The Art Of The Press Pass

In the course of writing your fan blog, submitting work to a media outlet or seeking

somewhat greater access as a fan, a press pass is simply the most important tool in the process of providing a detailed experience. As a photographer without proper credentials, you may face having criminal charges filed against you and considerable fines levied for failure to comply with the venues or the artists rules on photography. As a writer, the improved access of the press can change your story from a tale of the electric vibe of a concert to that of a few choice words directly from the artist.

The first and easiest step in receiving a press pass is to contact the venue. Smaller events may have a promoter directly in charge of press passes. There is also the possibility that the artist may handle this aspect of their press directly themselves or through a press agent. Contacting the venue should get a lead as to whom your request should be presented. Your request should be sent six to eight weeks ahead of the event. This allows any errors or delays to be sorted out and any return documentation verified without nail-biting, last minute scrambles.

There is also the possibility of covering the event as a freelancer under the auspices of local media. Contacting your local newspapers or event magazines with a copy of your portfolio could gain you not only access to the particular event, but press credentials, paid for by the media, that will be good for other events. On top of that, youll be saving the fee for press credentials and you may be paid for the pictures or articles you submit.

Regardless of which option you use, once your request has been accepted, check with the venue to be sure you are actually on the media list. Your information may be mailed to you, but it is possible that your press pass will be sent to the venue and must be picked up from there. If you arrive at the venue with your press pass and you are not on the list, you may find yourself waiting while you are verified yet again. Limited time and resources available to event staff could result in your entry as a journalist or photographer being denied.

As you work through your options, you may also find yourself considering purchasing a press pass. This is an, at best, questionable option. There are organizations without media affiliation that will print official-looking press passes and other documents to be presented at an event. This is no different than a teenager walking into a bar and presenting an ID they purchased from the back of a van. You may still find yourself being turned away at the door, but far worse for a photographer, you may still face having your equipment confiscated and fines potentially in the tens of thousands of dollars that can be levied against you for your unlicensed use of images from the event. There is an easily accessible system in place that requires little more than making a request and being patient. The benefits to you far outweigh the detriments found in skirting that system.

by: john sena

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