1. How do I use my 'Picture Stock Press Pass' to gain access into any event?
2. Can I order the Picture Stock Press Pass only or am I required to download your kit and submit images as well?
3. I sent for a Picture Stock Press Pass but forgot to include my passport photo. What should I do?
4. Can I just e-mail my picture to you for the press pass?
5. Does your press pass allow me access to any event?
6. Is your press pass recognized and/or valid worldwide?
7. How long will it take to receive my press pass? Do you offer rush service?
8. I lost my press pass. How can I receive a replacement press pass?
9. Can I request a refund if I do not want my Press Pass any longer?
10. Can I send a regular picture of myself instead of an actual passport picture?

Q: 1. How do I use my 'Picture Stock Press Pass' to gain access into any event?

A: You must first contact the media relations department or event promoters a few weeks prior to the event or show date and ask to speak to someone in the media relations department. Explain to them that you are a registered stock photographer with Picture Stock of New York and that you have valid press credentials with picture ID. If they permit you to shoot the event, your name will be placed on their media list for that specific event.

If the organization requires proof on company letterhead that you are a registered stock photographer with Picture Stock, we will provide a confirmation letter by fax, e-mail or regular mail to the event organizers or the media relations department. A charge of $15 US per confirmation letter applies. There is no guarantee that our letter will gain you access to an event, however, it does help in most cases. The $15 US fee is non-refundable once the letter has been drafted up.

You must download a form entitled 'Request to Gain Access to an Event on Picture Stock Company Letterhead' directly from our web site. Click on 'Site Map' to download this form and fill it out off-line before faxing or mailing it to us.

The event organizers will have the final say, and will usually advise you by phone if you will be permitted to cover their event.

If you are accepted, upon arriving, present your 'Picture Stock Press Pass' and confirm your name at the media gate with the media personnel on hand (your name should be on their list). Ideally, most event organizers will also issue you one of their own passes for their event, in which case you would have to wear both. After registering at the media gate, you will then be admitted to the press area or gallery of the event where you would take pictures with the other media personal.

Q: 2. Can I order the Picture Stock Press Pass only or am I required to download your kit and submit images as well?

A: Yes, you can order the Picture Stock Press Pass only and nothing else if you wish. You will need to download an 'Image Submission & Order Form' to place your order. Click on 'Site Map' to print this order form.

Q: 3. I sent for a Picture Stock Press Pass but forgot to include my passport photo. What should I do?

A: Simply send us the passport photo of yourself along with a note stating that you forgot to include your photo when you sent your order and send it to us as soon as possible by mail. When both your letters arrive, we will match them up together and process your new Picture Stock Press Pass.

Q: 4. Can I just e-mail my picture to you for the press pass?

A: No. Since we do not accept any e-mails with attachments or pictures, all press pass orders must be sent to us by mail or courier. One passport photo must be included along with your order form and payment.

Q: 5. Does your press pass allow me access to any event?

A: You must call the media relations department of the event you want to cover first. The Picture Stock press pass will help you gain access to most events; however, it is up to the event organizers to decide who will have access. The sooner you call the event organizers prior to the event, the greater your chances will be. Some events will only be available to a limited number of photographers. We recommend you call the event organizers or the media relations department 4-6 weeks prior to the event taking place.

Q: 6. Is your press pass recognized and/or valid worldwide?

A: Yes, we have photographers using our press pass in more than 60 countries worldwide.

Q: 7. How long will it take to receive my press pass? Do you offer rush service?

A: All orders take 2-4 weeks for processing depending on the volume of orders at that time. We will do everything we can to rush your order if the need arises. If you would like to have your press pass sent back to you by overnight courier, you must e-mail our Customer Care Center from our 'Contact Us' page for current courier rates to your city/country. If you need our press pass to gain entry into an upcoming event, please order the press pass well in advance and allow 2-4 weeks for processing.

Q: 8. I lost my press pass. How can I receive a replacement press pass?

A: Picture Stock will replace a lost or stolen press pass; however, you must send a letter stating how and where your press pass was lost or stolen, your ID number, a new passport picture and $25. Your replacement press pass will have the same expiry date as the lost or stolen press pass. If you wish to fully renew your lost or stolen press pass for three years, you must include the full cost of $50 as well as a new passport picture. Your new press pass will have a three year expiry date from the date you renew.

Q: 9. Can I request a refund if I do not want my Press Pass any longer?

A: No. Once your press pass has been processed and shipped out, we do not offer any refunds since this is a custom order.

Q: 10. Can I send a regular picture of myself instead of an actual passport picture?

A: No, we require an actual passport picture for size so that it could be placed on your press pass before we laminate it. The picture could be in black and white or color.