How to Obtain a Press Pass

[LIPstudio]

How would someone be able to obtain a press pass to photograph an event like in American Airlines Center. Back when I was in college I was photographing for the university and we were always able to get into events not sponsored by the school.
Does anyone have any leads or what I need to do to have access to an event at American Airlines.

Thanks,

[brad]

You have to have an "in" with either the event organizers, the press covering the event, or AAC itself... that list is in order of difficulty, from easiest to hardest (or so I hear). The AAC is supposedly one of the most difficult venues to secure such a pass.

[Howard Barlow]

What Brad said. Never believe a bona fide press pass is a golden key.

[Imagebuffet]

It depends on the venue. I have done this 1 time, last year, for the X Prize Air and Space Expo at the AF Base. As a complete amateur, I did not expect I could just present myself to the X Prize Foundation as a member of the media and be issued credentials, so I tried to find a sponsor (like Dallas Morning News). Finally, in desperation, with time running out and no replies from anyone, I filled out the X Prize media form and was issued my credentials. I had a great time at the Expo!

I think they might raise the bar before they open an invitation, again, though. It would be nice if I could do that, again.

[CobyPhoto]

Preetty much limited to working media. The request to gain a credential for an event is here:

http://www.americanairlinescenter.co...ntial_form.php

Sports credentials are available through each individual team that calls the AA Center home field. General info and credential requests can be placed here:

http://www.americanairlinescenter.co...r/newsroom.php

Just about all venues of this nature have a similar system where the individual or agency can request the credentials and submit the required information. My experience with them, if you are requesting credentials for yourself, do it as far ahead of time as possible.

As Brad said, it all depends on the event or team as well. If you don't have hard card standing credentials from an agency or the wire, you are probaby going to have to do some explaining to the venue.

CJ

[lscottpht]

American Airlines has their own photographer. So, they will not give you one unless you are with the media and the media outlet secures it. When I shot there, I had one from the Ft. Worth Star Telegram. I also work with WPN, and they can get you press passes, but you have to apply to get on with them and have a great portfolio. And yes, it definitely depends on the event. You will not get it from them for a big concert. If you do, you will be limited to 1-3 songs, depending on who the artist is. The amount of time is up to the artist. Keith Urban allowed just 1 song. Oh, and you have to shoot, a lot of the time, from the sound booth area which is halfway back on the floor. It's a pain in the ***.