How to Get Independent Press Credentials

If you’re exploring freelance photography or photojournalism, you’ll eventually need to understand how to obtain press credentials. Why do freelancers need them, and how can you get them without the backing of a major media outlet? This guide covers the essentials.

Freelancers don’t have a built-in path to press access—you must seek credentials from recognized media organizations which authorize you to work On Assignment.
Press credentials are your authorization to access live events, from sports and corporate summits to other exclusive news environments. Typically issued as a photo ID badge, they help you gain entry to venues, press conferences, and opportunities to interact with newsmakers.

Yes. Press credentials are essential for gaining access to newsworthy events and cultural milestones. For freelancers without major-outlet support, well-chosen credentials open doors to high-profile regional, national, and global coverage opportunities.

Freelancers must apply through a recognized media organization that provides an outlet for their work. Approval demonstrates you are actively capable of covering news events in your chosen field.

No.

Press credentials are documents issued to persons who have illustrated that they are capable of covering news events in their preferred field of reporting — photography, journalism, broadcast reporting etc.  Press credentials are required prior to applying for access to a particular event.

A press pass is the document issued by each event approving assess for a press credential holder to cover that specific event.

Press credentials are issued by a recognized newspaper, magazine, or broadcast outlet, and often have international recognition.. These range in scope but generally allow freelancers on assignment to apply for access to regional, continental, or global events. The degree to which you need coverage will affect which level of press pass you will need based on your goals.

For high profile events, such as international war zones, humanitarian areas, or global sporting events, you may want to consider IFPO’s Universal AI News Press credentials. However, if you are just sinking your teeth into the business and still working on relatively small projects you will likely do just fine with the Gold level Press Pass from IFPO.    Not sure?  Maybe the USPRESSCORPS.ORG is the middle path.

Whichever path you choose, IFPO offers full weekday support to help you manage assignments and grow your career. IFPO also provides internet verification 24/7 — so you are never left alone.  Learn more about IFPO and its services by joining us here!