Press Pass / Credentials? Local newspaper hiring me

[CharlieJ]

I was talking with the son of the editor of two small local newspapers a couple weeks ago. I was inquiring about doing some freelance work. Being in the right place at the right time is awesome. One of their photographers/reporters is retiring. To make a long story short, they offered me a job writing a couple articles a week AND as one of their photographers.

At this point, I'm wondering what I should ask for in the way of press credentials. Yeah, I know the newspaper editors knows, but I want to have some fore knowledge before I go in to talk with them about the assignments they will offer me.

I also realize most events issue credentials for the event, through the PR department. But, I'm also guessing that most newspapers, etc have press credentials for their photographers. I shoot a lot for the local high schools, but never for a community news agency... so the folks who let photogs/reporters "across the line" don't know me. I want to address the topic properly because I want to do a good job for them, and not get turned away when I show up to shoot events... especially spot news.

THANKS for any insight from pros who have "credentials". In fact, if you'd rather not post publicly, please PM me.

PS - I have a small portfolio of concerts and sporting events, but my "news" work is 25+ years old -- and only from my HS and college newspaper days. But, I can offer any of that work towards credentialing, should it be necessary.

[Jim Bryant]

In order to get into certain events without having the editor write a letter of introduction each time, yes, ask for press credentials with the promise of using them when only working for their organization.

[mad editor]

Originally Posted by CharlieJ

I was talking with the son of the editor of two small local newspapers a couple weeks ago. I was inquiring about doing some freelance work. Being in the right place at the right time is awesome. One of their photographers/reporters is retiring. To make a long story short, they offered me a job writing a couple articles a week AND as one of their photographers.

At this point, I'm wondering what I should ask for in the way of press credentials. Yeah, I know the newspaper editors knows, but I want to have some fore knowledge before I go in to talk with them about the assignments they will offer me.

I also realize most events issue credentials for the event, through the PR department. But, I'm also guessing that most newspapers, etc have press credentials for their photographers. I shoot a lot for the local high schools, but never for a community news agency... so the folks who let photogs/reporters "across the line" don't know me. I want to address the topic properly because I want to do a good job for them, and not get turned away when I show up to shoot events... especially spot news.

THANKS for any insight from pros who have "credentials". In fact, if you'd rather not post publicly, please PM me.

PS - I have a small portfolio of concerts and sporting events, but my "news" work is 25+ years old -- and only from my HS and college newspaper days. But, I can offer any of that work towards credentialing, should it be necessary.

I worked in news for years - reporter, editor, etc. and occasionally filling ibn as photog. Both in New York and in Florida, we were credentialed by the county police (or sheriff's) office. Paper had to write a letter to the county, you go down there with your ID and the letter, etc. They take your pic and make you up a press pass on the spot. That gives you access to accidents, fires, anything out in the public arena automatically as well as to some private events. Mostly for those the paper would have to make arrangements for you in advance, you go to the venue, show your ID and get your credentials. For things like presidential visits we had to apply through the White House and get a special credentials each time.

Long story short - ask the editor.

[jdepould]

It totally depends on the paper. Are you technically a freelancer? You may be on your own as far as a general purpose credential goes. Everything I've shot has usually been a temporary paper credential (sports, VP, Clinton) issued day of.

[CharlieJ]

THANKS guys. I'm supposed to have a face-to-face with the editor soon. The information provided here will certainly be beneficial.

If anyone has other information, please post it. I'm always here to learn!

[Jim Bryant]

Tell him it would be to his advantage and save time if you were issued a company press pass.

[eagle16]

I am looking to take photos at some local High School football games and was wondering how to go about getting credentials. Is this normally reserved for newspaper photographers?

[BK553]

Originally Posted by eagle16

I am looking to take photos at some local High School football games and was wondering how to go about getting credentials. Is this normally reserved for newspaper photographers?

At high school games, I've always just walked onto the sidelines looking like I knew what I was doing, and nobody has ever said anything.

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by BK553

At high school games, I've always just walked onto the sidelines looking like I knew what I was doing, and nobody has ever said anything.

Yup, there's plenty of parents with cameras that don't know what the hell they are doing, so it won't be too hard, if you've covered sports, to know what you're doing.