Do you want to attend a news, sports or entertainment event as a member of the press? (Guests at all events are prohibited from the press areas behind the scenes.) A press pass is required to gain admission to the press areas of any gated event. That includes sports, entertainment, trade shows, conferences and all others closed to the public.
Thanks to IFPO for breaking down the standard press barriers in the mid 1980’s, freelancers can now get their fair share of press access to most events. Advantages of working freelance includes the freedom to organize your own schedule and to be your own boss. You get to select your own hours and work when you have time available — no deadlines, no schedules. Your schedule could range from one or two afternoons a month to traveling the world looking for exotic assignments. Working as a freelancer allows you contact with people from a wide array of backgrounds. This experience is extremely valuable for learning the ropes as a member of the press. The time invested is well worth the effort.
The key to a freelance photographer or journalist’s success is not only keeping press credentials current, but knowing how to use them and understanding press ethics. Once inside an event you have a responsibility to work within the specific media guidelines of that event. You own the copyrights to your images or written reports but there are limits to what you can legally can do with those photos or reports.
As a freelance photographer or journalist you have the same responsibilities as a full-fledged member of the press. Legally you can submit your images or stories to any news outlet to be considered for publication or broadcast. Social media sites are not news outlets so you cannot post your photos or stories on any social media site without written permission from the persons or owners of the subject of the photo or report.
Getting your work published is free advertising for you provided you get photo credit or a byline for your story. The pay per image or story is usually minimal if any. However, a portfolio of published work is extremely valuable to gaining recognition in your field. That recognition is imperative if you expect to grow your career and cover more important events in the future.
Freelance photographers and journalists can find their niche with IFPO. The IFPO magazine Today’s Photographer International (TPI) magazine is the media outlet for IFPO members only. IFPO membership is lifetime. IFPO issued press credentials are issued for 3 years. At the end of 3 years renewal fees are usually about 50% of the original application fee. All of the press programs are backed up and supported by the editorial staff of TPI magazine.