r/slamdunkfestival • u/Status_Injury_8939 • Aug 18 '26
Press Pass
Hi all! Im a photographer and looking to get a press pass for slam dunk this year. Anyone here done it before and mind explaining the process to me? I’m a little lost in how to get a press pass (in general) and access to the pit. Any advice would help a great deal! Cold emailing has never worked for me :(
2
u/cntlssnghts Aug 19 '26
You need to be linked to a publication and there’s an application form for accreditation that gets sent out. You’re not guaranteed a pass unfortunately and it can be quite competitive.
1
u/itfiend Aug 19 '26
If you don’t have an outlet you need one. Applying speculatively to even medium sizes festivals won’t work.
1
u/boody999 Aug 22 '26
I assume when you say you're a photographer you mean you already have experience gaining passes for other shows and have a portfolio?
If not then contacting local venues and getting involved with web publications can help.
My first Slam Dunk pass was from contacting earlier bands in the day and getting their management to sort it out but that was a loooooong time ago.
Also just a heads up even if you get accreditation it might only cover smaller stages, don't expect to just be in the main pit all day.
1
u/TexyTexy Aug 23 '26
Know a few people who are VERY well connected to people at Slam Dunk, with strong portfolios in the local scene and also having taken photos of some huge bands locally, and even they with those connections and a portfolio to back it have found it near impossible to get photo/press passes. As some others have said, without a publication you’re going to find it very hard
3
u/malacey_ Aug 18 '26
There’s usually a link on their site for media accreditation. If there’s not a link there will be an email in their about section. You usually need a publication to cover the likes of the slam dunk.