Legit or not!?
Jan 24, 2013 02:02:47 #
ran into a few websites that promises that you can get into any event such as concerts, sporting events, car shows free, etc., no questions asked, just as long as your carrying a "press pass" purchased. the 2 companies i'm speaking of is IAPP {international association of press photographers} and NPPA {national press photographers association}. they both promise with an initiation fee and annual fee your guaranteed never to be challenged by security or the people who are running the event. any feedback on this? i know it sounds too good to be true and if it sounds too good to be true its probably "not". thanks in advance. BTW, i really dig this forum.
Jan 24, 2013 04:25:17 #
Jan 24, 2013 05:18:16 #
Back when I was freelancing with 2 main clients, a newspaper and an entertainment magazine (neither were major league), I had an IAPP press pass and never found anyone who would honor it. I had better luck either calling the venue, artist, or artist's agent ahead of time so they were expecting me at the event. Often I would "throw" them a few photos for their collection and, the next time they would be even more helpful with whatever I needed.
Jan 24, 2013 08:15:48 #
Fabulous1too wrote:
ran into a few websites that promises that you can... (show quote)
I'm not familiar with the two you mentioned. I'm with IFPO (International Freelance Photographers Organization).
At larger events, advance request (letter head) will sometimes work.
I have shot at different events and have "thrown" a couple of shots to the group or event people as a "thank you". Doing that has helped in getting access again.
Let us know what you decide.
Jan 25, 2013 07:28:39 #
Roger D Salls
Loc: Stratford, CT
I have this bridge in Brooklyn...
Fabulous1too wrote:
ran into a few websites that promises that you can... (show quote)
Jan 25, 2013 08:38:11 #
Fabulous1too wrote:
ran into a few websites that promises that you can... (show quote)
Well, from all my experiences with press passes, they are actually issued by the people that are managing the event, and have to be applied for, no matter whether you work directly for a media/publicity firm or not, and that includes freelancers.
Jan 25, 2013 09:53:31 #
How good are you at bluffing? You might get through with a soup can label if your BS is strong enough.
But as a former newsie, I can tell you that a phony stands out and is easy to spot. They also are held in scornful contempt.
Also, these days security on everything is much much tougher than it used to be.
And, as someone has mentioned here already, big events usually issue their own credentials. A generic press card won't get you into a G8 meeting or a big rock concert.
I made a point in my career of never mixing business and pleasure. In short, no autographs, no snapshots although I was always happy if someone else took a pictures of me and a celeb and sent me a copy. One of my most valued possessions is a picture of me and Jack Benny but somebody else took it without my knowledge and very kindly sent me a copy.
All of which is not to say that my (legitimate) press card didn't get me lots of free admissions and VIP treatment when I wasn't actually on assignment.
But as a former newsie, I can tell you that a phony stands out and is easy to spot. They also are held in scornful contempt.
Also, these days security on everything is much much tougher than it used to be.
And, as someone has mentioned here already, big events usually issue their own credentials. A generic press card won't get you into a G8 meeting or a big rock concert.
I made a point in my career of never mixing business and pleasure. In short, no autographs, no snapshots although I was always happy if someone else took a pictures of me and a celeb and sent me a copy. One of my most valued possessions is a picture of me and Jack Benny but somebody else took it without my knowledge and very kindly sent me a copy.
All of which is not to say that my (legitimate) press card didn't get me lots of free admissions and VIP treatment when I wasn't actually on assignment.
Jan 25, 2013 10:07:45 #
Pepper
Loc: Planet Earth Country USA
Security is a top priority with most venues today as well as the artists or exhibitors that participate. Our local event center requires their own specific press pass that has an embedded bar code that is scanned each time you enter the facility. You can purchase the press pass (provided you have press credentials) annually or per event and theyre not cheap.
Jan 25, 2013 10:38:56 #
Thanks everyone for your input, when its too good to be true than thats what it is, too good to be true. I googled their reviews and found none, firms like this should've be on the internet, regardless, i still dig this forum.
Jan 25, 2013 11:46:29 #
jeryh
Loc: Oxfordshire UK
In the UK, membership of thew NUJ virtually guaranteed entry to anywhere, without any hassle at all. I could access private and public shows or venues at will, even flower shows !
Jan 25, 2013 13:14:30 #
We get the Editor of the newspaper group we work for to apply for accredition.Several sports organisations will not deal with freelancers.So it is better to be associated
with a legit press group.
If it's tricky in New Zealand it's got to be worse overseas.
with a legit press group.
If it's tricky in New Zealand it's got to be worse overseas.
Jan 25, 2013 20:38:31 #
Jan 25, 2013 20:39:43 #
Jan 26, 2013 14:52:15 #
NPPA is not a company, it is a trade association similar to a union.Yes, it is a legitimate organization. Not everyone can join and get a press pass. You need proof of needing it. I as a student member cannot get a press pass. Also, a press pass has no legal authority to it. It provides an explanation and information about why you are at event, nor do they automatically get you access. Even with my newspaper's press pass, I still have to get a floor pass at sports events. NPPA has a legal team that protects members if hassled primarily by police.
Sep 1, 2023 11:58:10 #
mmills79
Loc: NJ
I see this discussion is quite old but the topic is relevant to me in 2023. Perhaps this is discussed elsewhere so I apologize but, I would like to explore this topic further.
What I did not find or see discussed, were the steps how to actually get a legitimate association with a media outlet? Some who responded to this post appear to be or have been media staffers or consultants. Your experiences would be greatly appreciated. How does one go about getting a media outlet to bring one on as a freelance photographer?
What I did not find or see discussed, were the steps how to actually get a legitimate association with a media outlet? Some who responded to this post appear to be or have been media staffers or consultants. Your experiences would be greatly appreciated. How does one go about getting a media outlet to bring one on as a freelance photographer?
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