p.1 #2 · International Freelance Photographers Organization
Keep in mind that a press pass issued by an industry organization is absolutely worthless - at least in the US, the only press passes that carry any weight are issued by a municipality (usually the police department) and those are only going to be observed within the municipality that issued them.
What they're probably giving you isn't a press pass but press credentials, which are just going to be a piece of paper that attempts to lend you some sort of legitimacy. Still worthless in practice.
p.1 #3 · International Freelance Photographers Organization
As always, you provide great input.
The issue of getting a press pass has been on my mind, however my tiny wedding business is consuming my time.....
so does the process run something like this?: learn of event ahead of time, apply for press pass in event's municipality, go to work freelance on spec....
p.1 #4 · International Freelance Photographers Organization
No, it usually goes something like: establish valid association with local journalistic media, apply for press pass with local authority, re-validate your press status at whatever interval your local authority stipulates...
Press passes aren't necessary for covering events, and a municipal press pass won't actually get you access to entertainment events. They're for doing things like crossing police and fire department cordons, parking a vehicle illegally without repercussions, gaining access to local government hearings or press conferences, etc. If what you're looking to do is photograph private events like concerts or other performances, then there's no shortcut...for every event you want to photograph you'll need to work out access with the organizers. That's easier to do when you're a shooter for a legitimate publication, even as a stringer, but it's not impossible to do as an independent.
p.1 #5 · International Freelance Photographers Organization
Still, the accessibility, especially the way you describe it, sounds like an exciting form of photography. It almost seems like it would be helpful alongside a private invesitagator/photosurveillance license, which i believe you do need in my area.
so, if i have a press pass, how can i profit from that? with a valid press pass, you could probably gain access to some pretty good shots!
p.1 #6 · International Freelance Photographers Organization
A press pass is only as good as the security and PR guy is gullible. A press pass only carries as much weight as the publication you work for. If no one has heard of it (like the NYIP, or this IFPO) then you're going to have to do some fast talking to get in. There is no 'official' press pass like a drivers license, it's basically a work ID saying you work for a certain media company. Most of the things you are going to want to get into you have to call ahead and get a press credentials or your paper already carries enough weight that the venue is expecting someone to show up. Other things like school sports, public parades and the like no one cares enough to ask where you're from. Buy a PJ vest and act professional and you can get good access.
As far as freelancing and expecting to sell your photos to local papers, if they cared they would send someone. Unless you happen to be on the scene of an accident that they can't manage to get a photog to on time, they almost certainly won't pay you for the photos. It's not like Peter Parker, editors don't just buy photos.
p.1 #7 · International Freelance Photographers Organization
Mitchel107 wrote:
so, if i have a press pass, how can i profit from that? with a valid press pass, you could probably gain access to some pretty good shots!
You can't, not really. If the event/crime scene/fire/whatever is of interest to the local media, then they'll send someone. They'll get a call from fire or police department sources long before you ever know that something's going on, unless you're going to become one of those guys driving around in your car listening to the police scanner all day long.
Most people use the press passes to avoid getting parking tickets more than anything else. When I had one, when I was working at a tv station, the biggest benefit was being able to park wherever I needed to without being ticketed or towed. I don't think I ever used it to gain access to something that I would have been barred from otherwise.
The most lucrative thing you can do, along these lines, without having a publication behind you is become paparazzi...and in the age of TMZ and big-money stalkerazzi, that ship has sailed too.
p.1 #8 · International Freelance Photographers Organization
Mitchel107 wrote:
anyone heard of it? a member? any experience?
they have been around since 84, 76,000 members in 143 countries
you get a press pass and stuff like that which is what i was searching for....
thanks for your input
A press pass is useless/meaningless unless it's issued by the relevant authority for where you want access. If you want access to fire/crime scenes, etc, in a particular city you have to deal with municipal authorites there; if you want access to a concert you need to deal with the concert organizers or venue owners. There's no organization you can join that can just confer legitimacy on you.
What, do you think you just pay your dues and they mail you a card that says "PRESS" and you just stick it in the brim of your fedora, and you can walk past the police lines?
(just get an old 4x5 Speed Graphic and tell everyone you know Weegee personally )
p.1 #11 · International Freelance Photographers Organization
You really don't know who Weegee is? Oh man. I don't even shoot PJ work and I'm still in love with his aesthetic. Google is your friend, Young Grasshopper.
Just keep in mind: you're going to have to deal with the local authorities (not some industry group like the "IFPO") to get a press pass, and the local authorities aren't going to give you one if you aren't a legitimate member of the press...this means a newspaper, TV station, journalistic magazine, etc. is vouching for you in your application. Even then it's no guarantee. But I think you have the situation backwards: you don't get a press pass in order to start shooting as a PJ, you get one because you're already legitimately-employed as a PJ. You certainly aren't going to get one in order to make weddings easier to shoot.
p.1 #13 · International Freelance Photographers Organization
Mitchel107 wrote:
looks like the press pass will still be VERY useful for me. i have gotten parking tickets working short notice assignments, it sucks.
and im thinking that on a wedding, in a crunch...i can park nearer to the spot i need to shoot/work.
...and i would definitely like the option of being present at meetings in my local government.
Yes, but as we've all been explaining to you, you can't get one just by joining an organization.
p.1 #16 · International Freelance Photographers Organization
Who is Weegee? I've always felt that part of learning your craft is also learning from those who came before you. When I first started I spent countless hours at the University library looking at photo books by various artists. You're really missing out by not studying the examples of those who came before you. You might also want to look up Arbus, Frank, Nagey, Bresson, Weston, Eddie Adams, Atget, Gibson, Avedon, W.E. Smith, etc. That doesn't even scratch the surface but it's a start.
Edited on Jun 17, 2008 at 11:39 AM
Jun 17, 2008 at 11:37 AM
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p.1 #17 · International Freelance Photographers Organization
Since anyone can now make any sort of official looking ID, they are pretty much worthless. If you are a PJ, and interested in advancing your career, networking with other pros in your field, and learning sound and generally accepted business practices, I suggest joining either ASMP or EP.
Sure, the ASMP has a card, but it is not intended to be really used for anything other than receiving your rent-a-car or FedEx discounts, etc.
p.1 #18 · International Freelance Photographers Organization
Andrew Wood wrote:
Using a press pass to park illegally for a wedding sounds like fraud.
After reading this thread twice, I'm starting to wonder the same thing?
The OP shoots weddings and needs a press pass for that? Or to get better parking spaces, or to have the option of being present at meetings in my local government." Seriously?
Why does it feel like we're all being taken in this thread.
p.1 #19 · International Freelance Photographers Organization
Like others have said a press pass/credential is only as good as the attitude and understanding of the person standing between you and where you want to go. You can have a 24 page laminated letter of introduction from the NY Times, however, if the host chooses not to allow you entry ... you don't get in. Even if you are legitimate media. OTOH ... if that same person, wants to let the assistant administrative secretary's second cousin Bobby in to see the show or event ... they get in. Some larger municipalities require media registration for passing fire/police cordons. In smaller communities, if you know enough of the officers and firefighters and have proven you will behave yourself and honor safety guidelines while in such areas, they will often let you pass. Again, it is up to local discretion. Not the IFPO.
Oh ... and many municipalities have no problem with providing "the media" with parking tickets. Credentials offer little in protection for such infractions in many locales. Quite the opposite for some, they will go looking for you with ticket book in hand. Especially following unflattering stories/photos in print.
