IFPO credentials? (International Freelance Photographers Organization)

Most memberships have yearly dues. This is only $81 for lifetime. What's the catch or is this not really good for much?

I think there was a previous thread about this, you might find it if you search on the forum. I don't know if they can really get you credentials or if they offer any other benefits or resources to photographers.

I've done a local minor pro hockey team and they as well as a local college hockey team issued their own game night credentials. I don't know if a pro team's PR director or a college SID would issue credentials thru the IFPO or not, but from my experience locally you couldn't get access throughout the arena w/out having the team issued game night credentials - no more than if you had a ticket to the game as a fan. And I've seen ushers/security check them. Maybe it depends on the event or level of sport you're covering.

My preference would be to join an organization that has a variety of benefits that would suit my needs and interests.

Friend of mine has membership with them. He shoots baseball games and I know get's in with out having to pay. I'm not sure what other benefits he gets with that membership. I'll need to check with him.

Found this from a few years ago on www.sportsshooter.com which is a website done by professional sports photographers - www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=4417 - it gets lengthy but the first several posts would give you some pro's opinions of IFPO.

Red flags to me are that the so-called organization appears to have no board of directors or officers; their address is only a P.O Box; and they ask you to pay an extra $50 or so for a lanyard and ID cards (one being for a national press corps which I don't think even exists). Seems like somebody's making money off this, getting people meaningless credentials to contribute to the IFPO magazine on developing skills as a photographer (like their video on how to use a 35mm camera ).

it's a scam.

google 'IFPO Photographers review' and make up your own mind though.

there are dozens of sites claiming to get you access to places for a small fee. its just like the poetry publishing houses that sprung up online 10 years ago "we will publish your beautiful poetry in a leather bound book with 5000 other poets- only $399 for your copy of the book"

the way im getting ringside for boxing matches is to start small. its the same old adage, its not what you know its who you know. I'm concentrating on Muay Thai and I train at a Muay Thai gym so my coach has helped me get experience through his tournaments. Then other gyms have asked him who he used for photos and they then called me.

Next year i'll be concentrating on building my network by visiting a lot of gyms during the week when they are training. Introducing myself and seeking permission to shoot them whilst they train. Get the photos, do the post process and then email them some low res copies with my watermark in the bottom corner. Ive already got about 20 local fighters using my pictures as their profile pics on Facebook. Each one of these fighters has around 150 friends/fans that sees my photo + they regularly communicate with fight promoters etc. I just give them one condition with the photos - dont edit them and leave my watermark visible. Many of them regularly link back to my web gallery to show their fans/friends more photos of them training or fighting etc.

I recommend building a network that will be proud to show off your photos for you. Show the athletes respect for the commitment they make to their sport, take GOOD photos of them training and they will respect you back. I've got several fighters that are around 18yo that i photograph regularly at training (+several of the current crop). these are the guys that will most likely be the main draw cards in 2-3 years time. By building a friendship with them - not just shooting them once in a blue moon - they will open a lot of doors for you when they make it to the big league.

Respect is what opens doors and it doesn't come on a lanyard.