Do you wonder if a press ID is important or not? Or if can you get by without one? It generally depends on what your goals are. If you want to cover events as a member of the press, then press credentials are a requirement — and must be issued by a recognized media outlet. If you are not an employee of that media outlet, then you must be on assignment for it.
Legitimate media outlets (newspapers, magazines and broadcast) issue press credentials with guidelines and ethics for use. The same outlets publish or broadcast the news of events covered.
You need press credentials if:
– You want to begin a career as a press photographer or journalist.
– You have been employed by a media outlet and are now working alone.
If you have managed on your own to cover a few events but aspire to move up to more challenging events.
– You need an outlet to get your work published or broadcast.
The International Freelance Photographers Organization (IFPO) offers a variety of options for press credentials based on each individual’s goals. Each option places you on assignment for Todays Photographer International (TPI) magazine published by American Image Press. IFPO lifetime membership fees may be paid as the same time of press applications.
One of the most important benefits of having press credentials is the free advertising from getting your work published or broadcast. Even if your long term goals are not to become a member of the press, the recognition received from getting your work published will boost your efforts in other aspects of photography or journalism.
