Is there any type of identification that makes one look more "legitimate" and less like some dork just wandering around taking photos of everything? A press pass certainly does this, but what do those of us not connected to the press do? Does more gear make you look more serious, or is it more about how you carry and conduct yourself?

Oh yeah - not calling anyone a dork but me.

I just do it anyway. I'll worry about appearances when someone asks.

In what context to you want to look "legitimate"?

If you're doing ordinary "street" or "tourist" shooting - why would you need some kind of "official" ID?

If you are following "first responders" to disaster scenes or "covering" forest fires and the like such that you're likely to get "underfoot" unless you have some credibility - then, yes, it would be helpful to show you are something more that a "gawker" out for a thrill.

Short answer is: Depends on the time, place and circumstance.

Don't you watch films? All you need is a piece of card with the word 'PRESS' pushed into the ribbon on your hat! (Speed graphic optional).


Steve.

Photographer's vest and blue jeans. Look sloppy and you'll look just like a real, working photojournalist. I know.
juan

Sometimes you are better off looking like a dork. When you look like a pro, they stop you, question you and in some places want money from you to photograph at the location. Here in Tulsa, we have some beautiful parks and garden centers and if they think you are a pro, you pay big bucks!

I just stick the 70-200 2.8 on the camera and away i go

Put on about 20 pounds, stop shaving and get a photogs vest. Oh and slop some food on shirt.

Just be honest and don't lie. Carrying a homemade ID card could get you arrested. Here in NM the State Police issue official press credentials, though I've noticed some here just using their own company issued ones. I had one a long time ago. It probably varies from place to place as to who issues them and how you qualify. Yesterday I got full run of a protest after talking to the officer in charge. He actually came to me before, asking who I was with.

Doug

I find that walking around with an open trench coat, with nothing on underneath, seems to draw people's eyes away from the camera.

I'm not saying it works for everyone, but it sure has helped me meet and photograph some interesting people.


Michael

I find that walking around with an open trench coat, with nothing on underneath, seems to draw people's eyes away from the camera.

I'm not saying it works for everyone, but it sure has helped me meet and photograph some interesting people.


Michael
You use that telephoto lens or are you just over-compensating? ;)

I think that Sean should offer an OFFICIAL A.P.U.G. ALL ACCESS PHOTOGRAPHY PASS along with the APUG T-shirts and coffee mugs. Nicely laminated on a beaded chain and, of course, impressively bearing the official APUG holographic seal so that it can't be counterfeited. It would certainly offer as much legitimacy as all of those other phoney official credentials that you can buy online.

Oops, Maybe this suggestion doesn't belong in the "ethics" forum :)

I think that Sean should offer an OFFICIAL A.P.U.G. ALL ACCESS PHOTOGRAPHY PASS along with the APUG T-shirts and coffee mugs. Nicely laminated on a beaded chain and, of course, impressively bearing the official APUG holographic seal so that it can't be counterfeited. It would certainly offer as much legitimacy as all of those other phoney official credentials that you can buy online.

Oops, Maybe this suggestion doesn't belong in the "ethics" forum :)

Or an official APUG trench coat.


Michael

Or an official APUG trench coat.


Michael

An essential for flasher photography :rolleyes:

An essential for flasher photography :rolleyes:

I like avalable light. yes you have to flash longer but the effect is some stunning

Do you zoom or use a fixed focal length?

I find that walking around with an open trench coat, with nothing on underneath, seems to draw people's eyes away from the camera.

I'm not saying it works for everyone, but it sure has helped me meet and photograph some interesting people.


Michael


:D

I think that Sean should offer an OFFICIAL A.P.U.G. ALL ACCESS PHOTOGRAPHY PASS along with the APUG T-shirts and coffee mugs. Nicely laminated on a beaded chain and, of course, impressively bearing the official APUG holographic seal so that it can't be counterfeited. It would certainly offer as much legitimacy as all of those other phoney official credentials that you can buy online.

Oops, Maybe this suggestion doesn't belong in the "ethics" forum :)

Someone beat us to it! There was a Washington DC based Newsweek (I think) photographer who sold laminated "press passes" that declared the bearer could access anything anywhere anytime as a joke back in the 90's. I think he got tired of all the little passes for each and every gov't building he had to get! I still have mine around here somewhere!! :p

Is there any type of identification that makes one look more "legitimate" and less like some dork just wandering around taking photos of everything? A press pass certainly does this, but what do those of us not connected to the press do? Does more gear make you look more serious, or is it more about how you carry and conduct yourself?

Oh yeah - not calling anyone a dork but me.

I am a bit confused.....

Your looking for a way to pass yourself off as something your not....in otherwords your trying to become official as a photographer, when your not officially photographing for anyone other than yourself?

I have shot with "Official" press ID and I have photographed for myself, I just bring my cameras and start shooting and really don't give a shit what anyone says, as long as your not doing something to break the law, then why worry about it...for fun, I think many of us ahve put the stupid little hat flag in our hat band, but I have never seen anyone really do it seriously..if you want an "Official" ID, sign up for NYIP(New Your Institute of Photography) and they will send you an "Official" NYIP press pass and claim it will get you into all kinds of things!!!! LOL (NOT!!)

Dave

There are so many things to photograph, I've never had the need to go anywhere someone doesn't want me to go.

One thing about the church project I'm currently doing. It's rare* that one is told they can't go in a church. ;)


* although it has happened :o

http://www.photopermit.org/ppix/PPCard1b.jpg
Easy as pie to make one. I've occasionally seen printing companies with samples in their windows. Just print anything, stck on a wee badly-made headshot, glom-on some bits that seem reminiscent of some indifferent bureaucracy, laminate. Done.

Reading this PhotoPermit entry (http://www.photopermit.org/?p=156) might help you understand the illusory authority on which this plastic depends.