toughmandave Loc: The Villages, Florida

I have been a member of IFPO) since 2006. I think they have changed a bit (for the better). I called them to get new cards last week and received a new package yesterday, (No problem getting through) with three very nice Freelance cards with my picture and membership date. On the backs of the cards there is verification of IFPO. On minor events, yes, it did work very well. On major events I apply at the organization and advise them I am a freelance photographer and sometimes they want proof of some sort to back up my qualifications. When I became a member of IFPO I had to send them photos that I took and events that I shot to get my cards. I don't know if you have to do that now. There are different levels of membership too, depending on your skills and events shot, etc. So I have had good success with them and the cards I received and lanyard is of very nice quality. I do a lot of roaming the back roads where I live and when taking pictures of "things" I often have someone come out of their house or business and ask what I am doing. I always wear my identification around my neck when shooting in those circumstances and I have great experiences with those suspicious people when they can see an ID. So, to answer redhogbill, yes, I had good luck with the cards.

Demianr

Generally you must be with a media outlet and in many cases have a letter of assignment from the editor or other person from that media outlet. I cover all of the major festivals in and around Louisiana and elsewhere. You need to submit an application at least a month in advance or sooner. Check the event website for their requirements.
I also am an organizer of one of Louisiana's best festivals and head the publicity section

toughmandave Loc: The Villages, Florida

I would somewhat agree about the phony part. In a way it is, but it is something to identify yourself if you don't have actual credentials.

djmikedege

For concerts generic credentials will not get you anything. You will need a media pass from either the artist's PR person or the venue itself. Getting a pass through the venue directly is difficult. Venues usually have one or two 'house' photographers that shoot all their events. First, confirm that the venue even requires a pass. Most smaller venues do not require a pass. Just show up at the show with your camera. These smaller venues usually do not have a photo pit or good lighting, making shooting a little difficult. You will have to fight the crowd for a good spot. This is the best way to build a 'portfolio'. This is how I started in the NYC area.
If you know for a fact that the venue requires a pass you can contact the artist directly. Most artist's websites have a contact page. This is where your 'portfolio' comes in handy. You can email the artist with a request to cover their show and supply a link to your work. This is also somewhat difficult. The artist's PR person is looking for exposure. If you are not shooting for a publication, it doesn't benefit the artist as much as if you were. There are a limited number of passes and they're looking for the most exposure possible.
The best way to start is to contact a local music website/blog (or start your own). Tell them you'd love to join their team and cover some shows for them. Again, this is where your 'portfolio' from your smaller shows comes in handy. Once you are associated with a website, you or the website editor can contact the artist's PR on the website's behalf to obtain credentials. If/when you get credentials you will have access to the photo pit, but only for the first 3 songs, then you must leave the pit.
There's a good website/podcast for someone looking for more concert photography info. It's How to Become a Rock Star Photographer. You might find it helpful!

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

To get a media pass you need to be a genuine member of the media and be able to prove it. Many credentials must be arranged well ahead of time. A freelancer is not a part of the media. Start with events that don't require passes and slowly work your way up. Today I am going to a minor league baseball game with my grandson. Today I am not a member of the media and all my camera equipment will be left at home.

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

docphoto Loc: Illinois

I agree with the above post. I would NOT attempt to print a "press pass" without being sanctioned by a news organization or organization that sponsored a particular venue. Once you get your "foot" in the door and have a portfolio for sports events or other newsworthy events and have great shots it can open up the door for other events.That's how I started out shooting College football,NFL, NASCAR and other professional events.

OviedoPhotos

BB4A

100% agree with all the comments above, with one addition.
I attend World Championships events, as a part of my charitable contribution to the Sport I'm proud to represent (I've captained four U.S. Teams, and am often the senior U.S. Official at World Championship events held in Europe). I am generally given the option to apply for two or more Press Passes, for media people attending with the national squad. These passes are constructed in such a way that they cannot easily be faked, and I'm very careful to ensure that whoever I give passes to are accredited and respected people in their profession. The reason? I'm responsible for giving people unrestricted access to a multinational event, where unfortunately, Security now has to be rigidly controlled.

So, if I see anyone with what appears to be a fake press pass, I have a duty to the organizers, the national team officials, their athletes, and the spectators, to report that individual to the Security Services, immediately. I'm absolutely certain that any individual with a fake pass would be arrested on site, and potentially would be in grave risk of being treated as a terrorist. Being mistaken for a terrorist in France (for example) could seriously ruin your whole weekend...

If you want to "freelance" at any international event, please consider the implications of your actions and for goodness sake, be honest and open about what you are trying to do. You risk far more than jail time for fraud, if caught in this time of heightened security measures.

Nikonman44

Absolutely agree. I would add one more point to what was said, even if it is a local event playing by the rules builds our acceptance in the media world and among other photojournalist..

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

If you want to work as a professional photographer, you will have to behave like a professional. No fake passes, be honest and forthright about what you want in terms of access, and as others have suggested, offer something in return for the favor.

You have to learn to promote yourself, you should be talking to people who are associated with the events you want to attend. If they are local, all the better, because you don't have to travel far without knowing in advance if you can get a pass. Even if you do not know anyone in the organization/group, usually you will discover that it is not all that difficult to find out where to apply. Then when you find the right office and person, it should not be that difficult to explain what you would like to do, and just ask if you can get a pass!

Once you have done this several times, not only does it get easier to approach these people, you will also become known to some of them. If you have been friendly and polite, and produced good work, you will also discover it is easier to be included in the future. It helps when you can send them a clipping from the publication where your images appear, with a thank you note. And perhaps a print of one of your photos!

toughmandave Loc: The Villages, Florida

Yes things have changed. In "the day" (the 80's) I was able to shoot NASCAR races and NHRA drags. The company I worked for sponsored cars during "the day" so I had an "in". It was also easy to contact various hot rod magazines, show them a portfolio and they would hire me to shoot local events. At that time I had a part time photography business and two years of college in photography. As the years went by and traveling around the US for work I lost touch with all my contacts. I guess now I'm just blowing off my sadness for everything I used to do in the photography industry. Now, at 72 years old and my pursuit of sporting events has diminished so I just shoot whatever someone asks of me and am enjoying that part of the venue. As I mentioned in one of my previous posts about IFPO, I basically use the ID cards when I go out on the back roads shooting and someone approaches me asking "what are you doing?" I had it happen twice last week and it calmed the curious minds of the people contacting me. I think the "Freelance Photographer ID Card" has its place in some circumstances. I do not like the idea of IFPO promoting Press Credential ID's. I don't abuse my Freelance ID but it is a way of identification in certain circumstances. Where I live politeness goes a long ways.

toughmandave Loc: The Villages, Florida

Nice wholesome comments Susan. Very well put.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I've gotten media passes from the event sponsors themselves ( to Airshows, got me down on the tarmac instead of up in the stands. Actually it was a spare pass from one of the local TV stations....)

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Thank you.