Vulindlela From Germany, joined Apr 2002, 468 posts, RR: 1 Posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 4 days 14 hours ago) and read 2467 times:
Hello. Does anybody here have a press badge? I have been looking for some information about them, and came across many sites selling them for about $40. I didn't see anything about what is required to get one though. Can anybody order one, or does your employer have to show proof that you are a journalist or photographer? I didn't go through the process on any site, but it seems like all they ask for is the personal info and picture to put on the card. I am not looking to do anything illegal with a card if I could get one, but it would be nice to have. I think somebody said Mark Garfinkel worked for a paper. Thanks
-Kevin
"If you take everything I've accomplished in my entire life and condense it down into 1 day, it looks decent!"
2912n From United States of America, joined Oct 2001, 2013 posts, RR: 9 Reply 1, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 4 days 14 hours ago) and read 2411 times:
Those things are nothing more than a rip off. Law enforcement, airport authorities, air show authorities etc...want credentials that are issued by them so that they can control access. Getting one of those mail order badges proves nothing to anyone. Beware!!! (A news organization will usually issue employees a credential and then they are also credentialed by the police department so that they can have press access to crime scenes, disaster areas etc....Depending on the access they need the airport will also issue something. All of this is done after some background checks...)
At air shows, (ie...Reno) you have to apply to them for press credentials. You have to prove that you work for a bonafide magazine or paper or have published work....
Buying one of these "badges" is just a waste of money.
Vulindlela From Germany, joined Apr 2002, 468 posts, RR: 1 Reply 2, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 4 days 13 hours ago) and read 2406 times:
Ok. I figured that from most of these sites. Those things looked pretty generic.
Another question: If somebody was an occasionally contributing photographer to a newspaper or magazine, would the newspaper issue that person a badge that would be accepted at airshows, airports, etc? Thanks 2912n.
-Kevin
"If you take everything I've accomplished in my entire life and condense it down into 1 day, it looks decent!"
Tappan From United States of America, joined Oct 1999, 1538 posts, RR: 46 Reply 3, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 4 days 12 hours ago) and read 2353 times:
The Massachusetts State Police, Boston Police and Chiefs of Police Association credential the Massachusetts press photographers (both television and Newspaper/magazine) with a badge that says News Photographer with a photo of the photog on it. All news gathering photogs should wear it when they are working. I always have it somewhere with me even when I am not working. I think the 3 associations' "seals of approval" go a long way. I don't know if it could be effective without there "seals"
Mark Grfinkel
2912n From United States of America, joined Oct 2001, 2013 posts, RR: 9 Reply 4, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 2282 times:
Kevin..Usually the airshow etc will issue it's own certification. You come in with your press id and then they issue their own credential to get you into secure areas. In general it is not that easy to get credentials....it is that old you need experience to get the job type thing....
Maiznblu_757 From United States of America, joined Mar 2002, 5112 posts, RR: 52 Reply 5, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 4 days 7 hours ago) and read 2261 times:
This might be a good idea...
Airliners.net could sell Airliners.net Photographer badges.. I would be willing to pay $100.00 for one. I am that serious about it. Plus, it would contribute more funds to the site.
2912n From United States of America, joined Oct 2001, 2013 posts, RR: 9 Reply 6, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 2249 times:
Who are you going to get to honor them? When a qualified person gets a press pass there is a basic background check done along with the bond of the employer. I don't think anyone is going to buy into the "I get access because I shoot for airliners.net" Be nice, but ain't gonna happen.
KC7MMI From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 854 posts, RR: 4 Reply 8, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 2235 times:
Maybe I was lucky but....I got into the press area where a plane crashed because I told the officer I shoot pics for this site (and I let him know this website was mainly for pleasure) but he said it was still a news site so he let me in. He did ask a couple other officers first to see if it was ok, and no one had a problem with it. I might have been able to get in there sooner if I had a "press badge" from this website...as the sun was setting real quickly and every minute count.
I still need to check on this but I believe the county I live in does not have any specific requirements for press badges. I know a freelance photog who made is own badge.
WHATEVER YOU DO: Check with the local authorities first!
I haven't really had the absolute need of a press badge, but I will eventually talk to someone important around here to find out what's right.
Maiznblu_757 From United States of America, joined Mar 2002, 5112 posts, RR: 52 Reply 9, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 2235 times:
I thought you would honor them Tony, you are a God.
Anyhow, I didnt mean, getting access to undesignated areas... I would wear it outside the airport perimeter... Never know, it might make things a bit easier.
Actually I am going to buy about 5 shirts, and use those everytime I go shoot, that will be my uniform.
Vulindlela From Germany, joined Apr 2002, 468 posts, RR: 1 Reply 10, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 2213 times:
The airliners.net badge would be a great thing, if it would help you get somewhere new. That was my original idea (which I'm sure many others have had), to get a press badge in some way and try to get ramp access at airports. Well, I do hope to be a photojournalist someday, but I am anxious now. Thanks for the replies.
-Kevin
"If you take everything I've accomplished in my entire life and condense it down into 1 day, it looks decent!"
Maiznblu_757 From United States of America, joined Mar 2002, 5112 posts, RR: 52 Reply 12, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 2199 times:
Yes, I support a badge. Even if it doesnt mean anything. I would take my chances and spend money on it.. Maybe have a section of this website where the photographers Badge and a serial number are punched in for varification. I know the Jarines that got me, went back and checked the site.
Its just an idea, obviously it would need some research.
PJS800 From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 242 posts, RR: 7 Reply 13, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 2191 times:
This was discussed a couple months ago, so I guess nothing happened with the idea. http://www.airliners.net/discussions/site_related/read.main/15252
I think it would be good. It wouldn't be able to get you special access or anything like that, but the cops and security might let you continue taking pictures and not be so suspicious.
Maiznblu_757 From United States of America, joined Mar 2002, 5112 posts, RR: 52 Reply 14, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 4 days 5 hours ago) and read 2188 times:
PJ,
That is what I was thinking. SECURITY MIGHT LET YOU CONTINUE TAKING PICTURES and that is the most important thing.
Maiznblu_757 From United States of America, joined Mar 2002, 5112 posts, RR: 52 Reply 16, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 4 days 3 hours ago) and read 2163 times:
I was thinking that too Hisham. Maybe Ill make my own badge, maybe everyone else will too.. One or two people mis using their made up badges with airliners.net printed on it, will give airliners.net a bad name.
Ckw From UK - England, joined Aug 2010, 530 posts, RR: 18 Reply 17, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 2120 times:
My thoughts on this:
1 - In the UK at least, major events require you to obtain press accreditation in advance. In essence this means a recognised media organisation needs to support your application. Additionally, you may be required to submit proof that you are a "professional" (eg., for Farnborough, you are required to submit examples of published work).
2 - With the current levels of paranoia, esp. in US, I would suspect home made badges would be a very bad idea indeed. Whereas a spotter straying into forbidden territory may be sent off with a slapped wrist, it would seem someone doing the same with false credentials is leaving themselves open to much more serious consequences - in effect you would be accessing a secure area though impersonation.
3 - I'm not sure an A.net id would have much value, and of course, Johan would need to be prepared to accept calls from zealous security guards phoning him up saying "I gotta guy here says he works for you ...". Having said that, it is true you can sometimes bluff your way by having a good chat up line with a little supporting material - a simple A.net business card may help (as would any business cards from other aviation organisations). For me the key is to have a good, consistent background story which you can sustain, never inconvenience a third party, and while the truth may be stretched, never lie.
Maiznblu_757 From United States of America, joined Mar 2002, 5112 posts, RR: 52 Reply 18, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 3 days 22 hours ago) and read 2093 times:
The AIRLINERS.NET PHOTOGRAPHER T-Shirt might work
So, is anyone willing to come up with a good design for a business card, and present it to Johan (THE BOSS)? After all, the business card idea might be the best idea yet. Someone come up with a design (s) and once approved, everyone that wants it, can buy their own materials to print them.
JeffM From United States of America, joined May 2005, 3266 posts, RR: 53 Reply 19, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 2038 times:
Chad,
Think this through.... Do you think the local police dept. gives a rat's ass that you downloaded and printed a business card? There is no certification, no background check, nada.... Why in the world do you think Johan would want to go on the hook for thousands of people he has never met, some good, some bad.
Anyone, good or bad can register here, upload some photos, and in actually be a terrorist. Submitting photos in no way makes you "safe" or "legitimate".
Think about what you had to go through to get the I.D. card in your pocket, and the access it gives you.
Maiznblu_757 From United States of America, joined Mar 2002, 5112 posts, RR: 52 Reply 20, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 3 days 16 hours ago) and read 1995 times:
I dont know chief, you tell me.. It seems to me what were all doing now isnt working, so what is there to lose? Sorry for expressing some constructive ideas.
JeffM From United States of America, joined May 2005, 3266 posts, RR: 53 Reply 21, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 1983 times:
Don't be sorry for trying to come up with ideas. Just don't bet the farm on something half baked. This whole "badge thing" has been brought up before. The problem lies with the issuing authority, or lack thereof. The responsible party (airport operations) currently has a full plate when it comes to securing their property. Us wanting badges or cards or what ever, just adds additional work and cost for them. It is easier to just say no, and let security/PD run us off.
What is there to lose? Let's say some of you print up some spiffy looking "passes"... you get stopped, and those are checked... bogus I.D. cards don't go over well anywhere, especially at the airport. While you are down at the station explaining your motive, possibly under arrest, the rest of us around the country will have additional heat put on us strictly by association when mentioning this site due to the phony passes. Word of something like that would travel very quickly around the country.
This web site is an excellent tool to showcase what the hobby is all about, but membership here is unchecked, and use of it's name should be used cautiously. Patience will be the key.
Hisham From Lebanon, joined Aug 1999, 701 posts, RR: 12 Reply 22, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 3 days 15 hours ago) and read 1977 times:
Chad, you're missing the point...
You may have nothing to lose but Johan does. Just imagine a couple a.net badges found on a bunch of terrorists. I doubt Johan is going to take the risk of giving badges to people he never met or worked with.
Good luck convincing him...
Hisham.
PS You should consider a less confrontational attitude when you're making a proposal.
Dstc47 From Ireland, joined Sep 1999, 1351 posts, RR: 3 Reply 23, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 3 days 12 hours ago) and read 1949 times:
I would be extremely careful about using "home made" or net bought press "credentials".
Whereas this might work, once in a while with a rentacop, if you are seriously challenged by someone who starts to check you out, you might as well bring your own orange jumpsuit and leg manacles as well.
Nothing stops you writing to airlines or airports seeking accreditation but unless you have a major, recognisable publication behind you not much chance of that from the large operators. Squitsville Municipal may be?
BrodieBrazil From Canada, joined Nov 2003, 88 posts, RR: 0 Reply 24, posted (9 years 3 months 3 weeks 2 days 9 hours ago) and read 1866 times:
I work for a local television station, and have proper credentials from the San Jose Police Dept. as our station is located in SJ. I must say the authorities would be more suspect if you showed up every day (or often) taking pictures of airplanes and claiming its for work.
By the way, a press pass or media credential may not get you as far as you think. Sometimes the police will actually be more reluctant to allow you in places just because you are the "media type". I think if you're straight up with a police officer he or she will treat you with respect and not bother you.
I think the best thing would be an ID card a.net photog's could buy... a nice one, maybe credit card style, that proves you're a legitimate photog for a legitimate site. You'd have to be in the database to get an ID card... what do you all think about that?
Brodie
25 JeffM: O.K..... I'm "joe terrorist" for this scenario... I buy a camera, go to the airport for a few weeks and take some pictures... I upload them here. I ge
26 ExitRow: If we make A.net ID cards, we should also make some A.net secret decoder rings and x-ray glasses too. ID cards are a great way to make money for the p
27 Jwenting: Press badges are usually handed out to be valid for a certain (usually short) period only and are to be turned in when that period ends (or your emplo
28 BrodieBrazil: "If an employer hands you a press badge that does still not guarantee entry to whereever you want (despite what the movies show)." SO VERY TRUE!!! wha
29 KC7MMI: Many of you have great arguments against press badges. I'm starting to think they are, in fact, a bad idea. I usually don't go to big airports so I do
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He did ask a couple other officers first to see if it was ok, and no one had a problem with it. I might have been able to get in there sooner if I had a "press badge" from this website...as the sun was setting real quickly and every minute count.
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