Press Card From Demotix

Hi Okky -

Email community@demotix.com to apply for a pass.

Best wishes.

If you write to your Demotix team leader, they can supply you with one.

Got mine by emailing Tim Saunders. It is very painless......

Andy, I'm interested too in a pass, emailed the adress you posted, no answer, should I contact my regional editor instead?

I also agree .. because of the journalistic activity is often constrained identity card

I got mine in June. it is a pdf document made by Tim Saunders.

First the material, if I print by myself, which paper I should use? (Weight and quality)
What's about the size? Other cards made of plastic or they are laminated.
Far now it's just a piece of paper.
It should be forgery, Internationally valid, integrative ...
I think the period of applicability should be limited. For example limited for one or two years.
There are two options:
a. All press- cards will be made by Demotix in London and we have to pay for it, except there will be a sponsor.
or b. The Document will be send by email including specified instructions about material, size etc.
The question is, which will be cheaper for us.

Tanks For All.
Keep Press Freedom.Fight For Freedom Journalist.

Okky F Suryatama
Indonesia

FMK: I also got mine from Tim. The first one I printed was on photo quality paper, and got it laminated at my local arts-n-craft store. Didn't have any problems with it, and it worked all over town. Since I carry it all around with me, I'm up to my third print/laminate... thinking of getting it printed on plastic. It's a bit more expensive, but it might look really nice, and more importantly, be more resistant

Martin, just curious, What size did you print the Pass?

Great! I have been wondering about this. I had a NUJ student press card, but I finished university. Having one at least helps you with over-zealous police officers in the current state of things.

The NUJ one (National Union of Journalists in the UK) is no different, you get it in a letter, you cut and laminate it.

Good stuff, I'm applying for one

If Demotix was able to supply a professionally made plastic press card from a third party at a small cost ($10-20), would you be interested? Would you still want the option of a free, print-at-home variety?

Andy

I would pay for one in a heart beat. The print at home one works but the more professional it is the better response you get from LE Officers. I have media creds from my local Sheriff but it never hurts to have more options especially if I am out of the county.

I would be very interested, I paid quite a bit more for my NUJ one and still had to frame it myself. In fact, some police officers regard the pass as just a piece of paper because it really is just that, if it isn't by the membership or ref. number which they can check upon. In fact, my NUJ came as two pieces of paper which I stuck back to back and laminated. I think a professionally printed plastic one could change that perception a bit.

Quote: "If Demotix was able to supply a professionally made plastic press card from a third party at a small cost ($10-20), would you be interested? Would you still want the option of a free, print-at-home variety?"

The print-at-home variety would still be useful for those of us who are in distant locations, but the professionally made plastic press card sounds like a good idea.
Pat

am wondering , how i can use this card here in Morocco , they do not accept an unsigned and not stamped cards , but i think a plastic printed card will be more useful ,our regional editor is seeking for a solution that am waitting for .

am wondering , how i can use this card here in Morocco , they do not accept an unsigned and not stampped cards , but i think a plastic printed card will be more useful ,our regional editor is seeking for a solution that am waitting for .

Patricio: It's just under 9,6 x 6,5 cm (the size of my standard plastic sleeves)

I would also be interested in a plastic card for a small fee.... would also be nice to pay via Paypal, since we are already using it to get money from publications

I got the press card from Demotix, that took the form of the consignment of the form email of PDF Document, better for was used in Indonesia, in Indonesia the press card was very supportive and very important, moreover the measurement of the press card in accordance with what is made by the media's company generally.

Okky F Suryatama
Indonesia
okky_fs@yahoo.com

Thanks for your feedback. I'll begin looking in to how this is possible.

I can’t agree more with the plastic press card issued by Demotix whatever it cost (of course it will be not a fortune). I think the PDF issued card is no solution and gives not enough credibility to whom uses it. Imagine two or three photographers trying to get accreditation for the same event with 3 different physical, sized and colour cards. If I were the organizer of event which card should I accept as valid? Of course I would ask questions about the validity of the cards. With standardized plastic press cards issued by Demotix (without being bureaucrat) things get more credible.

I can’t agree more with the plastic press card issued by Demotix whatever it cost (of course it will be not a fortune). I think the PDF issued card is no solution and gives not enough credibility to whom uses it. Imagine two or three photographers trying to get accreditation for the same event with 3 different physical, sized and colour cards. If I were the organizer of event which card should I accept as valid? Of course I would ask questions about the validity of the cards. With standardized plastic press cards issued by Demotix (without being bureaucrat) things get more credible.

I would go with the plastic press card too...they love ID here in Bangkok!

In Indonesia had the organization of the journalist's profession, I including the member from the Alliance Of The Independent's Journalist, said that the press card was very useful and important in carrying out the task of the journalist, Demotix gave the press card was the good media, and filled the right from photojournalist.

okky.journalist@gmail.com
okky_fs@yahoo.com
Okky F Suryatama-Indonesia

I avoid relying too much on a pass, but I want to mention that my request for it was denied for having less than 10 published stories. Meanwhile, I found that a user with similar number of stories as me was issued one.

Demotix is still in its infancy and I can only say that getting a "Professional" plastic card, while a great idea, should be issued with a verifiable number (so that press cred' issuers can verify the photographer) and should be issued on some standard basis...e.g.

Published photographers...free card
Articles over 10...50/50 split
Articles under 10...full cost borne by photographer
No articles...no card

Otherwise, the card loses any credibility at all. Let me add that most of us who work for agencies get our assignments through the agency anyway and get our press creds in the usual way. I only use my Demotix "card" for personal articles specifically aimed at Demotix.

There is a huge number of people on Demotix who have never written an article at all and probably never will. To "reward" them with press creds IMO is ludicrous.

Happy holidays all!

I believe that the press accreditation made of plastic would be a better option. I have my press card printed from PDF file that Demotix sent to me, but it is not very well received in some places. I consider the proposal of Hugh Smith is the best: the accreditation should be based on the work of every photojournalist.

In some cases it is difficult to cover events because not all photographers have a contract with any agency or local media. Some of us do this for passion and because we build our future in the photojournalism, and therefore we have no other press card.

The proposed cost seems appropriate ($10-20); perhaps those who live far from London must pay the shipping cost. I hope they continue the management of accreditation. Greetings.

Omar Franco
México.
omarzaviola@hotmail.com

Was somebody successful into getting a journalist ("J" type) visa for China with this pass ?

a 'proper' press card would be great but I think it needs to carry some weight behind it, i.e the person has somehow been verified, just issuing press cards to anybody simply because they have registered on demotix will water down there credablity and may raise to it being rejected in some cases.

I used mine on Friday 29th Jan at the Iraq Inquiry in London and while it was accepted I was stopped and questioned once because it didn't have 'Press' written on it.

while having the phone number on te card is good, maybe a special page on the website where someone can punch you username/number in and get instant verification that you are a demotix accredited user/photojournalist.

The "value" of a Demotix press-card is actually next to zero anyway so printing a PDF file by yourself with the Demotix logo on it is not going far...

Yes... what teamsojourner said is absolutely true. If your press card doesn't say press on it chances are very high that you might be denied access by police or security. I have not seen the Demotix card but I have PRESS written in large letters on every Press card I have owned.

Demotix "press cards" ... It's simply a joke.

But i like jokes.

Just don't like the ones who pretend to be serious....

Look at my sense of humour...
My face is George Orwell.

Just so people know....
I have noticed at least two posts on here mention the UK NUJ Press Card. I suspect they may be confusing a Press Card and A Membership Card. The membership card does what it says on the tin. It says you are an Member of the National Union of Journalists nothing more nothing less and is like a business card for want of a better description.

There is only one genuine Press Card in the UK. Its issued by a number of official "Gate Keepers" The NUJ and The British Press Photographers Association (BPPA) to name but two. As I understand it these are only issued to working media people who make their living reporting the news and can prove it to the "gate keepers". They are a genuine form of Photo ID with a telephone number which (if someone who is checking you are who you say you are) can call the number and verify the holder is indeed a who they say they are, and genuine working member of the Press. These are more like a plastic credit card in style.

That said they allow no special access, are no VIP magic key card to anywhere, no privileges. I have held one for 15 years and have used it to verify who I am about 3 times.

While its very nice to have the card there is no real substitute for arranging genuine credentials in advance with organisers on an event by event basis.

Just one further thought, A Demotix "Press" card could be a double edged sword....
On the one hand someone asking who you are working for may be satisfied by a nice shiny plastic card with the Demotix branding and word "Press" on it.

On the other hand they may ask further questions like
"How do I contact your editor/picture desk?"
Does anyone have a direct dial number or address for the Demotix picture desk? I cant find any direct contact details for Demotix on the website. Even if there were how could Demotix vouch for me They don't know me, never met me, have no idea what I am working on until I submit it....

Ask yourself, would you let someone into your house just because they had a shiny plastic card that says "Official plumber" or "Official Electrician"? or would they need something else?

I looked at this thread because I was wondering if a Demotix Card was worth having. Reading though the thread and considering the print it yourself PDF I descover its nothing short of Armature, and Naive almost to the point of childish.
Needless to say I shall not be asking for one.

A few words of advice, there is no plastic substitute to a professional approach and attitude along with good interpersonal skills when it comes to gaining access to events and news situations. If the authorities don't want you somewhere they will stop you from being there and sort the legalities after the fact. It even happens her in the UK

While @pauldaviddrabble has some very good points about The NUJ and The British Press Photographers Association (BPPA) above, the simple fact is anyone can issue a 'press' card, skynews use them, bbc news use them, cnn use them, and there is little difference that demotix should issue them to there uses, i think the point is that users should be verified and cards not just handed out.

@pauldaviddrabble asked how do people contact demotix, well there are actually contact details on the press card that demotix issue.

It would be nice not to have to carry any ID, I agree.

@pauldaviddrabble asked:

"Does anyone have a direct dial number or address for the Demotix picture desk? I cant find any direct contact details for Demotix on the website"

Here you go: http://www.demotiximages.com/

best from Bangkok

Matt

Hi Matt -
Thanks for the link but is that just for the sales team? or are sales and picture desk one and the same?

Hi Peter - I think you are wrong, if you are referring to the UK press card recognised by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) for England Wales Northern Ireland and ACPO Scotland. I'm sure these may only be issued by "gate keepers" both Sky and the BBC are "gatekeeper" organisations these quotes are from www.presscard.uk.com/

"a voluntary scheme for issuing press/media credentials to professional newsgatherers in the UK."

"comprises 16 "gatekeepers": national organisations which represent journalists and other media personnel (employed or freelance)"

"The gatekeepers issue cards to their members or to those they represent and are responsible for ensuring that the conditions are adhered to."

The definition of eligibility is that a card carrier must be working "professionally as a media worker who needs to identify himself or herself in public.""

"The scheme was launched by the Metropolitan Police in 1992, with the co-operation of all the major industry bodies and the aims of ending the proliferation of press cards and agreement on a universally-recognised card (bearing the word PRESS). The card is formally recognised by all police forces in the UK, and de facto by other public bodies."

Whether Demotix could become a "gatekeeper" or not is another question, I suspect not, but assuming they could it doesn't help contributors from other parts of the world as this is a UK scheme. Is there an internationally recognised press card scheme?

Read: "voluntary scheme", I'm sure the Met also recognizes the dozens of other media orgs press passes in the UK. As I said in a past post, I used my demotix card to get in to the press area at the Iraq Inquiry, No problem!

Peter, you are right it is "voluntary". but what that means is "all the major industry bodies" agreed with the Met that a single standardised card would be an advantage and volunteered to take part in the scheme. As far as I know it doesn't mean no one else is allowed to issue their own credentials but I don't believe there are "dozens of of other media organisations passes out there" and by out there I mean specifically UK. What I do know is the UK national press cards are "branded" so line the BBC, Sky, NUJ, BPPA cards up side by side and you will find that they are all the same except that in the top right hand corner the NUJ one is marked NUJ, the BBC's says BBC and Sky's says Sky and so on. Check out the official site www.presscard.uk.com download the poster PDF file and you will see what I mean. That said I don't doubt that foreign correspondents from outside the UK, especially if they are on a short assignment, quite happily use there own organisations card for the duration.

The UK scheme was launched by Metropolitan Police, it is "formally recognised by all police forces in the UK, and de facto by other public bodies". In a situation where someone is asked to identify themselves as a media worker, the theory is that a UK press card holder should be able to do it more quickly and easier than someone holding no credentials or different ones. The reality is possibly even probably different, especially in todays climate of private security, PCSO's and paranoia, which is why I said in my earlier post there is no substitute for a professional approach and good interpersonal skills. I think you have proved that by your ability to cover the Iraq enquiry without problem.

What I am trying to do with my post is dispel the myths (many seem to believe) that any press card will give people access to areas off limits to the general public and point out that a print it yourself press card is only worth the paper its printed on, especially when there is no way of checking that holder is on pre arranged assignment or is who they say they are.

One of the subjects I cover is music, I cant walk up to a venue with my press card and gain access I have to pre arrange access through the promoter or artist management or cover it on behalf of an agency or other media outlet which has made those arrangements for me. In this situation the email which confirms my accreditation is far more useful than my UK national press card. Incidentally a similar system was used by the Army for accreditation to the recent media day I attended on Salisbury Plain with 4 Mechanised Brigade which is currently on Demotix. I didn't use my press card, the Army issued there own passes on the day to people who had pre arranged to attend the event.

Would it not be more useful if Demotix had a system in place where a contributor could telephone in, ask if Demotix were interested in having a certain event( covered and log who was covering it? If questioned Demotix would then be able to confirm that the contributor was covering the event for them. This system could even be used to issue a contributor ID card. I suspect that it is way too much to ask for if only because the contributors to Demotix are world wide and I imagine administering such a system would be an expensive nightmare.

I never suggested that a press pass was a magic ticket to get into any event, I think most people would understand that, however I do agree that Demotix could log who mite be attending events and provide some sort of verification should it be needed, but this goes back to what a few people have said earlier in this thread, people need to be verified by Demotix first for it to work. Maybe we can all refer to the Demotix issued cards as 'Demotix User (ID) cards' from now on to avoid any confusion.

I also want to have press card from Demotix. What should I do for that?

I agree with the other members it would be good to have an official press card from Demotix. It should be part of the sign up procedure so when you sign up you are automatically sent a card or a file to print out.

I need one too ....€: )

The one I am using right now is printed on bright white paper and laminated. But I am going to print on premium photo paper and have it laminated (hopefully tomorrow).

I am a member of the National Press Association in the United States and they also offer PRESS Creditionals. I have never had to use the card to cover a story, however I think also having Deomotix creditionals would be an additional help when needed.

So what is the process for getting these from Demotix?

Yes that is what I would like to know how to get a press card from Demotix?

Any updates on this? I was told to email community@demotix.com but I haven't heard anything back regarding how to get a press card.

Any updates on this? I was told to email community@demotix.com but I haven't heard anything back regarding how to get a press card.

I think being able to buy a properly made one would be very useful but we should also be sent the PDF version to print in case we lose the proper one, so one can use it while awaiting a replacement.

I don't think people who haven't uploaded any (decent) photos should be allowed to obtain one, as all the credibility is lost.

Hi there,

Today I managed to get into the Government Palace in Beirut and photographed a meeting with the prime minister. Although I was part of a news crew of 4 people they wanted to see a press pass at the entrance, all I have is the Demotix pass printed on a ID sized plastic card. It worked in this case.

what is the size of the image i have upload to demotix?