just wondering what the difference would be for a sporting event or private event if I had a press pass and there was an official photographer as well. Could I sell my images off site or via a website?? or would that be a violation of the other guys' "official capacity"? or would the only question be that I could not actively pursue the sale of photos on site? Does that include wearing a shirt that has my web site name on it??
I would think I could but I do don't this type of work currently so I don't know if there is a conflict. I also understand that every contract is different but I'm speaking in general terms.
I think the difference is commercial and editorial, your press so you can use your photos for editorial purposes(aka newspaper) but that doesn't give you full rights on the photos, like if you turned around and sold them to a stock photo agency you would more then likely get in trouble.
But in reality it all depends on what you sign. if you sign something for the press pass it needs to have something in it that makes it clear you are aloud to sell your photos in any capacity. The difference with a Official photographer is he might sue you if they gave him exclusive rights, So if you don't have a contract that says the event organizers also gave you permission then your gonna be the one that's in trouble.
bradleyg5 wrote:
I think the difference is commercial and editorial, your press so you can use your photos for editorial purposes(aka newspaper) but that doesn't give you full rights on the photos, like if you turned around and sold them to a stock photo agency you would more then likely get in trouble.
But in reality it all depends on what you sign. if you sign something for the press pass it needs to have something in it that makes it clear you are aloud to sell your photos in any capacity. The difference with a Official photographer is he might sue you if they gave him exclusive rights, So if you don't have a contract that says the event organizers also gave you permission then your gonna be the one that's in trouble....Show more →
If you have a press pass, just use the photos for the press agency they were issued to. Only sell photos when you have explicit permission from the organizers and all other parties involved. That is the safest route to take.
Some events without a contracted photographer may allow you to sell the photos even if you had access via a press pass. Check with your press agency first to make sure they are OK with this. If they find out that you are using their credentials to sell on the side they may have an issue with it.
Press Pass (not talking about Press Creds issued by a newspaper or a state to an individual for one for editorial use photos only) is issued by the event and is one time only. What you can and cannont do with those photos is usually tightly controlled by the event issuer. You cannot sell photos using Press Creds or Press Pass...you may only use it for the express purpose of providing photos to news agency/mag. People that use a Press Pass to personally sell photos are not issued passes again and could be liable for damages if the pass issuer finds out.
Official Photog is someone contracted by the event or the venue to shoot. The contract may or may not allow sales...it is completely dependant on the deal cut with the venue.
For example, I'm the official photographer for a local pro sports team. I'm the only one allowed to take official team photos and in this case, to sell photos on behalf of the team. The terms for that are spelled out in a contract. Someone with the media can request a press pass from the team's press office. That pass will say that they are authorized to shoot the game for ABC newspaper, or some such media organization only. With that pass, they have sideline access. But, this varies from one venue to another. Our local AAA ball club issues one time passes for each game...if the photos are used to any purpose not expressed granted by the press office, they will likely go after that person and certainly would never shoot there again.Again, a press pass is issued for legit media, and the press office will ask for some kind of documentation to prove that an individual is who they say they are and show that they are representing a recognized media outlet.
This topic is the third, throughly covered installment of the same thread presently running on this forum. Press pass, official status, unofficial status, note from mommy.....
what are we talking about here? selling the prints right after the fact or placing the images on the various agencies?
I wouldn't sell the prints on the spot if there is an official photographer, but I'll post the pictures where I want to ...
I don't see the problem. If I get access to take photographs I'll sell them, of course. Only if I was shooting (exclusive) for a newspaper I'll give the pics to them (only).
In any case for the organization to have the shots published is important. The official photographer will give a different service. But the Press people will give to the event a larger visibility. two different things, actually.
Barry Pehlman wrote:
This topic is the third, throughly covered installment of the same thread presently running on this forum. Press pass, official status, unofficial status, note from mommy.....
Did not see any of the others...guess I better visit here more frequently.
Schools, teams. leagues, etc., contract with professional team/"official" photographers. These are mutually beneficial relationships. When a "press" photographer comes in under the color of their media status and then after any "news" uses markets the images in competition with the "official" photographer, he/she is poaching.
Isn't it in Illinois where some papers have been restricted from special priviliges in covering games over that?.
I would ask the event organizer what restrictions may exist as a result of there being an official photographer. Plus what level event? For example, even if there were no official photographers at an NFL game you ain't gonna sell nothing on your own through your web site. Period. However, at a youth sports event, it would depend on any agreements in place between organizer and any photographer. Talk to the official photographer. Most would appreciate the courtesy of asking, might even ask you to help in exchange for a percentage.
However, if you know that there is an official photographer at the event, DO NOT run around shooting with your web site's URL plastered on your shirt, DO NOT run around behind the other photogs back handing out cards telling people your stuffs better and cheaper. Show some respect and courtesy for a fellow working professional. Please. Let's stop the madness!!
