BebuLamar

I have absolutely no problem with that. I don't take pictures where the owner of the venue doesn't want me to take. The same if I have a business I want to photographers do not take pictures of my business without my permission.
There is nothing interesting if the people who own/run the place doesn't want you to take pictures of.

krl48 Loc: NY, PA now SC

You're kidding, right?

User ID

What you are saying is that your FF SLR is now
obsolete. Not technically, but culturally, which
... as you've experienced ... is at least as major
an obstacle as technical obsolescence. It's not
totally obsolete. It serves some purposes, but
not every purpose. "Horses for courses".

As requested, I do have a suggestion: M4/3.
APS-C would likely still exceed the size limit.

The pic below shows the pancake zoom, but I
have a 10X OIS zoom for it, which falls within
the size limit that you mention. Acoarst it's no
f/2.8, but loooong f/2.8 zooms are equally as
obsolete as those big SLRs that wear them.

(Download)

User ID

I agree 100% with your ethic. But the venue owners
in this case do not totally prohibit pictures. They just
limit picture taking to the casual picture taker ... IOW
the "3 inch rule". There are some very nice cameras
and lenses that qualify within that rule.

===============================

The rule is to prevent "unofficial professionals" from
possibly abusing trademarks and trade dress for gain.
This includes recognizable, and SALEABLE, images of
team members, etc. Another good reason for limiting
camera size and lens reach is that many "pros in their
own minds" behave intrusively and obnoxiously, even
tho the only "market" that they "sell" to is their own
online postings. IOW, they take themselves way too
seriously, to the annoyance of others.

The 3 inch rule is a simplistic way to "sort the sheep
from goats". Simple is good. It's easy on the security
staff, and it also allows for the clever, and thoughtful,
"non-goats" to to use their beloved advanced gear by
shopping wisely for very compact advanced gear.

.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

You can "purchase" almost anything you want online. That does NOT mean they are legitimate or that any venue will accept them.

btbg

You can, but most major events won't honor those "press credentials" nor shout they. All that kind of press credential does is it allows you to bluff in locations where they don't know any better. There is no way that you can get to the sideline on a college or NFL football game by using a purchased press credential.

My job is sports photography. Currently I am trying to get a press pass to the Toyota 350 NASCAR race in Sonoma this June. So far no luck.

Have previously failed in an attempt to get a press pass to the first round of the NCAA basketball playoffs.

The reason is each organization or venue has their own rules for issuing press passes. With more and more people who have DSLRs and claim to be press there are now so many people requesting press passes that the organizations have made their requirements to obtain a press pass much more stringent.

In the case of the NCAA basketball press pass it's no problem to get a pass for a regular season game. However, the playoffs they will now only grant press passes to daily newspapers with subscription totals above 100,000, or in rare cases to press that have a specific player or players that their paper has been covering all year.

As a twice weekly paper we don't meet many of the current requirements even though we do periodically cover college and pro events. So for example last year I attempted to get the NCAA basketball pass because South Dakota State's Michael Daum, who is one of the most prolific scorers in NCAA history has local ties and we have written about him.

They not only didn't give me the pass, they didn't even bother to answer my request, despite having a letter from the publisher, and from the CEO of the entire corporation.

In some cases the rules may be too tough, but not wanting people with big lenses in the stands is just common sense. You aren't going to get a photo from there that is going to be picked up by the AP, but seating space is limited. Do you really want someone with a Sigma 150-600 sport sitting behind you and hitting you in the back of the head at a football game, or someone with a big lens standing up and blocking your view?

Those rules are in place for the comfort and enjoyment of the rest of the fans, at the location.

Press passes are another matter. They are required so that people who don't belong aren't on the sideline in the way causing a safety hazard, or making it difficult for the working pros to do their job.

Try it with a purchased press pass and just see what happens when you get to the gate.

fromo1946 Loc: Sacramento, CA

They wand you going through the entrance, no smuggling...I was able to shoot this one from the nosebleed section with my Nikon P900, then after this venue no “pro” cameras....

Murray Loc: New Westminster

You’re probably right. Personally. I just take an appropriate camera, but I have seen these advertised.

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Theses is no battle! Without permission, accreditation to a specific event or show, photographers, amateur OR all professional have no business at many venues and events. The rules are set by entertainment management, venue management, professions and amateur sports leagues and some have to do with propitiatory rights. Some of the rules have to do with safety of the athletes and the spectators. Some of the aforementioned officials and organizations extend certain courtesies at their option.

This does not mean that a competent amateur or pro photographer can't ever cover theses events but you must take the time to plan, go through channels and secure permission. Here are some logical ideas.

Many of the print publications, even the famous Sports Illustrated and the New York Daily News (New York's "PICTURE" Newspaper) have began to disband their salaried photographic staffs and are utilizing the services of FREELANCE photograhers or "stringers"! Ever think of becoming a "stringer" for you local paper or even a national publication?

You can volunteer your service to local sports teams- minor league teams, and high school or college athletic departments and build a portfolio. You can become accredited to some of theses farm teams or school teams and begin to work your way up. If you becom a stringer you MAY qualify for press credentials. You can do the same with amateur theatrical companies or smaller local theatre groups.

Even "press cards" do not give anyone free entry or run of the event. In New York City, official "Working Press" cards are issued by the police department, upon proof of media employment or accreditation, so photographers can gain access to certin vantage points at parades, public places and buildings, certain ceremonies, and may SOMETIMES cross fire or police lines. They are still somewhat supervised by officials and still need to have specific a permissions to certain private events. Certain press credentials issued by professional organizations kind of request courtesy be extended but there are no guarantees.

Of course there is the money aspect. Some organizations want to share in the profits that others earn from their events so they want to control who photographs their events or shows and what is going to be done with the pictures. The personages and images of sports and entertainment personalities are "commodities" that theses folks want to be paid for.

This business of lens size borders on ridiculous- the concept that a long lens or tripod automatically categorizes anyone as a "professional" is silly ! But somebody made up theses blanket rules and the security folks who enforce them are not usually aficionados of photography, photographic gear or who is or isn't a pro. If you don't have the paper work or a pass you are out! Check your camera t at the door.

Some othere places- tourist attractions, museums, and othere seemingly public places do place restriction on tripods and other gear. Some insist of fees and licenses- some are reasonable other are just cash grabs. It is what it is!

Oftentimes there are very legitimate reason for restrictions. If everyone was allowed to do whatever the wanted to do with their cameras there is the possibility that other spectators, patrons and audience members would be disturbed and distracted by the goings on. At certain events there are serious safety and insurance issues- motor sports, rodeos and situation where someone on or near the field, ring or arena can be struck by a ball, puck, other projectile or a flying athlete. Flash or or entering upon a field can endanger the photographer and/or an athlete. This can also distract the athletes and interfere with the game or match.

Cellphone cameras have nothing to do with the crux of the matter. The may be restricted too, at some events.

If you are an avid sports or entertainment photographer or aspire to become one- do the homework! Research the venue and the restriction long before you attend. Seek out passes, accreditation or permissions in writing! Don't just show up with a camer where they are gonna be totally restricted- it frustrating and disappointing and can even lead to legal problems.

Be courteous, act professional, ask nicely- you would be surprised how much cooperation you can get if you go through the right channels.

Just for the record- I an not talking out of my hat! I worked on a daily newspaper for a couple of years, did "stringer" work for several magazines including "RING" where I covered pro boxing. In my commercial work I do get to do lots of event coverage and I am dealing with the folks in charge all the time- sometimes that is a job in it itself- it's easier to take the pictures! Even in my High School days, I was on the Track Team and also shot their meets for the yearbook and had to obtain an A.A.U. pass to shoot my own team at Madison Square Garden back in 1958- you get used to it!

Good luck and don't be discouraged.

BebuLamar

It's the same! They don't want you to take pictures if they can. It's hard to disallow cell phones which is certainly needed for other purposes. They hope that the cell phones don't take any worthwhile pictures. So the bottom line is that they don't want you to take pictures. My point is not about the rules but rather what the owner of the venue really want. They don't want me to take pictures? I don't. I would want someone comes to my home respect my wish as well.

Ollieboy

Read the post again. That's what was said.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

Not all colleges issue a limited number of field passes. I have received them from my college, I call many months ahead for one, and many are already spoken for. So now I call a year ahead for one.

duane klipping Loc: Bristow iowa

I stay away from public events such as those you mention. Give me the solitude of a lonely old road and few human beings as possible.

Be honest what is your intent in shooting these images? Is financial gain your goal? If so it will catch up to you and you could be in court over them.

george19

Consider the battle lost. There was a time when you couldn’t bring a camera or recorder into any event, but then it became unavoidable. You can’t effectively ask people to not use them. And as for a larger camera, it is the easy target. You can’t claim you need it to make a phone call.

It also seems that some ‘pros’ have ruined some venues for everyone. And don’t get me started on paparazzi.

So yes...society has lost, literally by its own devices.

Darren01 Loc: Fallbrook California

I would love to see the cell phone/bull moose combo! LOL... RUN Forrest....