Making money from gig photography?

CarlukeDave

CarlukeDave

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What's the best way to get paid for photographing gigs?

I have done a few shoots for bands and got a few quid and a few beers, photos usually for myspace or their websites etc.

Is it better to approach magazines, websites, publications etc and get them to pay you for covering a gig, or is it to cover the gig freelance then try and sell the photos to publications?

Does reviewing gigs and having photos increase your chances of getting work published?

Dave
 
I've done a few gigs. Most of the time I hope my agency will sell the pictures for me. On one occasion, I was commissioned via my agency to photograph a band, plus I would also get usual rate for any sales separate from the company that commissioned me (Via the agency).

However, the gigs I cover are usually known acts, not up and coming ones.

I have photographed a band for a free ticket to a gig, which I wanted to go to anyway. If I was you, I think I would try to get something in return, free beer, maybe model release, for a stock picture. Build up your portfolio.
 
natjag said:
I've done a few gigs. Most of the time I hope my agency will sell the pictures for me. On one occasion, I was commissioned via my agency to photograph a band, plus I would also get usual rate for any sales separate from the company that commissioned me (Via the agency).

However, the gigs I cover are usually known acts, not up and coming ones.

I have photographed a band for a free ticket to a gig, which I wanted to go to anyway. If I was you, I think I would try to get something in return, free beer, maybe model release, for a stock picture. Build up your portfolio.
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Just had a look at your website Nathan, I love the Lily Allen photos! I've got to admit to having a bit of a thing for her! :lol:

Dave
 
As said Dave...
Its pretty hard to get into making money,I dont think you could ever have a descent lifestyle if all you done was gig photography.
Me I am building up my profile and get more and more stuff.
Plus I got a bit of a lucky break too.
Which Im really greatful of.
Start small like I did trying to cover bands in the nearest big town which Im guessing is Glasgow to you.
have a look whos on and contact PRs.
All they can say is no,but there is a descent amount out there that will help phototogs out and be really good with them.

I wish you all the luck.

S
 
I make a nice amount from it, its certainly possible to make money, but your going to need patience and luck. I always recomend building up a solid portfolio before sending it to any publications, you only really get one chance at it being viewed.

Approach bands if they want shots and build your way up, promo shots are the best paid work:thumbs:
 
CarlukeDave said:
Just had a look at your website Nathan, I love the Lily Allen photos! I've got to admit to having a bit of a thing for her! :lol:

Dave
Click to expand...

I too have a thing for Lily Allen, so I jumped at the chance to do that gig. I even missed free booze at a family birthday as I had to drive into London for the gig. Well worth it though. If I don't make any money from that one I'll still be happy.
 
It's not easy to make a living out of it but I have a small revenue stream from a few bands, etc. Generally I consider it recreational photography but occasionally I get a few perks from it - I might be off to Holland in a couple of months with a bluegrass band, they'll cover the costs and I get the chance to get away for a few days :thumbs:
 
Thanks people.

I'm not looking to make a living from it at this stage, if it pays for a holiday a year I'd be over the moon!

I'm currently building up my profile, working for Celtic Connections helped me a great deal. It also confirmed that it's a lot of hard work, late nights and lots of post processing!

Dave
 
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