Live music shooters - DPChallenge Forums

09/06/2007 10:28:40 AM · #1

I do a lot of live music shoots for local and some larger bands. Most of it is for photo credits on the website or free passes etc... nothing paid.

Now that I am known at the venues, they just let me in without hassle. Thats great and a step in the right direction. Problem is that my gear is also getting a bit more "professional" which makes me stand out. I used to shoot concerts with my little 50mm 1.8 and no one gave me a problem because I didn't look pro. Now, last night for example I was shooting from a balcony with a 70-200 2.8L w/ a hood on. that kind of stands out.

Scenario from last night... Had a photo pass for the opening band. Once they finished I was taking some shots of the headliners. The headliners manager was not impressed. He said its my gear that poses a problem because he didn't know that any professional photogs would be here. I asked him for a card and told him I was a freelancer who does live music for fun and I would send him the photos. I knew ahead of time that this band accepts photos from any fan, cell phone camera shots, good shots, anything. The manager was not impressed and essentially told me to stop. He didn't give me a card either, he said contact info is on the website. Kind of rude, I was trying to give away free professional quality shots. The band is Tea Leaf Green, check out their site and you will see they accept anything. Great band though, very good sound and stage presence.

To my question....
How do people get photo passes from the larger bands. I know I could give them much better stuff than they have and Im not charging anything. I want to do it so I can get credits on some larger bands websites and maybe I would be invited to shoot something in the future and maybe make some money.

Do people contact the band?

Second question is how do people get photo passes for larger festivals? Instead of being a band's photog for a concert, I would like to be the festival photog and cover the entire event. I had a photo pass for the North East Kingdom Music Fest last year because I came in with one of the bands but that doesn't always get you full access, actually it usually doesn't, they were just cool and didn't mind.

That was kind of long. Thanks for the help.

kellian

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

09/06/2007 10:35:18 AM · #2

I would love to know the answer to this question. I'm also in the same boat. I take photos for free for a lot of the local bands in the area and they love it when I show up. Occasionally I'll get to shoot for one of the larger bands they open for, but I was also wondering how to get into more of the bigger bands' shows.

The last big show I shot had a local photographer that apparently had a 'press pass' and was allowed access to shoot but as far as I can tell he runs the publication himself (and it's barely a publication). Now I'm wondering if I can come up with a press pass like that...

pearlseyes

Canon EOS R7

09/06/2007 10:54:51 AM · #3

I'd love to know as well. It would be a dream job for me since I being a "groupie" is not an option. HEHE

I've emailed several venues around here with the same question but they never respond.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

09/06/2007 11:05:41 AM · #4

A groupie with a camera would probably get you in very very easily. Talk about killing two birds with one stone.

Don't email the venue, email bands or music publications. The venue doesn't issue passes and probably has a house photog for all the images on teh walls in the back stage and entrance way. The bands decide who gets passes, the venue just hands them out and checks your name off a list.

I really am looking to get into larger shows and festivals where emailing the band just doesn't cut it anymore because to them I just seem like an overexcited fan.

jblaylockrayner

Nikon D2Xs

09/06/2007 11:31:46 AM · #5

I have done quite a few live shows and bands etc - Like Madonna's first concert here in LA (About 3 years ago) and several at the Viper room on Sunset etc - If you are there professionally what normally happens is that they allow you to photograph the first 3 songs then ask you to leave. This is the case even for most gigs. I never get permission from the PR of the band - Always from the venue - At the end of the day it's up to the venue and artist to work it out - You will rarely get band PR to agree to such things as everyone seems very paranoid these days - However a venue always loves promotion - I cannot believe you got grief from Tea Leaf (rhymes i know) They should be happy with such things.....
If ever there is a problem and you have permission from the venue then it's something the band has to sort out not you. Stand your ground and tell them you have been OK'd - I know I have many times......Even when I haven't been OK'd !!!!!
Good luck
Jeff

09/06/2007 11:40:55 AM · #6

The venue I am trying to get doesn't give press passes, they have a house photog that does all teh venues promo work. All photo passes are issued from the band. Any suggestions...

Also, how do you approach and ask for a pass from a large venue, Im sure Madonna didn't play some bar in podunk town USA.

I don't want to bash Tea Leaf, they played great and I really enjoyed the show. I was just a bit surprised that their manager didn't want free publicity, especially when the issue was my gear being "too good." To me I would rather kick the dude in the front row with his cell phone camera flash going off all show out of the venue rather than me who was on a balcony by myself shooting with quality gear. Not bragging about my gear, but you get my point.

AJSullivan

09/06/2007 11:43:10 AM · #7

I know Photogs that have just emailed the label that the band is on and they have gotten press/photo passes that way (sometimes even better then having a venue's permission)

I say just go back to shooting with the 50mm, more personal that way - especially when it gets rowdy.

Sony DT 18-200mm f/3.5-6.3 Aspherical ED High Magnification Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha

09/06/2007 11:52:31 AM · #8

Definately more personal with the 50, but in crowded venues you need to push through too many people and can't move around very well. I try to shoot from a couple rows back for the most part, but I always do some from the front.

I like the label idea.

Liverdog

Sony DSLR-A100

09/06/2007 02:26:28 PM · #9

The best way to get press credentials for a show is to build a portfolio and submit it to the local news paper or music rag. If that does not work build your own website and deal with the Show pr team. It is a very close knit community, so getting in is tough. Once your in though its all good.

LD

Elmakias

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

09/06/2007 02:55:58 PM · #10

You need to get in contact with the bands PR reps. Feel free to e-mail me. I have shot larger shows just from networking. All you have to do is type up some e-mail that makes you appear serious and professional. It help A LOT if you work for a publication. These people want the bands to have exposer and if you are shooting for something more then experience, it helps a lot.

I shoot for punkrockvids.com

and freelance for alternative press mag.

these publications have gotten me into a lot of shows.

09/06/2007 03:18:23 PM · #11

Getting into smaller venues is no problem, I need to know how to get into large shows/festivals 5,000 people plus. For the small venues I can get myself in and usually get at least 2 songs to shoot. I prefer the 2 song limit, otherwise I don't stop and end up with 400 RAW files. 2 song limit, Im done and at the bar in 20 minutes.

Jeff, if you are still watching this thread, I would like to know what you said to the venue to allow you to shoot.

kellian

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

09/06/2007 03:35:00 PM · #12

I have thought of hooking up with some type of publication... but I can't find any! I don't really know where to look I guess. Everyone I asked seems to have plenty of photographers.

AJSullivan

09/06/2007 03:47:39 PM · #13

Originally posted by kellian:

I have thought of hooking up with some type of publication... but I can't find any! I don't really know where to look I guess. Everyone I asked seems to have plenty of photographers.

There are a ton of "zines" floating around the internet that might be able to make you look "legit"

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

09/06/2007 04:15:53 PM · #14

Those "zines" are hit or miss. I personally haven't had any luck because they don't have the pull to get photos passes.

I can tell someone just starting how to get into small shows without hassle. Easiest and should be first step is contact the band via email and offer free photos in exchange for a pass. Small start out bands will always say yes. Sometimes I just show up and wait for someone to tell me to leave. That works, but if you don't know the door guys, they may not let you in with a bag of gear.

Best stategy for slightly larger gigs is to contact the opening band and ask for a pass in exchange for photos. They will almost always say yes and once youre in youre in. When the opening band finishes, go up to the stage, shake their hands talk a bit while they break down their gear. This makes it look like you belong which at this point you do. Be ready for the headline band. Shoot fast when they start and get your must have shots done quick. When you looked like you belonged earlier, this may be enough for the headlining band manager to ignore you, he may assume you are their for the venue. If he notices you and asks to leave you will be glad you shot fast. Be nice, drop a card and always send them something, even if its a few shots.

Remember that you cannot sell these photos. You have nothing signed by the band saying you can and if they make trouble it could affect you getting into a future show.

Last bit, if you are shooting where you don't have a pass and there is a good chance you will be kicked out, always, always carry all your gear with you. You do not want to argue with security that your bag is still back stage. Also never hand over your gear. If they ask say no and escort yourself out.

As a newbie, they (bands, managers, venue security) think you are the same as the hack in the front row with the cell phone camera. Its their job to kick you out, don't take offense. What you should do is send them photos quickly that completely blow them away. Ive had people email me asking if I could shoot the next time they are in town after I completely crashed their show with my camera in hand and got kicked out by their manager.

Thats a pretty good way to deal with small to medium venues, any advice on how to get into larger venues, I am all ears.

pearlseyes

Canon EOS R7

09/09/2007 09:04:59 PM · #15

I found this link and thought several might enjoy as well.
//www.photocritic.org/2006/live-band-concert-photography/

09/11/2007 11:47:34 AM · #16

Update on my shoot the other night in which I got in some trouble. Turns out the band manager complained up a storm to the venue which promted emails to me. I know the booking agent at the venue because he is the booking agent for a band I shoot for exclusively. He said they were not happy and it looked bad for everyone and caused undue stress to a bunch of people at the venue.

First off, if you are playing the side room of a venue for at most 800 people at capacity, it wasn't sold out so probably more like 500, who are you to get all bent out of shape when someone weilding $5K worth of gear offers you free promo photos. How big does he think his band is? Its not like he just sold out MSG, its a small venue on a Weds night. Also, this band accepts photos from all their fans, even the cell phone jackasses in the front row. I wanted to give pro grade shots and he gets pissed and complains. Most people have to pay for that stuff. Nice gratitude. I hope he treats all his fans this way. I even contacted the band to give them the photos because they ask you to contact the webmaster for file requirements, yet no response. Not only did I bring MY expensive equipment into a bar setting with fog machines and drunk idiots to shoot for free, but they won't even take them. I will say they are hands down better than anything on their site.

Nothing worse than bands who think they are the shit, but when you step back, they are still playing bars and small venues. Sell out a real room or play for 65000 at a festival and then you can give me crap about being there.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

09/11/2007 12:03:28 PM · #17

Find out which radio stations are promoting the shows, doing the ads, and connect there. If you get to know the powers that be at the stations, you can then get into all kinds of events. Show up at their live covered events to meet the DJ's and work back up the line from there. They have egos, so a few nice prints of them working, esp with high profile people will go a long way.
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Hank Jr 1978 or so.

kent

Olympus E-10

09/11/2007 12:43:55 PM · #18

I find it's always best to be up front and ask someone... Larned this the hard way after I got kicked out by Dylan's tour manager (even though I had a press pass). Those guys are paid to be assholes. Make your intentions clear up front via e-mail or in-person and see what happens from there. Good luck!