Advice on getting a press-pass from the local paper?

[VisualOddity]

So I have been wanting to get a press-pass so I can do more photojournalism, but haven't been to sure how to go about this. Well, I was talking to someone a week or so ago, and he suggested that I go to the local paper (Elgin is very small and so it the paper- http://www.elgincourier.com ), and as them for a "Texas Press-Pass". Of course I would take pictures for them and they would be given to that paper for use. Basically, it would be my opporituity to start getting things published, as well as have better access to the events/stories I want to cover, and it would also give them more media to use if they would like to. This seems like a good idea to me, and I thought I might go talk to them on my lunch break today, however I have a few questions...

First, what is a "Texas Press-Pass"?
Also, should I basically just tell them what I just told you, that I'd like to do work for them in exchange for a press-pass? Should I look for a contract of some sort, or go informal for now? At the moment, I am not looking to make money, but more just to be published and get my work out there, as well as have something for a resume down the road.

It seems to me a good trade. All they have to give me is a press pass, and they get photo's to use as they please at no cost to them. But, should I put it to them like that, or should I go in looking for a paying job? Since I'm not published at all, and have no professional photography experience, I have no photography related resume to show them, so it kind of hinders my ability to look for a paying job... or does it?

Any advice/help is greatly appreciated... Thank you...!

[Gordon]

Get yourself a professional looking, well put together, carefully considered portfolio of your best photojournalism and sports photography. Talk to their photo editor and get your portfolio in front of him/her.

Show them what you've done so far. You are asking them to risk their reputation, so you need to show them that you aren't just some schmuck with a camera. You are just looking for some sort of stringer position with them, not a paid retainer, but you would still be using their name and representing them.

There are plenty of interesting 'event's that you don't need a press pass to get access to. So you should have plenty of great work to show, to justify getting further credentials - right ?

If not - go shoot that first. In most cases a 'press pass' doesn't mean much of anything anyway. Events issue media credentials, specific to that event. You don't just get in for turning up with a 'press pass' you need to apply in advance to an event to get access. Many/ most small events would love any coverage at all - so be honest, tell them you are trying to build up a portfolio of your work and ask for access. Get some great pictures, offer them to the paper for publication at a reasonable rate.

The key is 'in advance'. Find an event you'd like to cover, contact the media person a couple of weeks or a month ahead of time and discuss with them what you want to do. This has worked pretty much every time I've tried it. Start on smaller events and work up. Be professional.

What sort of events/ stories do you want to cover ?
What additional access do you need to get good pictures, at least as a start ?

[VisualOddity]

Great, great advice. Thank you.

[PeteQ]

Also, be prepared for the two way street part of the deal. They are likely going to ask, and expect that you will, cover events/subjects that you won't really be interested in but they need coverage of. If you want them to play ball with you, be prepared to play ball with them.