Concert Access - DPChallenge Forums

05/17/2005 01:26:44 PM · #1

A few weeks ago, I went to an Arcade Fire concert and was kindly informed to leave my "professional camera equipment" in the car. Fine, the band is all grown up and snotty now...I can understand, kind of.

Here's my question. I want to go to Olympic Island in Toronto to see a show and the website specifically says to leave all 4mp+ and SLR cameras at home.

How do I get a pass from these guys? I specifically don't want to sell my photos...I just want to have my camera along at this afternoon festival.

I want to email them or call...should I treat it like

a) [deep voice] "I'm all fancy and I'm a photographer and I'd like to request an official Press Pass blah blah" or should I treat it like

b) [whiny voice] "Please, I'm just some guy who won't sell his photos...pretty please let me in with my camera".

Thanks for your advice!

Message edited by author 2005-05-17 13:29:19.

CorySmith

05/17/2005 01:39:57 PM · #2

well, i have very little experience in this, just print some semi-fake credentials. I know the owner of my towns website and we got into a rodeo and got press paswses because we said we were doing a "things to do in lake county" list and we went and got pictures. But you jsu thave to be confident, whining is a dead give away that you are a fake

05/17/2005 01:43:25 PM · #3

Originally posted by Fetor:

My only concern is that a 'fake' would have a better chance of being allowed to have his camera gear there...isn't their concern that a 'non-fake' will take photos and sell them without authorization?

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

05/17/2005 01:49:13 PM · #4

Tell them you're building your portfolio and the band are welcome to use any shots they like. Also reassure them that you will ask their permission in the unlikely event that someone else might want them.

Edit: Not unlikely because they'll be rubbish, but because you're not going to go out of your way to sell them.

Message edited by author 2005-05-17 13:50:20.

coolhar

05/17/2005 01:50:39 PM · #5

I think I'd do a combination of the two approaches. Call on phone is better than e-mail, but an in-person contact is even better. Ask for a pass but then explain that the pictures are just for yourself, that photography is your hobby. They may come back with some stuff about rules are rules and you have to be with an agency to get a pass. Then ask how someone like you can get your camera in? Go up the chain of command a couple of levels if necessary. Maybe offer to share a few pictures if you get some good ones. Good Luck.

05/17/2005 01:52:59 PM · #6

Okay, do I contact the people at the venue - "olympic island" (they're the ones with the 'no-SLR' rule on the website) or do I contact the event promoters who are acting on behalf of the bands/labels?

Intuitively it would make sense to contact the event promoters but it's the venue that has the rule on the website...

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

05/17/2005 01:56:29 PM · #7

You won't get a press pass on site or through the venue, you have to apply through the appropriate channels beforehand (the promoter or label_..they only give out passes onsite that are pre-printed and usually in an envelope with your agency's name on it (it's all but impossible to get a freelance pass unless you know the band).

You can't bring professional gear to professional concerts because these bands are signed..and in doing so have agreed to use the assigned photographers through the label. If I were the label's photographer Id' be totally on board with that.

I know you just want shots for your own use, but it's not really security's job to take your word for it. My cousin was politely asked to pack up her gear at a recent U2 concert. Which she politely did.

05/17/2005 01:56:44 PM · #8

Originally posted by thatcloudthere:

Speaking from experience, make sure you get the mobile phone number of someone in authority who will be there on the day. I can't tell you how annoying it is when you turn up and nobody has you on the list.

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

05/17/2005 01:59:46 PM · #9

Originally posted by BobsterLobster:

I can't tell you how annoying it is when you turn up and nobody has you on the list.

Very true. I've yet to be turned away at this point though. You gotta talk the talk is all. And show some boob if possible :-) (kidding of course).

On the plus side, once you DO get a photo pass (different than a press pass, which entitles you to a specific interview time) you can go wherever and pretty much do whatever..no one will care.

05/17/2005 01:59:51 PM · #10

Originally posted by GoldBerry:

So you're saying I should contact the promoter/label as opposed to the venue?

You can't bring professional gear to professional concerts because these bands are signed..and in doing so have agreed to use the assigned photographers through the label. If I were the label's photographer Id' be totally on board with that.

Me too.

I know you just want shots for your own use, but it's not really security's job to take your word for it. My cousin was politely asked to pack up her gear at a recent U2 concert. Which she politely did.

I know it's not security's job...I have no problem with them enforcing the rules. I'm trying to find a way around them before I get to security.

05/17/2005 02:01:22 PM · #11

Originally posted by GoldBerry:

I've had freelance passes before for festivals in the UK. However, when I apply I say they're for my website and to sell on to agencies/media. But it helps to be able to give a website address. For example, my website is //www.EyesOpen.co.uk but they tend not to check it anyway. I also get freelance passes for some of the bigger gigs in the north of the UK, but that's easier because I have a regular client (a magazine) who I know will buy the article and photos.

Message edited by author 2005-05-17 14:03:19.

05/17/2005 02:04:21 PM · #12

Oh yeah, I get most of my freelance passes by emailing the organisers photos of the festival from the year before to show I know what I'm doing. That's the clincher I think.

GoldBerry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 USM

05/17/2005 02:09:17 PM · #13

Originally posted by BobsterLobster:

Oh yeah, I get most of my freelance passes by emailing the organisers photos of the festival from the year before to show I know what I'm doing. That's the clincher I think.

Is there a difference you think between festivals and regular concerts? Do festivals tend to be easier to get into? Rght now I can't get into the Vans Warped Tour this July. Still trying, though.

And if you're gutsy and creative you can basically get yourself into anything anywhere anytime. Friends of mine dressed up as maintenance men (with formal clothes underneath) to get into a ritzy arts show last year.

05/17/2005 02:21:05 PM · #14

Originally posted by BobsterLobster:

Oh yeah, I get most of my freelance passes by emailing the organisers photos of the festival from the year before to show I know what I'm doing. That's the clincher I think.

I guess I'm confused...isn't the whole purpose of the rule to keep people 'who know what they're doing' away from the festival (or at least keep their cameras away)?

OneSweetSin

Nikon D3000

05/17/2005 02:29:10 PM · #15

for starters the cameras that aren't being premitted aren't because of the preformers. It's a combination promoters and the security issues. Promoters don't want you taking photos cause it cuts down on the 8 x 10 low quality crap they sale.

There are several ways around it...you can try contacting the security dept and having them refer you to whoever can assist you in getting through the gates with your equipment or you can contact your local newspaper and tell them you are wanting to do some freelance work and would be willing to give them there selection of photos if they assist you in obtaining a press pass for the event. Some papers are pretty easy at giving them out if you have ever submitted any newsworthy photos or if you are willing to just share your portfolio with a photo editor.

Besides it doesn't hurt to keep asking someone will give you one

Oops forgot the best trick of all to get your equipment through the gates...find out which local radio station is promoting the concert and then contact the program director and webdesigners. Offer to take free photos for them in exchange for there press pass rights. Many radio stations thrive on fan photos for the websites so when a photo hobbiest asks for special privledges you often get them and a lot more.

Message edited by author 2005-05-17 14:34:59.