Concert/gig photography

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JKP photographic

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I can't really decide what section this should go in so if a mod thinks this isn't the appropriate place then please find it a good home.

So my question is, how do you get media passes for concerts or gigs?
All the good images I see of bands are from very close to the front and arn't full of other peoples arms and heads and I wouldn't really feel comfortable going into a mosh pit with £2k on a strap around my neck..
 
Generally speaking you apply through the bands PR company, unless you know the band or its management. They give you a photo pass which, again generally, allows you to shoot from the pit for 3 songs Normally no flash allowed.

You would normally have to be shooting for and agency, paper, mag,webzine, radio station etc in order to get the pass. At the end of the day its publicity the band is after.......and there is no money in it!!

Dunc
 
You will be very lucky to even get a DSLR into a concert. Ive had AAA passes and the buggers still start trying to tell you, you cant bring a camera in.

The easiest way is to find a band and become thier "official" photographer. As they get bigger and move up the venues, you'll get more and more contacts and probably end up either freelance with bands coming to you or with a magazine.

You cant simply say I want a photo pass, it just doesnt work like that, you need to be either with the band, or with some sort of publication, be it print or digital.
Ive travelled all over Europe with one band, and a freind of mine is freelanceand in very high demand, flying all over the world with different bands. She just got back from a Bon Jovi tour. She started just by shooting local bands for free and getting the experience and contacts.
 
I was at a gig once where the photographer's second was there just to clear a space in the mosh pit when he wanted to shoot so take a burly friend :)
 
i do that at metal gigs look for someone big and ask him to watch my back while i go in :D

photo pass? often at small local gigs i just turn up,i figure i am doing them a favour.
i cant remember the last time i paid entry or was refused to take photos.
then again i have worked hard photographing local bands and helping promoters and local music press.

wouldnt try that at the o2 etc. as they are terrible often even when you have a pass.

my advice is to ask they can only say no :)
 
Have you any experience? Do you know what you are doing when shooting a gig?

Not being funny, but unless you do then you should not apply for passes for bigger bands. Practice on the small bands, make a name for yourself locally. Then you need an outlet for the pics (your Flickr/Website is not enough) and make sure you deliver.

Basically it is hard work, not much fun at times, terrible if any pay unless you are very lucky and not as glamourous as many think.

If you do this, do it for the love, not the money otherwise you will be very disappointed very quickly.
 
ding76uk said:
Have you any experience? Do you know what you are doing when shooting a gig?
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Nope.
Well. thats not strictly true.
I used to be in a band and my brother is in a band and I have taken some pictures at an outdoor gig my brothers band did.
But that was with a D40 and kit lens. I would say they were good snaps as opposed to decent pictures..

But I am a great believer in learn by doing. Which is how I have learnt photography.
RTFM and then have a go. Look at other peoples pictures and see what you like and then work out how it was done then try it.

I understand what you're saying though and will probably start going to local gigs and seeing what I can get.
 
JKP photographic said:
I understand what you're saying though and will probably start going to local gigs and seeing what I can get.
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If you hone your skills learning with small Pub type gigs, then you have the experience to shoot bigger stuff, and will enjoy it more.

It is a small world in the music industry and it is easy to get a bad reputation, not saying you would but it can and does happen.

There is a really good piece by Daniel Boud on getting in to concert photography that is worth a read.

Pt 1. here

http://www.boudist.com/archive/2007/02/07/concert-photography-masterclass.php
 
TCR4x4 said:
The easiest way is to find a band and become thier "official" photographer. As they get bigger and move up the venues, you'll get more and more contacts and probably end up either freelance with bands coming to you or with a magazine.
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I have my first pro-level shoot in a week's time due to a similar route. Next week, my brother-in-law is directing a silent movie gig with live musical improv soundtrack. Out of the blue he asked me to do the official pics on the strength of 10 years of acting as unofficial second photographer at family events (Greek family so LOTS of events!). The musicians are professionals of long standing, in some cases household names, so I'm half chuffed and half terrified!

It's all completely unpaid but I view it as a great opportunity to learn something new, hopefully get some good pics in a new environment, and who knows where it might end up.
Click to expand...
 
Yes I would absolutely agree about doing some local gigs. Contact the band and you probably will be pleasantly surprised! Its great experience and you can usually shoot until you drop, great practice and you can try out different settings and see the results. In big gigs you simply do not have the time you have to be 'sorted' so all you are looking for is good shots, not wondering why they are not looking good.
I did one for a friend in a local punk band [see Hotwired on my Flickr] and had a great time and got to practice with flash in all sorts of ways. had a great time and met some nice people, who knows what contacts could come of it?!
You can get good stuff with basic kit [I am not refering to you...!] but for top quality, or even just to get a shot at all in some circumstances you need top quality camera and fastglass.
Have fun!
 
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