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GETTY/AP

Nick LoVerde, Photographer

	Buffalo \| NY \| USA \| Posted: 1:54 PM on 02.14.11
	->> Does anyone know how to get recognized and "hired" by the big freelance outfits?? Any suggestions would help..

David A. Cantor, Photographer, Photo Editor

	Toledo \| OH \| USA \| Posted: 2:30 PM on 02.14.11
	->> Nick and other new members, Please search the message board archives before making a post like this that has been covered previously. Thanks. (Now pulling up a comfy chair and grabbing a beer for the ensuing comments...)

Nick LoVerde, Photographer

	Buffalo \| NY \| USA \| Posted: 3:03 PM on 02.14.11
	->> HMMM.. had a chance did a search or two and didn't find what I thought was helpful.. thanks for the input.. I will search again and make the search criteria different I guess

G.J. McCarthy, Photographer

	Dallas \| TX \| US \| Posted: 3:09 PM on 02.14.11
	->> A box of chocolate works well, and after today, you'll be able to find a ton on clearance. - gerry -

Clark Brooks, Photo Editor, Photographer

Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 3:11 PM on 02.14.11

Israel Shirk, Photographer, Assistant

	Boise \| ID \| US \| Posted: 3:12 PM on 02.14.11
	->> Nick- They're there. You're just not looking hard enough. Any search for NBA, NFL, photo credential, or especially "press pass" will return more than you'll be able to stomach. The first step is to be undeniably good, and well-respected among your peers.

Steven E. Frischling, Photographer

	\| \| \| Posted: 3:12 PM on 02.14.11
	->> Call your local bureaus, make contact with the assignment editors and go from there. For some areas and wires the assigning bureau may not be in the same region you're in. That simple.

Eric Canha, Photographer

	Brockton \| MA \| United States \| Posted: 3:35 PM on 02.14.11
	->> Clarke hows about some Black & Tan's???? I'll be in Ireland next month & can't wait to see what an AUTHENTIC Black & Tan is compared to what gets poured here......

David A. Cantor, Photographer, Photo Editor

	Toledo \| OH \| USA \| Posted: 3:56 PM on 02.14.11
	->> So a staffer, a stringer and a spec shooter walk into a bar...

Steven E. Frischling, Photographer

	\| \| \| Posted: 4:43 PM on 02.14.11
	->> Cantor, You're not going to correct Clark for using the term "sixer?"

Michael Granse, Photographer

	Urbana \| IL \| USA \| Posted: 5:22 PM on 02.14.11
	->> . . . but the video guy and cable puller were not allowed in because the bar had a dress code.

Chuck Liddy, Photographer

	Durham \| NC \| USA \| Posted: 5:48 PM on 02.14.11
	->> where are my cyanide tablets when I need 'em?

Paul Alesse, Photographer

	Centereach \| NY \| USA \| Posted: 6:45 PM on 02.14.11
	->> "where are my cyanide tablets when I need 'em?" Chuck, you left on the table at Denny's last night.

Jim Colburn, Photo Editor, Photographer

	McAllen \| TX \| USA \| Posted: 6:53 PM on 02.14.11
	->> Are you 64 years old with no digital equipment?

Jim Colburn, Photo Editor, Photographer

	McAllen \| TX \| USA \| Posted: 6:59 PM on 02.14.11
	->> "I'll be in Ireland next month & can't wait to see what an AUTHENTIC Black & Tan is..." Go into a Derry Bogside pub of an evening and proclaim your support for the Black & Tans. Then let us know what hospital you're in so that we can send flowers.

Michael Fischer, Photographer

	Spencer \| Ia \| USA \| Posted: 7:04 PM on 02.14.11
	->> Clark, my brother, I've recently discovered Templeton Rye. IF you can find a bottle, it's good stuff. Originally distilled in Iowa illegally during prohibition, it's the rage out here. When I'm out (which I currently am) I will settle for Crown Royale. Brother David, just a beer? M

Scott Serio, Photo Editor, Photographer

	Colora \| MD \| USA \| Posted: 7:10 PM on 02.14.11
	->> @Liddy....remember "the old days"? Potassium Ferrocyanide in the darkroom. Just screw it up a bit and what do you have.... ...a missed DEADline for one...

Nic Coury, Photographer

	Monterey \| CA \| \| Posted: 8:22 PM on 02.14.11
	->> Firstly, at the OP, just tell them you want to shoot for free and that you only want to shoot the pro stuff... Also, I absolutely love how this thread got jacked to become a good beer thread...

David Harpe, Photographer

	Denver \| CO \| USA \| Posted: 10:54 PM on 02.14.11
	->> Does anyone know how to get recognized and "hired" by the big freelance outfits?? Any suggestions would help.. A good way to get started is by shooting for patch.com while doing some microstock sales on the side.

Nick LoVerde, Photographer

Buffalo | NY | USA | Posted: 12:58 AM on 02.15.11

->> Well obviously there are a large number or ego maniacs and many who are quite frankly scared to give a secret or two.. not a big deal and I admire many of the remarks, especially the beer conversations, very nice, but not going to help me one damn bit.. but thanks.. So I'm wasn't asking for a golden slipper to be dropped out of my arse and take the world by storm... Nice but won't happen. Just looking for some ways of contacting the right PPL.. so I will continue to search as will many others after me, just know the beer conversation simply made me thirsty for more...

Michael Ip, Photographer

	New York \| NY \| USA \| Posted: 1:09 AM on 02.15.11
	->> Nick - there is no secret. AP and Reuters (I don't know about Getty) but have a website and they announce all their job openings. If you want to freelance for them just call their local bureaus and ask.

Michael Ip, Photographer

	New York \| NY \| USA \| Posted: 1:10 AM on 02.15.11
	->> both not but. I'm trying to type sideways because I'm too lazy to sit up.

Chuck Liddy, Photographer

Durham | NC | USA | Posted: 1:12 AM on 02.15.11

->> See Nick, this is how it starts. You join. Six days later you ask the SAME
question that has been asked about 200+ times before. There are a couple of wise cracks, some advice and then the old standard do a search
on the message board. Many of us go to your new member page and you
have the same old request, I wanna shoot the big stuff. So then you
call most everyone ego maniacs and act as though "we" don't want you in
the "club". Maybe if you did a little research on your own you wouldn't have gotten roasted and have embarassed yourself after only six days.
There's great advice from a lot of very knowledgable shooters on this site,
congratulations on making your first post and insulting folks. You must think you're Chuck Liddy.

Kent Nishimura, Student/Intern, Photographer

Honolulu | HI | USA | Posted: 1:47 AM on 02.15.11

->> we can barely handle one chuck liddy as it is...

but that aside. Nick, mike ip gives you some pretty good advice. just check out the local AP/Reuters bureaus in the "guide" figure out who to contact, and email the editors from there with your portfolio, explain that you have XX amt of experience and just see what happens from there. took a lot of work to get me to the point i'm at today..which is no where near where some of the guys on here are. i am but a just a boy from hawaii trying to make his way in the world and doing the best i can to learn from the people i look up to, all the while making pictures and telling stories of what i see, hear and feel.

but seriously one liddy is more than enuff..

chuck! we love you and your "liddy-episodes!"
=^.^=

Louis Lopez, Photographer

	Fontana \| CA \| USA \| Posted: 1:47 AM on 02.15.11
	->> Nick, Nice job, that's a great start...

Louis Lopez, Photographer

	Fontana \| CA \| USA \| Posted: 1:51 AM on 02.15.11
	->> Nick, this should take care of the "Top Model" part of your bucket list. http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/culture/kateday/100051329/london-fashion-week-... http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=37756

Nick LoVerde, Photographer

Buffalo | NY | USA | Posted: 2:39 AM on 02.15.11

->> Chuck let me see if I get this straight. A new subscriber here asks for some help.. which is what I thought the purpose of an open forum like this was... and you assume I have not done any research and further you think I'm like some 200 other people who asked..I'm not but you can have your opinion, you have "earned it". However, I will tell you one thing I don't feel roasted nor am I as you put it "embarassed" for asking for some assistance. Furthermore, if I somehow insulted you from a little thread or post in here.. well, I'm a newbie and I guess I just didn't know your limits... thanks for the help...

Clark Brooks, Photo Editor, Photographer

Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 3:06 AM on 02.15.11

->> @ Brother Cantor - Need another beer? The second quarter is about to start. Pretzels anyone?

@ Brother Michael - Next time I'm over your way, you will have to properly introduce me to Templeton Rye. Have you tried La Trappe? What I really miss was Sam Adam's Triple Bock - now that was good beer.

@ Brother Eric - The only way to drink Guinness is the getting the stuff from the bottom of the keg/barrel, extra dark.

Mike Janes, Photographer

Attica | NY | USA | Posted: 3:26 AM on 02.15.11

->> Nick, nobody here is obligated to help you in any way - especially when it comes to asking the same question that seems to happen every second weekend of the month from a new member who didn't do much research, or at least lurking, before signing up. It's not an ego or scared thing by any means, it's the fact people want to sprint before they can even crawl, and it gets a little old.

Now, I don't post all that often, but just had this conversation with a guy on another board that took great offense because he wanted to hear if you sign up for sports shooter you are immediately going to be seen and picked up by the "right people". That's not the way it works in the real world, in any job. The only real secret is putting in the work and making your own opportunities, realizing you're going to hear no a lot more than yes. You might catch a lucky break or might have to struggle more than others, you just don't know till you put in the time and effort in first.

From your first post, it just seems like you expected someone to tell you there's a secret handshake and which door to knock on with the password. Instead of good old fashioned leg work - like putting together a portfolio, asking for critiques, improving it, adding to it, asking again, improving again, finding out how these companies operate, contacting editors once you think the portfolio is ready, etc. - you seem to want the easy answer. There is none, it's all about putting in the work.

Now we all know the secret handshake, at least here in Buffalo, is finger wiggle, fist bump, back slap, down low, to the side, fresh prince psshhh, and turn - however, without the work that comes before all that, it still means nothing because only work reveals the password. I'd start asking why you want to shoot for Getty/AP - is it just to accomplish your bucket list? If so, that's the wrong reason in my honest opinion. If that's your whole goal then you're going to be in for a lot of disappointment.

Mike Janes, Photographer

	Attica \| NY \| USA \| Posted: 3:35 AM on 02.15.11
	->> @Clark - this is for your last comment... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJjeWOqASYI

Clark Brooks, Photo Editor, Photographer

Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 3:57 AM on 02.15.11

->> Hey Nick, you wrote: "... and you assume I have not done any research and further you think I'm like some 200 other people who asked..."

Hahahaha... I tried to save you from where this thread is heading by giving you links to read. It seems at this point you didn't get through all of them ;-) You *might* want read them before going further.

Actually, Chuck and a few others probably at this moment do believe you are exactly like some 200 other people who asked a similar question exactly or similar to yours. So far your post to this thread have mirrored those in this one, mention aboved - http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=37280. Hmmm.... can you say deja vu?

Don't worry there are others who came before you that reacted just as you did. Happens all the time. The transition from being a big fish in a little pond to a minnow in the ocean is often difficult for most people.

Before you post again to this thread, you really need to read this thread http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=37247 The OP has some valuable insight that will help scratch off some of those items on your bucket list.

Keep in mind that what you post here and how you say will determine how people perceive you as well as fast you will achieve success.

Photo editors, photo buyers and assignment editors - aka decision makers - do read the message boards. Unprofessional, defensive counter remarks such as this "Well obviously there are a large number or ego maniacs and many who are quite frankly scared to give a secret or two..." will only push you further from your goal not closer. How you present yourself here will go along way toward helping you achieve your career goals.

Like the 200 or so before you, they all come to SS in search of sports El Dorado, a secret this or that, something to help them reach that dream credential or sideline in 30 days or less.

The secret or non-secret to shooting sports and making a living at any level has been out for a while. It is composed sacrifice, hard work, observing solid business practices, continually producing a quality product, networking with professionals, using standard industry practices and thing absolutely no one wants to hear - you are going to have to pay your dues.

Incidentally, there so many freaking smart, talented people who are members here who are more than happy to share their knowledge. Each with incredible insights and strengths that extend beyond photography.

If you are not willing to pay the dues, can't accept constructive as well as destructive criticism or understand the humorous cynicism you'll endure as a neophyte, you might want to consider asking for a refund.

Otherwise, chill, pull up a chair, have a beer and learn a little bit not only about photography, but about the people here on SS who can be assets in helping crossing off items on your bucket list.

Brian Blanco, Photographer

Tampa / Sarasota | FL | USA | Posted: 6:29 AM on 02.15.11

->> Nick,

Here's the deal: Unless you're in a small market (which Buffalo, NY is not) where wire editors may occasionally be in need of someone to call in a 'pinch', then contacting editors at the various wires before you're truly ready to show them your portfolio is counter productive to your goal.

First impressions are important and you have to wow them the first time you sit in that chair or you're not likely to get a second opportunity to sit there.

I don't see a link to a website on your member page so I only have the 10 images you have posted here to go by, but based on those images, and the cutlines on those images, I'd say your best bet right now is to wait, and to continue to build your portfolio before you contact anyone at the wires.

I hope that doesn't come across mean, but really at this point you may be doing more harm to your chances than good. Just take a couple of years to build your portfolio, create a website and learn to write cutlines to AP Style.

Also, make sure you have some news and some strong environmental portraits in your portfolio too. Wire service editors like their stringers to be well-rounded and able to handle anything they throw at them.

Good luck and don't forget cutlines every bit as important as pretty pictures.

Bottom line, for now: wait... build... hone...

Cooper Neill, Student/Intern, Photographer

	Andernach \| EU \| Germany \| Posted: 6:51 AM on 02.15.11
	->> Chair pulled up - beer in hand - Liddy is going to have a great morning! Side note, if anyone makes it over to Germany and wants to grab a beer let me know!

Scott Serio, Photo Editor, Photographer

Colora | MD | USA | Posted: 8:40 AM on 02.15.11

->> Nick, Nick, Nick.

The sad part about this isn't the first post. That seems relatively common and with a little bit of humility, would have easily been overcome and forgotten. When you blast off like you did in Post #20, there isn't really much to say. There are no secret handshakes, only hard work and a willingness to be completely ripped up and deconstructed as a photojournalist.

Until you have had someone do that to your work. Until you can have someone just look at your absolute best photo and look you in the eye and tell you "it isn't quite there" and then you take it as a point from which to build - you aren't ready. OK, so maybe that is he secret handshake. On some level 99% of the people on here have had to go through that. Eventually into turns into praise for great work, when your work is great.

What does it do? It teaches you to be a self-editor. I know no one has really done this for you. You know why? Without a link to something else, the work you have chosen to represent yourself had three soccer headers in it. Three very average shots. There is more, but that is a start.

I am, by no means, an expert compared to the veteran members of this board. But I know the basic dynamics. There are a bunch of photo editors on this site - some who work for AP and Getty. What are they going to do based on Posts #3 and #20? They are probably going to email whoever their counterpart in Buffalo is and say, "Hey, this guy Nick Loverde is going to ring you up about stringing. Before you do anything, read this thread and see if he is the kind of shooter we want representing ....."

You could be Walter Iooss himself, but with that kind of recommendation, you aren't even getting through the door.

You need a do-over...maybe a thread that says - I AM NEW TO SPORTSHOOTER, PORTFOLIO REVIEW PLEASE. And then, say I am working on becoming a better shooter, will those with a trained eye take a look at my images and give me ideas on what I can do to improve my work.

That would be a good start. Don't worry, this thread will reach 50 posts and lock-up soon enough, disappear from the top of the thread board and hopefully be forgotten.

Mark Peters, Photographer

Highland | IL | USA | Posted: 9:21 AM on 02.15.11

->> Nick -

According to you own words, your original question isn't even what you were seeking.

As Clark points out, the way a question is asked is important. Words are important. They have specific meaning. If you wanted to know who to contact - then ask that question. (If you want to call someone an egomaniac - at least use the term properly - there is not a single egocentric response in this thread prior to your retort.) You posted no information regarding your background, level of experience, efforts taken to date to discover this on your own, or anything that would aid members in forming a helpful response. The onus is on you - particularly being a new member with no track record - to formulate a question such as this with as much pertinent information as possible. It certainly is not upon the membership to somehow divine what your true purpose is - because when presented with such a request devoid of any meaningful background information it is reasonable (and quite expected) that individuals associate your request with the 200 others that started virtually the same way. If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck......

Certainly you read the forums on Sportsshooter prior to joining. If so, how could you possibly be surprised by the reaction to this question?

As Clark and many other before him have pointed out, one's activity on this board may be viewed by the very individuals you desire to meet and influence. Review your responses in this thread and ask yourself if you were a photo editor at the very agencies you yearn to work for, how would you interpret them as a representation of what to expect the first time pointed criticism was provided, or that an assignment was made involving working with the very "egomaniacs" you've called out.

Finally, I'm just curious -

Did you bother to ask AP or Getty what their application process was? How about your sponsor - did you ask them? (and did you tell them that your first post on the boards would be on this topic?) Did you look at the member list to identify all of the shooters in you area and seek their guidance? - or to find a mentor?

George Bridges, Photographer, Photo Editor

Washington | DC | USA | Posted: 9:40 AM on 02.15.11

->> Nick,

I'll skip all the previous and skip my usual long explanatory answer to your original question. If you would like the long, detailed version of how to go about this please e-mail me through my member page.

But the simple answer is this: In your SS portfolio you have Sabres and Bills games. At those games will be shooters from AP, Getty and other outlets. Why not just ask them about how to get started? If they are staffers they will tell you how to go about it. If they are freelancers competing for work they will look at you with a quizzical look and then, if like most freelancers I know, tell you how to go about it.

We are all very competitive but most freelancers that I have known over the years (a few are exceptions to the rule) will gladly help another freelancer out and give them information. If they have been doing it for a while they are confident that they are the "first call" for that organization and know that if you want to work for the same place that you will be picking up stuff they can't cover.

Nick LoVerde, Photographer

	Buffalo \| NY \| USA \| Posted: 10:00 AM on 02.15.11
	->> Thank you to all of you who have given me some honest and constructive advice. It is appreciated.

Michael Johnson, Photographer, Photo Editor

	Geneseo \| NY \| USA \| Posted: 10:22 AM on 02.15.11
	->> I saw this train wreck coming yesterday and I just can't seem to look away...... Oh and Janes was that you I saw in that clip in the front row??? It's 10:20 a.m. and I think its time for a Guinness.

Mike Janes, Photographer

	Attica \| NY \| USA \| Posted: 2:06 PM on 02.15.11
	->> Yes Johnson, yes that's me in the front row...pigtails, Guinness shirt...had to wear a disguise, all the fans and everything didn't want to be recognized and mobbed for autographs! Seriously though I did do some shows with them on this tour, I think...wait yes, this was Sing Loud, Sing Proud tour I do believe...got 3 photos in that album. It's all a blur at this moment...

Mike Anzaldi, Photographer

	Oak Park \| IL \| USA \| Posted: 2:21 PM on 02.15.11
	->> getting hired by getty or ap? it's like winning a photo pulitzer...right place, right time with a little bit of talent sprinkled on top.

Scott Evans, Photographer

	Bay Village \| OH \| USA \| Posted: 2:58 PM on 02.15.11
	->> I just want to see Janes do the "secret handshake dance".

Mike Janes, Photographer

	Attica \| NY \| USA \| Posted: 3:02 PM on 02.15.11
	->> ...it's forbidden in public Scott, too sexy.

Michael Johnson, Photographer, Photo Editor

	Geneseo \| NY \| USA \| Posted: 3:07 PM on 02.15.11
	->> Come on Janes I know you shot the Murph's you don't have to tell me the story again.... as for the "secret handshake dance" not only do I not want to see it I might be willing to pay for you to not do it... in the form of photo credit!

Charley Starr, Photographer, Photo Editor

Ketchikan | AK | USA | Posted: 3:39 PM on 02.15.11

->> Maybe SportsShooter shouldn't allow any new members so we old timers aren't forced to spend our precious time reading and responding to threads we feel are so egregious! Or perhaps they could make it so before any thread is started you must do three archive searches first! Or maybe jumping all over someone asking a legitimate question is just our way of driving new people away. If it really bothers you so much why do you take the time to read it and add to the thread? Leave the space for someone that might have something new to say.

Mike Janes, Photographer

	Attica \| NY \| USA \| Posted: 3:53 PM on 02.15.11
	->> Johnson...this one time, at a DKM show...wait a second, how did I tell you a story when I don't remember most of them? Fibber! Countdown... 45

Michael Johnson, Photographer, Photo Editor

	Geneseo \| NY \| USA \| Posted: 3:59 PM on 02.15.11
	->> 46 And you tell me DKM stories almost every time I see you......

Scott Evans, Photographer

	Bay Village \| OH \| USA \| Posted: 4:02 PM on 02.15.11
	->> so Mike (Johnson), are you suggesting negative karma points for MJ throwin down the moves in public? Seems reasonable but still, can you even imagine?! It would be Youtube viral!

Michael Johnson, Photographer, Photo Editor

	Geneseo \| NY \| USA \| Posted: 4:05 PM on 02.15.11
	->> Scott... I never though about it that way. That might be worth it after all.

Shaun Ward, Photographer

Perth | Tayside | Scotland | Posted: 4:23 PM on 02.15.11

->> I never fell into this trap on the fact that I am Scottish.
When I got accepted to the heady heights of Sportsshooter I was so giddy I spent the next two weeks in a drunken stupor and couldn't remember my password when I woke up.

The moral of the story is as a new member sit back and spend a little time reading before asking anything that may be deemed by the good and worthy as a stupid question.

DISCLAIMER - my point of view is my own and does not represent the celtic population.

Anthony Phelps, Photographer

	Wellington \| Wellington \| New Zealand \| Posted: 4:37 PM on 02.15.11
	->> And 50 .... i just had to post to make the 50 And thanks to all for the good feedback !

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