How to get a PRESS ID for photojournalism

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

01/22/2004 12:47:39 PM · #1

I'm going to be going on some extended travels (in the USA and international) pretty soon and I was wondering if anyone knows how you go about getting a PRESS ID for freelance work?

Someone must know...

Olyuzi

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX7

01/22/2004 01:06:15 PM · #2

Give this web site a try.

Spork99

OM System OM-1

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

01/22/2004 01:06:30 PM · #3

Originally posted by Count:

In many places, acting like a dumb tourist with a camera can get you farther than by acting like a nosy reporter looking to stir up a story.

Message edited by author 2004-01-22 13:08:57.

ellamay

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

01/22/2004 01:15:48 PM · #4

Recently I was at an event where press were in an off limits area, I just jumped the fence and joined them, I just acted like they did, trying to get my shots and no one threw me out, tho this was not a very political event...

tolovemoon

Canon EOS Rebel SL1

Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS

01/22/2004 01:16:30 PM · #5

Check your local courts government offices. This city has them surley others would,press id

Jason

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/22/2004 01:48:08 PM · #6

PictureStock.com is a 'scam'.

01/22/2004 01:50:07 PM · #7

Jason

What do you mean? Please explain...

Jason

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/22/2004 01:54:37 PM · #8

$30 to join.
$10 for them to submit a press credential request (per request)
(most events require the request to be from a accredited organization, not sure of this company falls into this catagory or not)

They retain coprights on your images unless "prior arrangments have been made".

Heard a story of a guy here in town that uses them and has never received an assignment. Once they sent him a letter stating that a client wanted to use an image of his but they requested a $25 dollar processing fee, he paid but never heard from them again. Once he did get a hold of someone, they stated that the client went with another picture.

You also have to pay to submit images to them.

The whole thing just seems 'funny' to me.

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

01/22/2004 01:59:13 PM · #9

Originally posted by Count:

I called our local papers to work with them [either freelance or through a practicum] and I also called the venues directly. Our large venues for CFL and NHL games give press ID's directly through a sort of 'draw' system. They told me they'll be taking requests for passes in Mid April, I have to send my info including a website URL so tehy can check out my work. And that was it.....but it's competitive.

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro

01/22/2004 02:57:35 PM · #10

Thanks for the responses so far everyone. Does anyone else have any input?

The main reason I would like to get a Press ID is I'm hoping when I'm traveling outside the USA it might, as a last resort, keep me out of trouble. I've noticed many times that people holding Press ID's are often given a bit of amnesty from being mistreated.

Any other input would be appriciated!

tfaust

Canon EOS 80D

01/22/2004 03:38:50 PM · #11

What do you plan on doing that you are looking for amnesty ;-)

alanfreed

Nikon Z9

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

01/22/2004 03:43:13 PM · #12

How 'bout sending ME the $30, and I'll photocopy my press pass for you!

Seriously, I would agree with the fact that PictureStock.com is a 'scam'. The only people who can give you a press pass are people who are in the press, basically.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

01/22/2004 04:43:37 PM · #13

Originally posted by Count:

Uh, there's also quite a few places right now where having a Press ID will get you shot at or arrested (many of them in the US).

01/22/2004 05:31:05 PM · #14

Whoa, where are you talking about GeneralE? I haven't heard of anything like that, what am I missing?

I'm going to be traveling around the Caribbean and shooting alot of photography throughout in about 5-6 months. Some of the countries in the area are hostile towards americans, but I have been told that most of the locals have a fairly strong fear/respect/appriciation of "The Press".

I was just thinking that since I will be going many of these places specifically for photography, though freelance, that having a Press ID might come in handy.

Dave

Jason

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

01/22/2004 05:34:34 PM · #15

Just make one. :)

Create one in Photoshop then have it laminated.

GeneralE

Canon PowerShot S3 IS

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

01/22/2004 05:43:16 PM · #16

Originally posted by Count:

I'd fear the police (public or private) in those places more than the "locals." Plus, with either, I think any possible benefit would be outweighed by the revelation of its fraudulent nature, as would be highly likely IMO.

If you're going as a pro, take busness cards and releases and insurance. If you're taking tourist photos, take an unobtrusive, replacable camera. If you can get an actual newspaper to issue you genuine press credentials (and not "disavow any knowledge of your actions" if someone calls their office to check on you) then go for it!