I am trying to become a Freelance Photographer and sell my photos to the local newspapers and other media organizations. I plan on taking pictures of crime scenes and different law enforcement / fire department events in my area.I've talked to a few people and they all told me that I would need a Press Pass. I am unsure as how to get one (I call the different newspapers and places like that and they say that they only issue them to their employees and are not for freelance photographers like myself).If I am a freelance photographer, do I really need one? If so, could I just create my own business and make my own press pass for that business?(I am in California, Los Angeles County)
First off Oh enlightened one!, Glenn Back called for Ms. Sherrod to get her job back two days ago, while the other news outfits were still airing the original tape, second Acorn was exactly what it seemed, people cheating the system, and was not some Fox machination. It absolutely amazes me how much truth bothers you people. Then you wonder why things are so screwed up, amazing. Also it was liberal journalists; and I use that term very loosely, that conspired to cover up the Rev Wright, scandal and other things by just picking conservatives names out of a hat and calling them racist, with nothing to back it up, just because they knew that idiots like you would jump all over it, just like you did, also amazing how easily you're manipulated.
When I was a newspaper reporter, we reporters used to laugh a bit at our friends asking us to get them a press pass. That was because, we felt, if you had to have a press pass, it wasn't going to do you much good. Yes, we all had press ID. But it was a point of pride not to use it -- just waltz up to the place or person and say, I'm from xyz news. How about that...(and ask your question.) But your situation is a bit different, I see. Okay, here's what some people in your situation (actually needing a press pass) did. We had a county press association, and when I was president, II made name cards for all the members -- even some who were freelancers like you. I think your idea of making yourself a news media with a blog is a good one. Print yourself up a card with your blog name on it, and your id for contacts -- name, phone#, email addy. I bet it would work -- make it _real_ official looking!
