I can imagine that there are a lot of organised events that happen throughout the year, that come under your type of photography. So for example for me, I’m looking at agricultural and horticultural shows, as within those shows there are a lot of opportunities for images that I can use within my business.
These events may be places that you already go to year in year out, yet now you need to think about it from a business point of view; you are a photographer, and your photography gives you the opportunity to promote this event in some form, by selling online, in your gallery or maybe displaying them in an exhibition. And these events all give you the opportunity to use the subject within your work.
So should you be paying to go along as a member of the public? Or should you be contacting the event or marketing company to ask for press passes? I’ve done this for a couple of things now and I have been surprised by how willing people were to grant me press passes.
There are a lot of perks to being press, besides always having somewhere dry to go if it’s bad weather and generally being provided with free refreshments, you get great access that you wouldn’t normally have; good positions for photo opportunities without anyone asking questions.
At the agricultural show I went to I got there very early and went into areas that I would have felt a bit intimidated to go into as a member of the public; with a press badge on I didn’t have any qualms about getting quite up close and personal with the animals, as close as was safe to, without getting kicked by a cow or a horse!
And people are always very willing to help you when they see a press pass, they pause longer to give you time to compose your shot and move the animal into the best position for you. Sometimes, depending on the event, you will be offered access to the site before the event even opens to the general public.
Here in this country we have the Royal Horticultural Society, the RHS, who run garden shows up and down the country, come summer, a very well respected and high profile organisation. I recently approached them for press accreditation to a flower show and although I was surprised by how involved the accreditation process is, I continued. They ask you to be very clear about how you are going to promote their event and also require a submission of your work. After they’d reviewed my application my request was granted, so don’t be put off if the process is quite long, just be prepared; know how you will answer the questions about coverage for their event.
It’s really well worthwhile approaching companies for press passes, if it is relevant to your work. You might not have the immediate opportunity to use these photos but it doesn’t matter, if you know that there is something there that is of benefit to you then it is worth making contact and asking for press passes. Go and have some fun!
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Living in the beautiful rural county of Yorkshire it was perhaps natural for Ruth to have an affinity with the countryside and its wildlife. Creativity is Ruth’s driving force finding an outlet in television & radio she worked for many years as producer for BBC & ITV.
However a love of photography and for being surrounded by nature called her to go back to her photography training and bring pleasure and joy to people through her connection with our planet.
Staying in the moment when taking her images allows her to experience the natural magnificence unfolding before her eyes. It is this moment of mediation, of gratitude, that she evocatively conveys through her images.