media credentials
JSPhotography
Registered Users Posts: 552 Major grins
I posted this over in the business section but it is not getting any response. I got the standard process, print medea editor writes a letter on company letter head that you are assignment for an event, you submit to the media guy and get ytour credentials. Done it a couple times.
Now here is my problem. The event is far enough away that my local paper does not care about it and my good old buddy that I used to submit high school pics to has been laid off by the paper.
How does a travelling freelance photog get credentials? I want to shift my summer work from local small time "official event" photographer to shooting national events and submitting images for publication.
The media guy is on the fence. He wants to give me credentials but he has to protect his "Official Photographer"(big time/full time/really great work), he allready has lined up the major newspapers. His last communication he wants to see what's in it for him? He stated "what kind of advanced publicity you can get me for your region". That in itself seems immpossible to me.
Now here is my problem. The event is far enough away that my local paper does not care about it and my good old buddy that I used to submit high school pics to has been laid off by the paper.
How does a travelling freelance photog get credentials? I want to shift my summer work from local small time "official event" photographer to shooting national events and submitting images for publication.
The media guy is on the fence. He wants to give me credentials but he has to protect his "Official Photographer"(big time/full time/really great work), he allready has lined up the major newspapers. His last communication he wants to see what's in it for him? He stated "what kind of advanced publicity you can get me for your region". That in itself seems immpossible to me.
0
Comments
I might suggest several options, depending on the event. If it is not a high-demand event with limited space (like a post-season NBA game), try asking the media relations guy at the team (college or pro) if you can get a credential. I have been quite pleasantly surprised at the positive response from doing this. Second, ask the various media imagery outlets. (US Presswire, Icon SMI, Corbis, etc. ) if they are interested in your shots of the event. Again, depending on the event, they may not have a shooter to assign. And if there is no assignment fee, they have nothing to lose. Lastly, you might try the local papers and online media in the area of the event. Very often they do not have a shooter and are willing to sponsor you.
Good luck!
John
JBHotShots.com
Facebook
7DII w/Grip, 50D w/Grip, 24-70/2.8L, 70-200/2.8L, 85/1.8, 50/1.8, Rokinon 8mm FE 3.2, 580EXII 430EX
If not as a photog ask if they need some pit help. Get your hands dirty, it'll get you access (they may need a gopher)
But yeah, if you want to shoot major events (non-local), I would try a wire or perhaps even apply for the credential under your name. I've gotten in to a few events that way.
Good luck!
There you go!! Just need a little patience and persistence! Actually, that is how I got my first big sports assignment--just hours before the event. I still remember downloading photomechanic and being tutored at the field on how to caption by a friend and fellow shooter who just happened to be there. No pressure or anything tho...
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
I have a contact at Red Bull UK, now I've shot one event (Red Bull Empire of Dirt), I'm hoping it will open a few more doors to other events, I've been trying for ages to get my foot in the door.
He's not the Messiah. He's a very naughty boy!
My website: http://www.marcusrichphotography.com
http://www.moose135photography.com
Thanks and good luck.
Thanks Moose, love your plane stuff. I'm doing a Hot Air Balloon and Air Show in a couple weeks. Hopefully I get some good stuff. Message me if you have any tips.
The paper should be happy
Thanks Rags. These guys were a blast.