Brad Loc: Middletown, Pennsylvania

I have been toying with the idea of joining the "IFPO" [International Freelance Photographers Organization], but not until first purchase my first DSLR. They supposedly provide "Press Credentials", etc...

My question is: Do any of you belong to this organization? Do you feel it would be helpful as far as opening up photo opportunities? Would you consider joining a waste of time?

I would really like to hear your any comments or feedback.

snowbear

I have no personal experience with this but it looks similar to a diploma mill - send them some money and they give you a card that probably isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

Contact the local paper and see if they take freelance work - you may do better.

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

Correct, if you have to purchase a Press Pass from one of these on-line web places, it's really not worh the paper it's printed on. If it was, I'd be purchasing one to get into events for free.

snowbear

Or make one yourself ;)

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

What a great idea.... KISS/Motley Crue Concert here I come! Do you think it will get me backstage? I have a thing for Tommy Lee. :thumbup:

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

I fell for their crap in 1982 and bought their "Lifetime" membership. What has it got me in 30 years membership? Nothing but almost monthly upgrade offers. Save your $89.95, or whatever they are ripping people off for today. Its definitely not worth it. I got tired of having my "Press Credentials" laughed at when presented to anyone so I round filed them almost 20 years ago. You will have MUCH better luck just presenting a business card to the local law enforcement or event promoter and requesting access.

Brad Loc: Middletown, Pennsylvania

Thank you very much MT. I had some doubts as well, but I figured that since I saw their ads in photo magazines, that maybe they was some validity in their claims. I'll take your advise and keep my money. Thanks again.

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

Fee, fee, fi, fi , I smell sumptin..........

bigphotog

Don't waist your money!
Now days real press credentials are all issued by local PD and are linked to DOD database. Some have to have you come in and do full fingerprints and in major metro full background checks.

beverett Loc: los angeles

bigphotog is right. Police agencies issue press credentials which may allow you to cross police lines that cordon off a crime or disaster/accident scene. These credentials will not get you into a rock concert or sports event.

gphotography Loc: Colorado

I used to work for a major University, and I was behind the seens sort of speak. I saw what the media had to do for press passes, and they were issued by the university. No one got in with out the university press pass. But if you had one it got you anywhere (on the field, in the press box, locker rooms, ect ...). They would issue so many to an groups, say a newspaper, so if you are free lance you could ask the paper if they would give you one of their spots (if they had 3 and were only using 2). I wasn't working as a photographer then, but I had an All ACCESS Pass which got me everywhere ( I could go on and on about the fun I had and people I met). (in case you were wondering, I was an electronic engineer, and over seen the massive sound system and jumbo tron (video screen). (basically I did pregame system checks, then during the game sat in a private sky box and wait for any problems with sound or video. Fun Times!

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

It might be good to find out what events you're wanting press credentials for. For instance, I shoot a lot of sports, but mostly hockey. So I found an online magazine, applied to shoot local events for them, and got credentials. When league hockey, I get them to apply directly to the league and I have credentials that allow me in at any of the league arenas. And if I want to cover a game for a different league, they make that request for me too, or they make the request to the individual team.
And I didn't have to pay a dime.

I have friends that shoot for other online mags that are more generalized, rather than one sport, and they have credentials that let them in to many different sporting events.

For concerts, I have a friend that shoots for a local paper, and he gets in to everything. However, the tough part about shooting for a paper, is that almost all of the bands let you in to shoot the first 3 songs or so, and then you get escourted out of the arena. You're not there for the entire show.
It varies though. Some acts at clubs allow you there for the entire show.

My advise is to save your money and find a publication that will let you shoot for them.

suntomoon Loc: Virginia Beach, Va.

I am going to see them here in Va. Beach in July!!