Press Credentials

[marcr1230]

Is there any recommendation for a accreditation in the USA ?

I see a couple people with badges and lanyards at local events - now most likely these are not people working for newspapers/official media. They are a collection of people with web sites and sideline interests who want to be closer to the event.

I think that credentials are issued usually on a per-event basis by organizers, there is no official credential passport that gets you into every event and onto fields...

I'm guessing that instead of trying to explain to self-important "security" people why I want to be closer to the action, it would be easier to flash a self-important badge or tag that says "He's not just a curious bystander"

Any suggestions ?

 

[back alley]

most organizations/events have a media person/crew that will check your credentials before issuing a media pass.

 

[Timmyjoe]

If you are working for a news organization they will assist you in obtaining press credentials, though the news organization doesn't issue them. Usually they are issued by the Police Department of the town or city where you are working.

The best credentials I've ever had were the New York City Police Department credentials I had back in the 1990's when I worked for a weekly in NYC. You could get in ANYWHERE with those credentials, it was insane. This was back in the days when my Chicago Bulls were winning all the NBA championships and I remember one game against New York that was naturally sold out, and by flashing my NYPD credentials I got a spot on the floor court side. It was incredible. They were also REALLY DIFFICULT to get and they made you jump through all kinds of hoops to get them.

I treasure my Chicago Police Department press credentials, but they don't get me into nearly as many places as the NYPD ones did.

Best,
-Tim

 

[Jonik]

I got into a press conference /expo opening kind of thing where the prime minister was giving a speech with loads of protesters outside, full of - order restore units- and so on... with a self printed "id" presenting me as a member of demotix photojournalism organization bla bla bla... Just had to talk with confidence, reply quickly enough , make them believe that I wasn't "just a curious bystander"

 

[noisycheese]

If you are a member of ASMP (or become a member), you can get the ASMP member badge for a small fee. It will hsve your phptograph, name and the word MEDIA branded on it, along with a lanyard and a plastic protector frame so that you can wear it when photographing events. These ID badges are well made and very professional in appearance. Here is a blurb from the ASMP website about the badge -

ASMP Member ID Badge

How does an ASMP photo ID badge help me?
In these tense times, a visible photo ID can help establish that you are engaged in legitimate work as a photographer. In conjunction with other evidence — such as your business card and your professional demeanor — it can help allay unfounded fears and improve public acceptance of your activities.

Will the ID help me get into sports arenas, trade show halls or areas that are reserved for the press?
Maybe, but most likely not. Each venue has its own system of credentials, and its security personnel are trained to accept no other credentials. In many cities, the only press pass that counts is one that is issued by a local government agency. The ASMP photo ID has no official standing in the eyes of any government.

As a professional photographer, it is your responsibility to find out what permits and passes you need, and to obtain them and be able to show them when questioned by officers of the law.

I would recommend both ASMP membership (it is money well spent) and the ID badge. The ID badge is not a magic wand to get access everywhere, but it does give you a certain amount of credibility when shooting events. It can also be a lifesaver when some busybody calls the police down on you for the "crime" of street photography (personal experience).

ASMP's website is www.asmp.org

 

[Graham Line]

Press credentials don't exactly get you in anywhere. Someone impressed by the credential gets you in. They aren't a magic pass, just another form of identification. Large organized events will often issue their own badges, and you have to apply to their PR people and jump through a few hoops some times.

Members of the news media will take a dim view of someone faking credentials, or obtaining them, strictly for their own amusement.

Yes, you can create your own "Jane Smith, Photoethnographer" identification card. But it probably isn't going to make much difference in where you gain access. Something like the ASMP or NYPD cards carry more weight, but that's all. The best press photographers I know seem to go anywhere they choose with a minimum of problems.

 

[noisycheese]

...Members of the news media will take a dim view of someone faking credentials, or obtaining them, strictly for their own amusement...

What members of the news media like or dislike is not something I lose sleep over - but then, I do not need to make fake credentials, either.

Photographers who are truly professional work around each other, getting the shots they need while staying out of the shots of other photographers.

 

[Takkun]

Personally, I'd avoid making your own. I see tons of them at events and generally they aren't going to get you anywhere, since anyone who has authority to get you in or keep you out isn't going to recognize them.
Which leaves three types of 'official' ID--Badges provided by employers, those provided by the event, and those provided by police departments. All three generally require some sort of prior affiliation to a media outlet. I've only dealt with the first two; and the former could get me the latter, depending on the event.

Not really sure how the police media credentials work. When I was doing press photography, I'd either have to obtain a pass for an event anyway, or, if anyone asked, show my employee badge. These days I'm doing more art photography so it's a non-issue, but when I was caught up in all the May Day hullabaloo, nobody asked, nobody cared.

But it sure is fun to have them. I still have a few Red Sox passes hanging in the bedroom.


edit: Wikipedia's entry pretty much sums up what I was trying to say.

What exactly is it you want one for?

 

[sar-photo]

I was speaking to a guy who had a press card from Camerapixo (http://camerapixo.com/press-cards). He said you pay an annual fee and get an official looking press pass (these are designed for freelancers). There are other organisations that do similar things - International Federation of New Media for one. Are these legit or is it a bit of a scam?