Photography on the NFL sidelines

[mikebb13]

I just got photo credentials to the Ravens-Titans game this weekend, and I was wondering if anyone knew anything about policies for working pros on the sidelines. Such as, what do the pressbox guys have access to as opposed to what the shooters have access to? Also, do photographers have any access to postgame news conferences or anything? On a lighter note, is there a pregame hospitality room? If these are dumb questions, forgive me, but I've never even been to an NFL game before, let alone shot one.

 

[brettwatson]

My advice would be to talk to another photog to get the lay of the land. Conditions can vary from team to team. Also, talk to someone in the PR department. They can cite you chapter and verse.

And if you're going in to your first game already concerned about the food, you might want to reexamine your motivation for shooting the game in the first place. Eat a big meal before you go and you won't have to worry about grabbing a stale hot dog.

 

[dixiehack]

Titans pressbox hamburgers are not what you want to plan your eating schedule around. But yes, you'll be able to go up pregame and grab a bite. And it actually is a decent opportunity to meet some other shooters and get the lay of the land.

 

[mikebb13]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm pretty excited. I wish I had a longer lens (I do have my 70-200mm with focus motor and image stabilizer, though) to shoot with, since I hear you can't shoot between the 25's. And of course, the food thing is kind of trivial.

 

[Claws for Concern]

Enjoy the experience.

 

[fishwrapper]

My advice, since you asked for it:
If there is a long run or pass down your sideline, as soon as offensive player passes you, step onto the field and open up that shutter. I'll be watching.

 

[Smasher_Sloan]

Don't be sure about the food. I have a photog friend who ******* endlessly that the shooters are not welcome at the media pre-game hot buffet his NFL team puts out. At halftime they get the same box lunch that the band gets.

 

[DougDascenzo]

And if you're going in to your first game already concerned about the food, you might want to reexamine your motivation for shooting the game in the first place.

If you're really this much of a cockring, you might want to reexamine your motivation for living. Shooter was trying to ask an honest question. Cut him some slack. ****.

 

[mike311gd]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'm pretty excited. I wish I had a longer lens (I do have my 70-200mm with focus motor and image stabilizer, though) to shoot with, since I hear you can't shoot between the 25's. And of course, the food thing is kind of trivial.

It's not really the size that matters, is it?

 

[Mystery_Meat]

And once again, reading the page too quickly leads to disappointment, as I discover that the thread title is NOT "Pornography on the NFL sidelines"

 

[Tom Petty]

And if you're going in to your first game already concerned about the food, you might want to reexamine your motivation for shooting the game in the first place.

If you're really this much of a cockring, you might want to reexamine your motivation for living. Shooter was trying to ask an honest question. Cut him some slack. ****.

god bless ya doug, you call 'em like you see 'em and pretty much hit the bullseye on that one.

i think you have a bright future here ... but you have no time to thump your chest. go fetch me a beer newbie.

 

[audreyld]

Not exactly what you asked for, but here's some info:


Photographers room is downstairs. They are not allowed in the press box. To find the photo room after going thru press gate take the stairs which are thru the first door to the left. When you get to the bottom of the stairs turn left and walk about half way around the stadium just past the second tunnel to the field.The room is on the right.

Media will call is dead center on the West side of the stadium. After going through the search-and-snif at gate 6, take the elevators down to level 1 and go left (north) to the field entrance tunnel. Storing gear on the sidelines seems like the thing to do here as there really isn't that much security in the photog room under the north endzone seats. (which luckly is shared with the titans cheerleaders.) Food is free, but soda you have to pay for.

Get there as early as you can. 2 hours early at the very least, more than that if you don't have parking.