason might sound simple, for the love of photography and capturing the moments you can share with friends and family 5-10, 20 years down the road. i respect all working pros and their commitment to photgraphy, but i will probably never get paid as i dont seek to. i know i pull out old photos of events such as festivals, outdoor local concerts, etc, i shot with disposable cameras and then onto p&s and now d300s. no one can ever take away the memories that were created with that magical click of a button. so if i ever have kids, maybe i can show them photos when they are old enough of derek jeter laughing with his teammates in the dugout or jorge posada blocking the plate to preserve a win. hope this all doesnt sound corny, but maybe it answers your question why i would want a credential if only for a day.

Mar 19, 2010 at 02:41 AM

skyvan
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p.3 #6 · Photo Credentials. Why?

When I'm assigned to shoot a game I usually have a credential waiting for me when I get there. I rarely contact any of the SID/ADs myself but rather let media coordinators and my contacts are various clients do that for me. Only when I was at school in Denver would I contact the opponent's SID when I planned to be shooting an away game. I never had a problem getting them because I always was doing a job shooting. I was lucky enough to also get a full access credential at DU that allowed me to shoot for portfolio stuff even when I wasn't assigned to shoot the specific game or event.

I can tell you that if I'm not on assignment shooting and I want to watch the game (which you never really get to do when you are shooting), I'll simply buy myself a ticket or watch the game on TV.

I never really had problems getting credentials as when I started shooting sports it was at school and the fact that I worked for the school paper got me my credential and since then its been pretty smooth sailing.

Honestly for me I find it harder to try to shoot youth sports than anything that requires a credential as I am afraid of stepping on another photographer's turf and also don't want to seem like some crazy person with a camera. An alternative to this, which I have done is going and shooting pick up sports at local parks, for example I went to Venice Beach on a photowalk and asked some skateboarders if I could shoot them and got some cool shots that way.

-Andrew

PS: Don't think this will go to 9 pages, I guess 6

Mar 19, 2010 at 02:59 AM

johnsarra
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p.3 #7 · Photo Credentials. Why?

Actually the question is WHY DO YOU WANT CREDENTIALS not "HOW do you get a credential"

I shot HS football for 4 years while my son was on the team. Shot for myself and for the other parents. I may continue shooting the same HS both for the parents, to improve my skills, and to have fun. Unless the rules or practices change in my state at the level which this HS plays, the only time I will want credentials is for shooting a Championship Game. I will discuss this with the school's AD should that the time arise.

Mar 19, 2010 at 03:06 AM

butchM
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p.3 #8 · Photo Credentials. Why?

I have been "credentialed" for well over 32 years ... because that is my full-time job .... about the only area that has changed over that time (except for technology) is the number of folks who want credentials and the number of folks that are issued credentials.

I remember the first Penn State football game I worked (you know ... back when Joe Paterno was coaching

) ... there were seven of us shooting from the sideline ... including one AP photographer and one shooter for the school ... there wasn't a 300 2.8 anywhere to be found and only one shooter with a motor drive .... there was little equipment envy back then ...

The last PSU game I worked, it was so crowded that I could have reached out and touched more than seven photographers at any point during the game and not have to stretch ... not to mention the tv crews, the freshmen recruits, big-time donors or just the guys and gals who were on hand because they know someone who, who knows someone, who knows someone else that was a second cousin twice removed of the ball boy's step mother's nephew .....

Steve, what I think your question should have been ... "Why do you think you deserve a credential, and why are you upset that you can't get one?" It's like any other job ... you aren't granted access to the work solely based upon desire to do the job .... how many folks graduate law school one day and argue a case before the Supreme Court the next day? How many drivers climb out of a go cart today and are behind the wheel at the Daytona 500 tomorrow ...

Geez .... lot's of folks want tickets to the "Big-Time" games and events ... but does everyone that wants a ticket end up with one? Of course they don't .... but some folks get upset if they can't have what they want and think the "pros" aren't playing fair. Personally I don't have a problem sharing the sideline with anyone as long as they are there for legitimate purposes.

I think, as always, opinions on the credential matter are split on this forum because on one side of the issue, credentialed access is a job and livelihood for some and what could be considered a hobby for others ...

I have had the opportunity to work with some really awesome writers and photographers over the years ... and I have had to work with some real bone-headed numb skulls too ... I never had much time for the ones that got caught up in the "big games" and paid little or no attention to the mundane, yet important lower levels of sports where access is much easier to attain.

I take as much pride in shooting a Pop Warner football game like it was the NFL Game of the Week ... as I do actually shooting the NFL ...

In the end ... it's not so much about what level of the game you shoot .... it's how well you shoot the game ... regardless of the level of play ....

It's like any other field of endeavor ... the cream will rise to the top ... if your work warrants the effort and your services are sought by the right client ... the credentials will come ....

Mar 19, 2010 at 03:18 AM

bill henry
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p.3 #9 · Photo Credentials. Why?

I wouldn't admit defeat too early. Maybe some folks don't know why they want creds. So I'll give a comment as to how I would approach this subject,( I'm a newbie to this forum) but not to the craft.
I would want to have creds, to allow me to be separated from the P&S Mom&Pop crowd and to gain the freedom to apply my skills to capture the action. The creds would also allow me to view other pro's on their approach to getting the shot so I might learn to be more efficient. It would also give me the opportunity to meet the pro's and to speak with them (hopefully). Again a learning experience. The end result would be to become a proficient practicioner of the craft as a sport shooter.

So that is why I would "want" the creds. In order to accomplish the above you need the creds.
I'm getting back into sport shooting after a considerable layoff to something that I really enjoyed.Just a little slower and grayer, but still able.

Mar 19, 2010 at 03:25 AM

Steve Ickes
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p.3 #10 · Photo Credentials. Why?

Sorry to go a bit OT but hey, it's my thread so....

iggyfenton wrote:
Amen Jon!

I'm not a working pro, but an aspiring amateur. I have shot sidelines at DIII football and a lot of games/events that do not require credentials.

But I WANT A CREDENTIAL!

Why do I want a credential? Because that’s the Pros!
Why do kids in high school want to play for the Yankees? To be a Pro!

Not sure I'd say that playing for the Yankees is the same as photographing the Yankees.

It’s the goal and everyone wants a quick path to their goals. It may not be the wisest move to jump to the Pro level early, but if you can get a taste it may help you along the way.

I’ll make enemies here by saying this, but I could care less if the pros hate me if I get one before they feel I’ve ‘earned it’.

What you fail to realize is that no one is going to "hate" you. First of all if we're shooting a game we're too busy to worry about what others are doing. Secondly, we have no way of knowing whether or not you "earned" your credential or not nor do we care.

At the DIII events I shoot I say out of the way of the Pros and I’ve never sold a shot from a team that has a staff Pro. That’s his job and I respect that, but it’s my hobby and my passion and If I work to get the access then I deserve every inch of turf he does.

Actually no one is deserving of anything, credential or not. I regularly shoot Phillies baseball from the first and third base photo wells. There are two additional shooting areas, both on either side of home plate, closer than the wells I shoot from. These are only large enough for two shooters in each. They are also clearly marked as reserved for AP, the Phillies photographers, and the Philadelphia paper. I certainly don't think that I deserve to occupy either of those spaces simply because I have a credential. I might get in there for half an inning IF its unoccupied but telling the AP photographer that I have a right to be there is the quickest way to get tossed out and possibly never get credentialed again.

Same holds true when covering Flyers. I'd love to be able to shoot from a hole down on the ice every time but its not up to me. Find the press guy, get your shooting position and love it no matter what. Its no fun shooting from the main concourse level especially when you see a hole or two open but you know what? You deal with it. You thank the press guy, chat him up, remain polite and courteous and maybe, just maybe, the next time you ask for a position on the ice you'll get it . . . but then again maybe not. A credential IS NOT A GOLDEN TICKET for anyone. There is no entitlement. That kind of attitude will get you shown the door never to be invited back again.

I think that working photographers are pretty elitist about getting access and shooting sidelines. The post above mine confirms that suspicion.

Lee's post exhibited no sense of elitism as you've suggested. He simply presented the facts as they are. Therein lies the problem. Experienced pros are telling aspiring sports photographers how it is, what the rules of the game are. The perception is that we've (the pros) have somehow written these rules. We haven't. They are the rules, policies, and procedures that have been put into place by venues and organizers. We ALL follow them because failing to do so impacts everyone. Rather than come in here with a chip on your shoulder why not listen to what is being said and understand that's how it works? Learning and living by those rules will serve to get you to your goals a lot quicker than thumbing your nose at them.

They seem to disregard your request for tips and support especially if they work in your area. It’s like a Pro Athlete shunning a rookie or charging for autographs. They must forget what it was like to be a fan or desire to be a Pro, so they are unwilling to do the things for the next generation of Pros.

I'll readily admit that sure some of the pros might be A-holes, but then again that's the way they probably are all the time has nothing necessarily to do with photography. Also keep in mind that if you're there and you're credentialed, then we're assuming you already know what your doing. If I get a question along the lines of "What's best, A, M, or P mode" then yes you might get the cold shoulder. Remember these guys have worked hard for years, they've paid their dues and while I'm sure they've had help along the way, I think the general attitude is if they did it through hard work then you should too. For instance, I never asked, "Hey what's the easiest, quickest way to get a credential?" I did the research and the legwork, figured out what needed to be done and did it myself.

Someday I’ll get a credential and be able to shoot my local pro team, ‘Legitimate’ or not. If I’m there next to you on the sidelines, I belong there.

And herein lies the biggest difference between you and I, your sense of entitlement. Whether or not you "belong there" is relative. The credential may get you there but whether or not you belong there is something you need to prove, to your clients, the spectators, other members of the media, and to those who gave you that credential.

Edited on Mar 19, 2010 at 04:18 AM · View previous versions

Mar 19, 2010 at 04:02 AM

Steve Ickes
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p.3 #11 · Photo Credentials. Why?

butchM wrote:
I have been "credentialed" for well over 32 years ... because that is my full-time job .... about the only area that has changed over that time (except for technology) is the number of folks who want credentials and the number of folks that are issued credentials.

I remember the first Penn State football game I worked (you know ... back when Joe Paterno was coaching

) ... there were seven of us shooting from the sideline ... including one AP photographer and one shooter for the school ... there wasn't a 300 2.8 anywhere to be found and only one shooter with a motor drive .... there was little equipment envy back then ...

The last PSU game I worked, it was so crowded that I could have reached out and touched more than seven photographers at any point during the game and not have to stretch ... not to mention the tv crews, the freshmen recruits, big-time donors or just the guys and gals who were on hand because they know someone who, who knows someone, who knows someone else that was a second cousin twice removed of the ball boy's step mother's nephew .....

Steve, what I think your question should have been ... "Why do you think you deserve a credential, and why are you upset that you can't get one?" It's like any other job ... you aren't granted access to the work solely based upon desire to do the job .... how many folks graduate law school one day and argue a case before the Supreme Court the next day? How many drivers climb out of a go cart today and are behind the wheel at the Daytona 500 tomorrow ...

Geez .... lot's of folks want tickets to the "Big-Time" games and events ... but does everyone that wants a ticket end up with one? Of course they don't .... but some folks get upset if they can't have what they want and think the "pros" aren't playing fair. Personally I don't have a problem sharing the sideline with anyone as long as they are there for legitimate purposes.

I think, as always, opinions on the credential matter are split on this forum because on one side of the issue, credentialed access is a job and livelihood for some and what could be considered a hobby for others ...

I have had the opportunity to work with some really awesome writers and photographers over the years ... and I have had to work with some real bone-headed numb skulls too ... I never had much time for the ones that got caught up in the "big games" and paid little or no attention to the mundane, yet important lower levels of sports where access is much easier to attain.

I take as much pride in shooting a Pop Warner football game like it was the NFL Game of the Week ... as I do actually shooting the NFL ...

In the end ... it's not so much about what level of the game you shoot .... it's how well you shoot the game ... regardless of the level of play ....

It's like any other field of endeavor ... the cream will rise to the top ... if your work warrants the effort and your services are sought by the right client ... the credentials will come ....

Thanks for sharing Butch and you pointed out something that I think is a key point. Even back in the day as a dedicated hobbyist and amateur I never viewed a credential as a ticket to shoot my own images for fun. It just seems like the whole concept of why credentials exists and what and who they are for has been grossly reinterpreted. Aside from the friends of friends who get sideline access, a media credential is for "WORKING" media, people doing a job, not for themselves but for their client and/or employer.

By the way, I see on your web site that you were in Hershey for PIAA wrestling. Wish I had know would've looked you up. Let me know next time you're in the Harrisburg area, we'll meet up.

Mar 19, 2010 at 04:15 AM

bill henry
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p.3 #12 · Photo Credentials. Why?

Steve in addition to my other post I'll add this comment to this on.
It is my believe that credentials are to be earned not given out because someone knows someone. An individual has to prove him/her self by how they conduct themselves, and the knowledge of what they are doing. OK soap box caved in.

Mar 19, 2010 at 04:47 AM

Bikeracer3
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p.3 #13 · Photo Credentials. Why?

I think about 75% of photographers want credentials to shoot, 20% because they like sports and think its a good way to get in and get close and 5% just want to brag about it.

The 75% group are mostly students, event & youth sports photographer wanting to learn and move up in the craft. And of course the seasoned pro that knows that credentials will get you on the other side of people that just wander around and get in the way.

So many people fall into the breed that just wander and block a great shot. Don't let them get close enough to ask which TV station you shoot for when they see you have a still camera.

Please! Give me credentials so that I can talk shop and network. It's fun meeting other photogs that you have admired their work over the years or that you have communicated with on a forum. Keep me away from the wandering breed.

Steve- This may kick your page count up to 4. Hang in there!

-Terry

Mar 19, 2010 at 06:21 AM

skyvan
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p.3 #14 · Photo Credentials. Why?

Steve Ickes wrote:
butchM wrote:
I have been "credentialed" for well over 32 years ... because that is my full-time job .... about the only area that has changed over that time (except for technology) is the number of folks who want credentials and the number of folks that are issued credentials.

I remember the first Penn State football game I worked (you know ... back when Joe Paterno was coaching

) ... there were seven of us shooting from the sideline ... including one AP photographer and one shooter for the school ... there wasn't a 300 2.8 anywhere to be found and only one shooter with a motor drive .... there was little equipment envy back then ...

The last PSU game I worked, it was so crowded that I could have reached out and touched more than seven photographers at any point during the game and not have to stretch ... not to mention the tv crews, the freshmen recruits, big-time donors or just the guys and gals who were on hand because they know someone who, who knows someone, who knows someone else that was a second cousin twice removed of the ball boy's step mother's nephew .....

Steve, what I think your question should have been ... "Why do you think you deserve a credential, and why are you upset that you can't get one?" It's like any other job ... you aren't granted access to the work solely based upon desire to do the job .... how many folks graduate law school one day and argue a case before the Supreme Court the next day? How many drivers climb out of a go cart today and are behind the wheel at the Daytona 500 tomorrow ...

Geez .... lot's of folks want tickets to the "Big-Time" games and events ... but does everyone that wants a ticket end up with one? Of course they don't .... but some folks get upset if they can't have what they want and think the "pros" aren't playing fair. Personally I don't have a problem sharing the sideline with anyone as long as they are there for legitimate purposes.

I think, as always, opinions on the credential matter are split on this forum because on one side of the issue, credentialed access is a job and livelihood for some and what could be considered a hobby for others ...

I have had the opportunity to work with some really awesome writers and photographers over the years ... and I have had to work with some real bone-headed numb skulls too ... I never had much time for the ones that got caught up in the "big games" and paid little or no attention to the mundane, yet important lower levels of sports where access is much easier to attain.

I take as much pride in shooting a Pop Warner football game like it was the NFL Game of the Week ... as I do actually shooting the NFL ...

In the end ... it's not so much about what level of the game you shoot .... it's how well you shoot the game ... regardless of the level of play ....

It's like any other field of endeavor ... the cream will rise to the top ... if your work warrants the effort and your services are sought by the right client ... the credentials will come ....

Thanks for sharing Butch and you pointed out something that I think is a key point. Even back in the day as a dedicated hobbyist and amateur I never viewed a credential as a ticket to shoot my own images for fun. It just seems like the whole concept of why credentials exists and what and who they are for has been grossly reinterpreted. Aside from the friends of friends who get sideline access, a media credential is for "WORKING" media, people doing a job, not for themselves but for their client and/or employer.

By the way, I see on your web site that you were in Hershey for PIAA wrestling. Wish I had know would've looked you up. Let me know next time you're in the Harrisburg area, we'll meet up.

EXACTLY! It's for the working media, in fact it even says so on the back of the credentials
from a Dodgertown Classic Credential:
"...using a credential represents that such Bearer is acting on a specific assignment for a newspaper, or for a press, news or photographic service."

from a UCLA basketball credential
"This working credential is issued as a courtesy to an accredited agency for the sole purpose of providing stadium venue access to an individual who has a legitimate working function in connection with the event."

and even on the back of a credential for Metro State, a Division II school
"This working credential is issued for the sole purpose of providing facility access to an accredited...employee who has a legitimate working function in connection with Metro State athletics events."

Though i must say that Air Force Academy puts the fact that credentials are for working media most bluntly:
"This working credential is issued for the sole purpose of providing access to a person who has a legitimate working function in connection with said event."

So there you have it. You only need a credential if you are working media, and according to every credential that is one of the conditions of utilizing it.

Hope this helps to drive home the idea of photo credentials as things for the working media and not just for the casual fan.
The working pros go home with images that they are proud of after working their ass off preparing before a game, editing and captioning during intermissions and staying late after a game while a fan with a camera goes home with a belly full of beer, a good experience and hopefully some images they are happy with, for the fan with the camera it was entertainment, for the credentialed photographer it is work.
-Andrew

ps: let the poo begin to fling...I can see it coming and have revised my estimate from 4 pages to 40 bazillion pages.

Mar 19, 2010 at 07:08 AM

Steve Ickes
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p.3 #15 · Photo Credentials. Why?

I guess I was hoping that more aspiring pro sports photographers would have responded that their desire for a credential has to do with securing a position or shooting for a legitimate media outlet rather than they want a better shooting position, or want lasting memories of their favorite players.

My mindset in posing the question was really to better ascertain the mindset or goals of today's aspiring pro photographers. Although there's no one best answer to this question I'm a bit dismayed by the lack of responses that show a true desire to gain credentials beyond some self-fulfilling need.

Mar 19, 2010 at 07:23 AM

RCGuy
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p.3 #16 · Photo Credentials. Why?

Steve Ickes wrote:
Although there's no one best answer to this question I'm a bit dismayed by the lack of responses that show a true desire to gain credentials beyond some self-fulfilling need.

Are you also dismayed when the pro-photographer gains credentials for his/her own "self-fulfilling" need? (that being the self fulfilling need to make a buck)

Mar 19, 2010 at 07:33 AM

RCGuy
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p.3 #17 · Photo Credentials. Why?

skyvan wrote:

EXACTLY! It's for the working media, in fact it even says so on the back of the credentials
from a Dodgertown Classic Credential:
"...using a credential represents that such Bearer is acting on a specific assignment for a newspaper, or for a press, news or photographic service."

from a UCLA basketball credential
"This working credential is issued as a courtesy to an accredited agency for the sole purpose of providing stadium venue access to an individual who has a legitimate working function in connection with the event."

and even on the back of a credential for Metro State, a Division II school
"This working credential is issued for the sole purpose of providing facility access to an accredited...employee who has a legitimate working function in connection with Metro State athletics events."

Though i must say that Air Force Academy puts the fact that credentials are for working media most bluntly:
"This working credential is issued for the sole purpose of providing access to a person who has a legitimate working function in connection with said event."

So there you have it. You only need a credential if you are working media, and according to every credential that is one of the conditions of utilizing it.

Hope this helps to drive home the idea of photo credentials as things for the working media and not just for the casual fan.
The working pros go home with images that they are proud of after working their ass off preparing before a game, editing and captioning during intermissions and staying late after a game while a fan with a camera goes home with a belly full of beer, a good experience and hopefully some images they are happy with, for the fan with the camera it was entertainment, for the credentialed photographer it is work.
-Andrew

ps: let the poo begin to fling...I can see it coming and have revised my estimate from 4 pages to 40 bazillion pages.

Agreed...and the term "working" could have different meanings to different SID staff. "Working" could range anywhere from shooting for an unofficial fan website, to shooting for AP. Depends on the SID's definition, as his definition is the only one that counts.

Mar 19, 2010 at 07:36 AM

Rick Denham
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p.3 #18 · Photo Credentials. Why?

Steve Ickes wrote:
I guess I was hoping that more aspiring pro sports photographers would have responded that their desire for a credential has to do with securing a position or shooting for a legitimate media outlet rather than they want a better shooting position, or want lasting memories of their favorite players.

Ahem, check out my first post
http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/879124/0#8255518
I believe that is what I said

Mar 19, 2010 at 12:46 PM

Rick Denham
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p.3 #19 · Photo Credentials. Why?

Grantland wrote:
skyvan wrote:

. . . I'm thinking more and more that Me_XMan has no idea what he is talking about in regards to just about anything.

not real sure why you say this about ME_XMan (carl). he is a really great guy!

He could be the greatest guy in the world, but that doesn't mean he knows what he is doing.

Take me for instance, I know what I am doing, but trust me I'm not the nicest guy in the world, in fact I am pretty much just a big o'l a$$hole

Mar 19, 2010 at 01:08 PM

hleidich
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p.3 #20 · Photo Credentials. Why?

My 2 cents...I'm a parent taking pictures of 3 different high school sports for the last 5 years...first year was P&S camera and you all know that does not work especially if you are not close to the action. I aquired better gear and tried to develop better skills. I have permission from the AD and donate pictures to the yearbook. I am one of the few parents to attend every meet (home and away) and the only one taking pictures. I alway spoke with someone in charge to get permission (verbal "credentials") and never had a problem.

One example: Last year the team had four wrestlers qualify for the state tournament...even the school could not get me or any representative access so I shot from the stands the best I could...of the ~35 matches in the first round, I saw a photographer maybe 3 times so the only pictures any of the four kids from our school have are the ones I took (they did not make it past the first round). So my reason for wanting a credential would be to have the ability to document an important event that was NOT documented because only the "working media" got access and they could not cover all the action. I didn't want to be there for all the matches, only those involving our kids...I didn't want to sell any pictures to make money. The school had four state qualifiers...the school has no pictues for the yearbook, the parents nor the kids have any pictures of this major event. I have enough skill to be competent and use the proper etiquitte so I do think there are legitiment reasons someone besides the "working media" might want access.

Mar 19, 2010 at 01:11 PM

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