What’s Your Preference?

3bayjunkie · #1 (**permalink**) 08-13-2011, 01:37 PM

How do I obtain one of those vests that say "Photo" on them. I went to a NASCAR race while i was on R&R from iraq and i saw only people with these magical vests were allowed to get close to the fence to take photos. I also went to a Major Leauge baseball game and saw these guys too... How do you get them?

RichardTaylor · #2 (**permalink**) 08-13-2011, 02:27 PM

In my country, at least for motor sport, it is the organisation that is running the individual event that provides photographer passes. It helps a lot if you work for a recognised media company and/or have an association with the event organisation or one of the teams. I sometimes wear a vest, however you do have to sign your life away ("motor racing is dangerous") and follow the rules, even for the smallest of events.
I believe for some major events, when you do have accreditation, you may not have total control over how your photographs can be published - it's big business and tightly controlled..

I don't live in the USA.

Re Nascar - You may find this interesting.
The Hard Card Mystique | The NASCAR Insiders

ishootRAW · #3 (**permalink**) 08-13-2011, 02:39 PM

Can't help you for the big stuff. For what I do. Little league, home town, local ice rink, etc. I have found that just having the big camera, a businesses card, maybe a lanyard that says PRESS with your name and picture can work wonders.

BryanC · #4 (**permalink**) 08-13-2011, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ishootRAW

Can't help you for the big stuff. For what I do. Little league, home town, local ice rink, etc. I have found that just having the big camera, a businesses card, maybe a lanyard that says PRESS with your name and picture can work wonders.

Little League, Hometown stuff, local ice rinks, etc., usually don't require a Press Pass, so I don't think anyone would look twice at your fake one. However, I wouldn't suggest to anyone about trying to use a fake one where a real one is required.

RichardTaylor · #5 (**permalink**) 08-13-2011, 03:35 PM

@ ishootRAW
If you don't have high visibility vest, or issued vest, plus your photographers ID card for the event, you will be on the spectator side of the fence - always. The other alternative is that you will be escorted out of the venue.

.

UlpilotSC · #6 (**permalink**) 08-13-2011, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BryanC

Little League, Hometown stuff, local ice rinks, etc., usually don't require a Press Pass, so I don't think anyone would look twice at your fake one. However, I wouldn't suggest to anyone about trying to use a fake one where a real one is required.

I love it - a big pass with your photo and a lot of tiny nonsense writing, maybe some numbers or something on both sides.If you make it look TOO good (i.e. using NASCAR logos, copying wording directly from their pass, etc.) you can get in trouble for forgery, so I wouldnt go that route.

jdepould · #7 (**permalink**) 08-13-2011, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3bayjunkie

How do I obtain one of those vests that say "Photo" on them. I went to a NASCAR race while i was on R&R from iraq and i saw only people with these magical vests were allowed to get close to the fence to take photos. I also went to a Major Leauge baseball game and saw these guys too... How do you get them?

They're journalists.

Jim Bryant · #8 (**permalink**) 08-13-2011, 04:44 PM

most are working for a media outlet such as newspaper or wire services. We're issued those vest when covering Seahawks or Sounders games.

3bayjunkie · #9 (**permalink**) 08-13-2011, 04:47 PM

I just want to do freelance. and built my portfolio so sports illustrated and espn magazine can see my work and give me an oportunity to shoot for them. its easy to get a good photo of race if you have your camera sticking out the fence window. but i need a pass to cross the yellow line...