The simplest route to a "press pass" is to be "employed" by the press. Many newspapers and 
television stations give their employees wearable ID cards that serve as "press passes."

Now, some employers will issue similar cards to their regular freelancers, but there's no 
guarantee there.  And as Christopher replied, some police agencies issue ID cards to reporters.
Those agencies usually require you to have an employer-sponsor.

Remember a "press pass" doesn't entitle you to ANYTHING. You don't automatically get in 
free. You aren't guaranteed a place to sit or the right to take photos at a private event. 
Those things are courtesies granted by the sponsor of the event or the person who invites you.

So how do you get an invitation ... say, to shoot a high school basketball game?

ASK. ... Ask NICELY. ... Ask the right person. In this case, probably the principal of the 
high school.  Don't ever expect the person to say yes. Most people you ask will say yes, 
but don't ever expect it.  Don't ever act as if you are entitled to be there. If someone asks
you to pay to get in, pay up.

Once you get regular work and are at an event representing a newspaper or TV station,
it might be "understood" that you will be allowed into such events and that you won't be 
expected to buy a ticket. But for now, recognize the courtesy people are granting you. 
And ALWAYS be nice.

Good luck. Good shooting.

Paul Guillory, Baton Rouge, La.

Posted Tuesday, March 12, 2002 at 10:07 p.m.