Concert photography query

aerobandit

aerobandit

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Piotr
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I wanted to ask you guys how to take photos during the gig legally, without hiding your equipment from security. Maybe you know what to do, to get inside to shoot the gig without paying for ticket:naughty: With what sort of people should I get in touch? Thanks for help.
 
It's been posted a lot on here recently. Do a search for gig photography. Basically email band/venue/promotor or get a job with a publication.

I went to the bands direct and worked for me. Tour around Europe, several festivals free trips to poland etc.
 
You want to be up front in the press pit?

Contact the gig promoter and/or venue manager to request a pass - they may want to see press accreditation though!
One thing to point out, even if you get approved you're not getting a free ticket to the gig, you'll probably only be allowed to shoot the first 3-4 songs before you get kicked out (all depends on the gig).
 
TCR4x4 said:
It's been posted a lot on here recently. Do a search for gig photography. Basically email band/venue/promotor or get a job with a publication.

I went to the bands direct and worked for me. Tour around Europe, several festivals free trips to poland etc.
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thanks Tom. sounds good:)

incapete said:
You want to be up front in the press pit?

Contact the gig promoter and/or venue manager to request a pass - they may want to see press accreditation though!
One thing to point out, even if you get approved you're not getting a free ticket to the gig, you'll probably only be allowed to shoot the first 3-4 songs before you get kicked out (all depends on the gig).
Click to expand...

cheers. I've just found website with advice on how to get press pass.
 
Ok, here's my live gig story!

I'm starting small with a few local bands. I did some practice shots at a small gig for a friend of a friend who sets up gigs at local bars etc. From that, one of the bands decided they wanted me to do some promo shots for themselves, which was awesome. They loved those, so asked me to cover a gig they were organising, so I did, and it was awesome, again :p
Following that gig, one of the bands recently asked me for a double whammy of sorts - spend the afternoon with them doing some promo shots, then travel to a gig with them to photograph their performance. I stood around most of the evening using the support bands as test shots, then when 'my' guys came on, I shot the entire thing. Yeah, I probably annoyed the crowd a wee bit with my movement, especially when I snuck on stage and took some from up there :lol:
I've now got some good friends in the local music scene, most of whom are using my pics as their profile pics on facebook, with a watermark to my flickr page :) Other people are seeing it, and I'm getting occasional enquiries about covering gigs from other small local bands!

I've never tried photographing at a 'big' gig, or at a festival, because I don't think I'd like the idea of being hauled out after 3/4 songs or whatever. Also there's the time pressure that comes with it, you've got at most 15 minutes to get a load of good shots, whilst in amongst other photographers who are all going for the same thing. Shooting the local bands is proving to be great fun because we've built up a friendship along the way. I know I've got a fairly relaxed shooting session where from time to time they're going to look directly in my lens and pull a daft face, move to the right slightly so I can capture the drummer, etc etc. I get a couple of beers with them afterwards as well, it's all good!


Maybe give that a try? Everyone knows someone whose brother's mate's sister's uncle is in a local band, so see how you get on :thumbs: I'm having a whale of a time, and I know that if the last band I shot start touring, I'm probably going to be their first choice when it comes to a dude with a camera!
 
sthwild said:
I wanted to ask you guys how to take photos during the gig legally, without hiding your equipment from security. Maybe you know what to do, to get inside to shoot the gig without paying for ticket:naughty: With what sort of people should I get in touch? Thanks for help.
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You seem to just want a free pass.

You shoot small bands first and move up finding your way. Music photography isn't about a free gig ticket, and if that's all you want then you will end up being sorely disappointed with how far it gets you.
 
ding76uk said:
You seem to just want a free pass.

You shoot small bands first and move up finding your way. Music photography isn't about a free gig ticket, and if that's all you want then you will end up being sorely disappointed with how far it gets you.
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more than free ticket I want possibility to take pictures during the whole event without being kicked out. i dont mind paying for the ticket. I like the ambient lighting during the gigs and therefore really interesting photos.
 
Cyprino said:
Ok, here's my live gig story!

I'm starting small with a few local bands. I did some practice shots at a small gig for a friend of a friend who sets up gigs at local bars etc. From that, one of the bands decided they wanted me to do some promo shots for themselves, which was awesome. They loved those, so asked me to cover a gig they were organising, so I did, and it was awesome, again :p
Following that gig, one of the bands recently asked me for a double whammy of sorts - spend the afternoon with them doing some promo shots, then travel to a gig with them to photograph their performance. I stood around most of the evening using the support bands as test shots, then when 'my' guys came on, I shot the entire thing. Yeah, I probably annoyed the crowd a wee bit with my movement, especially when I snuck on stage and took some from up there :lol:
I've now got some good friends in the local music scene, most of whom are using my pics as their profile pics on facebook, with a watermark to my flickr page :) Other people are seeing it, and I'm getting occasional enquiries about covering gigs from other small local bands!

I've never tried photographing at a 'big' gig, or at a festival, because I don't think I'd like the idea of being hauled out after 3/4 songs or whatever. Also there's the time pressure that comes with it, you've got at most 15 minutes to get a load of good shots, whilst in amongst other photographers who are all going for the same thing. Shooting the local bands is proving to be great fun because we've built up a friendship along the way. I know I've got a fairly relaxed shooting session where from time to time they're going to look directly in my lens and pull a daft face, move to the right slightly so I can capture the drummer, etc etc. I get a couple of beers with them afterwards as well, it's all good!

Maybe give that a try? Everyone knows someone whose brother's mate's sister's uncle is in a local band, so see how you get on :thumbs: I'm having a whale of a time, and I know that if the last band I shot start touring, I'm probably going to be their first choice when it comes to a dude with a camera!
Click to expand...

thanks for sharing the story mate. its really good idea. i'll give it a try. good way to improve your portfolio.
 
sthwild said:
more than free ticket I want possibility to take pictures during the whole event without being kicked out. i dont mind paying for the ticket. I like the ambient lighting during the gigs and therefore really interesting photos.
Click to expand...

You will never get that with major bands. 3 songs and your gone. If you are serious about it, start to cover your local scene (there is always something going on) people will be happy to see pics of them and it gets you practice you need to move to the next level.

Start out small, local pub/club gigs. These are always on, lots are free, and if you start to get a name the local bands will spot you a few beers, you will get the same shots as a major band, just not the same amount of work and hassle that can go with shooting major live music bands.
 
Apart from the 3 songs rule, also expect the bands management to put other demands on you. One photographer was told that during a gig with a named artist he could only photograph his left side and pics must only be taken in the first 45 seconds of each song. I ain't kidding! Plus its not uncommon for the management to demand (in the form of a contract) you hand over a set of high res files for them to use for free and with no credit.

As other peole have said, start with the new bands, shoot for free and hope they become famous. Photographers like Ross Halfin have made a good living from shots of bands (like Iron Maiden etc) he took 10-20 years ago.
 
Ross Halfins blog is cool.
There was also a thread on here, around and about this subject, where a management company had stated they where going to be charging togs to shoot their acts!
 
Metal God said:
Apart from the 3 songs rule, also expect the bands management to put other demands on you. One photographer was told that during a gig with a named artist he could only photograph his left side and pics must only be taken in the first 45 seconds of each song. I ain't kidding! Plus its not uncommon for the management to demand (in the form of a contract) you hand over a set of high res files for them to use for free and with no credit.

As other peole have said, start with the new bands, shoot for free and hope they become famous. Photographers like Ross Halfin have made a good living from shots of bands (like Iron Maiden etc) he took 10-20 years ago.
Click to expand...

lawrie29 said:
Ross Halfins blog is cool.
There was also a thread on here, around and about this subject, where a management company had stated they where going to be charging togs to shoot their acts!
Click to expand...

thanks for good advice guys. I might check in my local pub when is the next little gig and give it a try. In 2009 I was able to bring my 450D with sigma 70-300 APO DG to Hammersmith Apollo for Rockstar Energy Drink Taste Of Chaos Tour. I was able to shoot entire gig of Every Time I Die and In Flames. Before Killswitch Engage performance I was asked to put away my camera:nono: When I asked security people why others around me can take photos, I've been told that my camera looks too professional:) I'm not arguing type of person and I knew that it was illegal to take photos, so I've put my camera away and enjoyed the rest of the gig.
 
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