Taking your gear to pro sports events..

[icassell]

If you ever needed a good reason not to participate in this forum, this topic and most of it's responses would be all you would need. There isn't one response from anyone who has EVER covered a professional sporting event anywhere. This amateur discussion is at best, embarrassing.

the Iconic Image

I did not think the OP was asking about professional coverage, but maybe I misread. I think several of us have shot at professional venues (not "covered" them) and that is a different question entirely. I admit I have no idea how to get (nor do I want to get) press credentials, but I have still shot at several pro venues with some success. If these tips which have offered some success embarass you, read elsewhere.

 

[matfoster]

Quote: Originally Posted by Dominantly
How do you go about getting a press pass?


Self portrait + laminated plastic card and a bit of computer work ;-)

got samples ?

:hugs:

 

[Overread]

If you ever needed a good reason not to participate in this forum, this topic and most of it's responses would be all you would need. There isn't one response from anyone who has EVER covered a professional sporting event anywhere. This amateur discussion is at best, embarrassing.

the Iconic Image

If you dislike the coversations and have little to nothing constructive to contribute in a polite manner then why continue to post? If you dislike the talk of "amateurs" (which form the majority of the members on the site) and are not willing to provide construtive input then by all means migrate to another forum.
The net is vast and almost infinite (not quite big enough for the full GITS quote...) so go find a place better suited to yourself.

Or be a construtive influence in this place

 

[Dominantly]

If you ever needed a good reason not to participate in this forum, this topic and most of it's responses would be all you would need. There isn't one response from anyone who has EVER covered a professional sporting event anywhere. This amateur discussion is at best, embarrassing.

the Iconic Image

You, should go talk a long walk down a short pier.

 

[keith foster]

If you ever needed a good reason not to participate in this forum, this topic and most of it's responses would be all you would need. There isn't one response from anyone who has EVER covered a professional sporting event anywhere. This amateur discussion is at best, embarrassing.

the Iconic Image

I re-read the OP's question before replying. I also read all the replies. I didn't find anyone talking about being a professional so I am not sure why you took such offense to this thread.
I also followed the link to your website and was impressed with many of your photographs. I think you have skill. Too bad you are so easily offended by forum conversations. The attitude you displayed in this post doesn't lead me to believe you will be a positive addition to this forum.

 

[henkelphoto]

If you ever needed a good reason not to participate in this forum, this topic and most of it's responses would be all you would need. There isn't one response from anyone who has EVER covered a professional sporting event anywhere. This amateur discussion is at best, embarrassing.

the Iconic Image

Gee, let's see, in my past, I've worked as a photographer for the Springfield (MO) News-Leader, Orange County Register, Los Angeles Times, Pacific Daily News (guam) and as a photo editor/photographer for the Associated Press. Currently I am a photo editor/photographer at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Yup, you're right...none of us has ever been to a professional sporting event anywhere...

If you doubt me, just google my name--Jerry Henkel Review-Journal

 

[keith foster]

Good call Jerry! Obviously there are more pros here than some would believe.

 

[the iconic image]

Point taken. The pros will completely understand my response to the post and not be offended, the amateurs won't and were.. I will admit that perhaps my post would have been better suited for a forum where the original post would never have appeared and makes my comments to some degree inappropriate for the general crowd here.

If I may make a constructive point to those who may need to hear it, going against the grain and kicking in the door that appears to lead where you would like to be is how I got in the business many many years ago. In 2010 that same technique will get you labeled, embarrassed, escorted out, and a name you will have difficulty getting rid of. Tenacity and getting out there to learn what you are going to need to know is essential, but only in a professional manner.

Be a stringer. Get to know who is who. Offer to shoot on spec. Eventually if you have the talent you'll be noticed for the right reasons. Learn the rules. There are a lot of them. Pros can spot an amateur a mile away and often the general public can't and THAT makes your behavior reflect on everyone and I can assure you pros aren't going to put up with you for 5 seconds if you aren't at the very least acting in a professional manner.

Say your prayers, be in the right place at the right time, be respectful, and get off auto..

mike zukerman photography

 

[SNAPaPHOTO]

Mike:
I think I understand what you are saying but you could have said it better in the first post.

Personally I have and do shoot professional sports. Primarily AAA baseball, although I took two years off for a diversion and shot aviation events for AOPA.

I believe I said over and over get the real credentials do it by the books. You are not going to be able to walk on the stage of latest music star over night, even with press credentials and a real assignment from your publisher.

Most events do have their media credentialing procedures where they call your editor and verify you are who you say you are.

But it is not that hard to play by the rules and get the required passes to take your gear into the event.

 

[keith foster]

Thanks, Mike for your 2nd post.

Your points seem valid and well made. I have never shot professional sports and probably never will. I was not offended by what you were saying at all, you are absolutely right about what the pros know and amateurs don't. In fact that probably applies to everything not just photography. I took exception to how you phrased your point and you have addressed that concern with your follow-up post. Thank you for responding the way you did.

I hope you hang around here and continue to share some of the knowledge and lessons you have learned in getting to where you are today.

 

[Shocknawe]

Point taken. The pros will completely understand my response to the post and not be offended, the amateurs won't and were.. I will admit that perhaps my post would have been better suited for a forum where the original post would never have appeared and makes my comments to some degree inappropriate for the general crowd here.

If I may make a constructive point to those who may need to hear it, going against the grain and kicking in the door that appears to lead where you would like to be is how I got in the business many many years ago. In 2010 that same technique will get you labeled, embarrassed, escorted out, and a name you will have difficulty getting rid of. Tenacity and getting out there to learn what you are going to need to know is essential, but only in a professional manner.

Be a stringer. Get to know who is who. Offer to shoot on spec. Eventually if you have the talent you'll be noticed for the right reasons. Learn the rules. There are a lot of them. Pros can spot an amateur a mile away and often the general public can't and THAT makes your behavior reflect on everyone and I can assure you pros aren't going to put up with you for 5 seconds if you aren't at the very least acting in a professional manner.

Say your prayers, be in the right place at the right time, be respectful, and get off auto..

mike zukerman photography

It was a "general" question as I'll be taking my boy to his first MLB game this summer (hopfully a few) and the thought of bringing gear also crossed my mind- casual thought of something I thought could be a problem but wanted to hear others experiences. Could we over react any further?:lmao: Simply priceless, I can almost picture you stomping your feet walking in circles with your arms flailing about. You're right YOU should be embarrassed, and yes you are labled, and we'll see if you get escorted out with your future tantrums.