Press passes

[Ex-Biker]

I while ago I was told it was fairly easy to get a press card that would allow you to get passes to get into various events on press days etc and get you trackside a races to take photos.

Anyone got any info?

[s a m]

no, but a press pass sounds handy...

[rico]

I know a mate who just sends off to the Press Office and normally gets them. Says he's taking photographs for his website!

I've got a press pass for Lamborghini stuff just by emailing their HQ and asking about an article i was writing.

[PetrolTed]

Not as easy as you might think. I often have to provide accreditation for journos and photographers trying to gain access to an event on PH's behalf.

There was a time that the MSA wouldn't admit any journo/photographer working for a web only publication. I've had passes refused to the Goodwood Festival of Speed refused for this very reason. Wish they'd get with the times...

[Ian_H]

There is no such thing as a magical 'press pass' that you can just waive and gain entry to events. For most motorsport events you have to be accredited by a recognised publication to gain press access and this has to be applied for in advance and circuits especially are cracking down on this and actually checking your credentials. You also need to carry insurance and a lot of circuits are now actually insisting that you produce your certificate of insurance before you will be allowed trackside. Another thing to bear in mind is that if a member of the public actually manages to blag his way into gaining access he or she may be stopping a working photographer from gaining the access required to earn a living. I have heard of some sites on the internet where you can buy a 'press pass' but most press officers would nearly die laughing if somebody actually tried to present one, these sites are basically a con.
One other point which Ted brings up is the fact that the MSA really need to get into the 21st century and realise that the internet is hear to stay and for some people it is the only medium they use for their news, on the rallying front I can think of only a couple of websites which they recognise as serious media outlets


Cheers
Ian

[Ex-Biker]

I asked as a friend of mine is looking at a change of career.

His idea was to sell photo's from different events to various publications. Essentially an independant press photographer.

It doesn't look like it will be that easy for him to gain access to the events.

[simpo two]

Unfortunately it seems the world is suddenly full of people with DSLRs trying to make a few £. I know, I'm one of them!

[PetrolTed]

Ex-Biker said:

I asked as a friend of mine is looking at a change of career. His idea was to sell photo's from different events to various publications. Essentially an independant press photographer. It doesn't look like it will be that easy for him to gain access to the events.

He'll need to commit to providing some pics to one publication so that they can respond to the event organisers confirming that he's attending on their behalf. If the magazine has the right credentials then he'll get a pass.

[Phil S]

Ted, do you need anyone to cover the Autosport show