Festival season

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jimmy83

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Not quite sure where to put this, mods please move if needed.

Does anyone know how photographers go about photographing at festivals? Is it just a case of emailing your best photos to the promoters? As with most things these days knowing someone who already shoots at them would help massively I bet!
 
ding76uk said:
Presuming music festivals. You need to be working for a publication etc. This means your reason for being there is to promote the festival.

Simply showing your work will not get a pass. As an example, I shoot for a photo agency and I just got turned down for shooting Boardmasters this year.
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Ok cheers, yes forgot to add-music festivals.

I would love the chance to have a go, having never shot at one do you know if you can get passes if you offer to work for free? Or at least a free ticket/pass.

In that case, would I have to email the various publications? Mixmag/DJ Mag? Bestival is a firm favourite off mine, would love to have the opportunity to shot there!
 
jimmy83 said:
I would love the chance to have a go, having never shot at one do you know if you can get passes if you offer to work for free? Or at least a free ticket/pass.
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Prepare to get beaten to death with a rolled up copy of the NUJ newsletter for uttering such words!

(just a hint: the words "working for free" don't go down too well round these parts)
 
desantnik said:
(just a hint: the words "working for free" don't go down too well round these parts)
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hahaha was waiting for someone to say that! Knew I should of left that out :lol:

Planky said:
At the Bestival on the Isle of Wight photography is allowed. :D

http://forums.sundaybest.net/site/forums/viewforum.php?forumId=15&showthread=2343&postStart=30
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Yeah only interested in Bestival. Well I would prefer a press/media pass-but not really sure how to go about trying to get one :help:
 
jimmy83 said:
Ok cheers, yes forgot to add-music festivals.

I would love the chance to have a go, having never shot at one do you know if you can get passes if you offer to work for free? Or at least a free ticket/pass.

In that case, would I have to email the various publications? Mixmag/DJ Mag? Bestival is a firm favourite off mine, would love to have the opportunity to shot there!
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What can you offer this festival by letting you photograph it? There are hundreds of accredited press there, the pits are rammed anyway and many who have legit publications are refused.

You could try emailing the mags, but what do they gain by having someone they do not know shoot the festival versus their normal photographers?

What is your experience shooting music? Have you a strong portfolio? Would you be able to approach publications and say "Here I am, look how great I am, hire me"?

Hundreds of people who are at festival love the idea of photographing it. The reality is very different. Long, long days, fighting for position against huge numbers of people in the pit, not seeing much of the festival because as soon as your first 3 are done you are in the press tent, using the dire internet connection they provide to try and send your images.

It is fun, I do love shooting them, but compared to being a festival goer the reality it is very, very far removed from the image that most people have in their heads.
 
Just wondering, if the artist owns the copyright how can the photographer assign any rights? Isn't this somewhat contradictory? Copyright can only be transferred in writing. If this agreement constitutes copyright transfer from the photographer to the artist surely the wording and references before and after that fact are non-sensical. The photographer is being asked to assign rights to a property he no longer owns. Shouldn't the transfer of copyright occur in the first sentence and then the artist assign publication rights as appropriate?
 
James, I look after photography access to a small(ish) music festival and agree totally with what has been said above.
Despite the size of the festival, we still have six official photographers plus the usual boat loads of press. The six include two local full-time photographers (both new to the festival) and two other where photography is not their main income (they will be showing the pro's around).
For pennance I'm also asking them all to look after a photography student. :)
Competition for the official photography slots is tough and I've usually decided who I want to invite several months before the festival.
Getting access via a publications is probably a much easier route, but as already pointed out it takes a serious amount of networking, persistence and luck as well as being able to take good images.

That Bestival link is interesting; I suspect there are some unstated limits on what will be tolerated.

Our festivals policy is also relaxed about the type of camera gear being brought into the festival, but photographers are expected to put the enjoyment of other festival goers ahead of getting shots and will be warned/ejected if they don't do this.
All photography must be for non-commercial use - except by prior arrangement.

Video is a problem. The contracts between the majority of artistes and the festival specifically restricts unlicensed video and puts the onus onto the festival to manage the audience. Our festival is interpreting this as phones and cameras are OK for video, but professional video equipment (e.g. external mic) won't be tolerated unless agreed well in advance with both the festival and the artiste.

On a separate note....
A photography pass doesn't mean you get to see the band.
Sound quality in the pit is usually dire, and I've heard of photographers who have shot the first three songs then been ejected from the venue.
Even at our festival the photographers won't get to see a whole set as there is way too much going on that needs covering. The festival is a lot of fun, but it's really tough work!

Given the calibre of people posting into this thread, I suspect I'm about to have various problems in the detail of what I've said pointed out forcefully and there's no way I'm getting dragged into any debate.
However, all suggestions will be considered and useful suggestions will be actioned :)
 
I'll add my tuppence worth.

Photographing festivals is my love. I've been to over 40 festivals since I was 17 and have, in the last couple of years have photographed probably about 7. (All small, less than 10,000 capacity ones). Two years ago I was probably just very lucky when I emailed a couple of small festivals with a link to my (then) website and flickr and got a pass.

Have you got any experience of gig or festival photography? A quick look at your facebook photos and I can't see any. You're not going to get a pass for any of the big name festivals such as Bestival without a publication to shoot for, and any editors would want to see your portfolio and experience.

I've now got involved with two websites, so getting passes should now be easier. However for the big name festivals such as Reading, Bestival etc, there are often 10+ photographers and writers for each site wanting to cover each one, so any pass will go to their most experienced photographers, so I'm still way off the skill and experience needed for these. Even with a publication, festival accreditation is incredibly random and down to the individual press/PR people. Some lovely, some incredibly rude! An editor/photographer I know, got turned down, by a rude email, for a small one day festival which she had covered for four previous years, yet she managed to secure a Glastonbury pass!

I would also echo that although I love festival photography, it's incredibly tiring, and while everyone else is either asleep or partying, you'll be in the media area, sober, trying to get your photos edited and submitted each day. I was verbally and physically assulted a couple of weeks ago by some sexist neanderthal who incorrectly thought I was going to be an arrogant paparazzi style photographer and block his view. :shake: You do often get access to nicer toilets/facilities though which is a big bonus at some festivals!:gag:

My advice is to get to as many gigs and small festivals as you can and build up your portfolio. The all day city centre music festivals and small festivals (less than 5,000 capacity) often have no SLR restrictions and will allow you to see loads of bands whilst photographing different venues/tents. Once you have a portfolio, then try contacting some sites. Not NME, Mixmag etc, but smaller music blogs, sites who review gigs/festivals.

I'm actually going to Hurricane Festival in Germany this weekend. I don't have a photo pass and I know I'll be looking over at the official photographers, envious and wishing I'd managed to get a pass. On the other hand knowing I can catch a favourite band's whole set, without having to dart off to another stage to photograph a rubbish bad, and can have a few beers without worrying about forgetting how to use my camera is a bonus :thumbs:
 
I've decided to post our festival's photography policy into this thread.
This is one of the most clearly worded photography policies I've read. It also managed a rare achievement in that is has unanimous support from all interested parties including the artistic director (music selection and contract negotiation), the venue managers, steward managers, press and publicity and the official photographers.

To my way of thinking it's far better than having the ambiguous statement linked to from Bestival.
It would be great if policies like this were more widely adopted.


OUR FESTIVAL'S PHOTOGRAPHY POLICY

In Short (for the web)
Amateur photographers can use any cameras they like to take still photographs provided they do not interfere with the enjoyment of other festival goers and do not use flash. No commercial photography or unlicensed video is permitted without prior consent from the Festival organisers.

Objectives
Our overriding objective with our cameras policy is to maximise the enjoyment of our festival for all festival goers. We also have a duty to ensure that we take appropriate precautions to protect the rights of our artists and members of the public.

The major source of complaint from our festival goers regarding use of cameras is where photographers approach the stage or block the view of other festival goers whilst they are taking pictures, or the use of flash photography distracting the audience and sometimes the artists.

The artists themselves reserve the rights to video production of their performances, so we do not want unlicensed video recording of performances.

At the same time we do want photographs of our event, and we are happy for these to be shared in social media, etc. But the primary aim of our festival is the enjoyment of music not the production of photographs. We do recognise that there may be people who have artistic projects that we might be happy to support. So we encourage people to contact us if they think they have a project they think we might support and want more access to photographing acts than permitted in this policy

Camera Policy
1. Only official photographers can approach the stage to take photographs during performances
2. Flash photography is not permitted
3. Professional video recording of artist performances is not permitted without the express consent of the artist performing and the festival organisers
4. Videoing performances on mobile phones or other "amateur" platforms is permitted provided it does not interfere with the other audience members enjoyment of the performance and we ask that recorders respect the artists commercial rights

Stewards
1. Will not challenge the type of equipment being brought into venues (except obviously professional video equipment)
2. Will enforce the above rules at the discretion of the venue manager
3. Will ask persistent offenders to leave the venue

Official Photographers
1. Will always wear identification when taking photographs
2. Will endeavour to minimise the disruption to the audience and performing artists
 
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ding76uk said:
What is your experience shooting music? Have you a strong portfolio? Would you be able to approach publications and say "Here I am, look how great I am, hire me"?
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Well only local bands and nightclub events. Iam considering putting together an email and emailing some of the smaller festivals to seen if I have any joy.


Thanks DuncanDisorderly & northcountrygirl for your comments aswell, some great advice in there. northcountrygirl yes I didnt really mean I was hoping to shoot the big festivals. When emailing promoters/blogs etc would you suggest me just including say five of my best photos as an email attachment?
 
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jimmy83 said:
Does anyone know how photographers go about photographing at festivals?
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A 500px journal entry recently addressed this very topic:

http://500px.com/blog/670/how-to-get-a-photo-pass-for-concerts

(Though, as I type this, it seems they're experiencing Technical Difficulties™)

Largely, it echoes the points already made here, noting also that the smaller the venue, the easier it's likely to be. That's certainly the case at the new, small venue near me, where they're perfectly fine with me wielding a D7100 + Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8.
 
120mm? In a small venue? You taking pictures of their nose hair?
 
desantnik said:
120mm? In a small venue? You taking pictures of their nose hair?
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It's surprising what you need.....
This was taken in a pub sized venue through a gap in the seated audience (max capacity about 70 people seated); meta data says 169mm on a 60D, that about 270mm in real money :)
20120219-153105-_MG_1244-S.jpg


Now both my bodies are full frame, I typically use a 70-200 with a 1.4TC, plus a 50mm f1.4, plus the X10 in case I need a panorama. It's surprising how many of my shots end up at 200mm and still need cropping in PP.

Edited to add - I'd be more concerned about the weight of that chunky Sigma lens :|
No way I'd way to lug it around a three day festival with a significant number of hours held up to eye level.
Could use a monopod, but I've found them a real PITA as I rarely stand in one spot long enough to make it worth while.
 
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Well someone dropped me a facebook message and offered me a press-pass to shoot Bestival. I can't quite believe it :D
 
DuncanDisorderly said:
Nice :cool:
Have fun and I'd love to see some of the images when you get back.
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Thanks, I can't wait for it!

Iam meeting the women who is arranging things tomorrow. I have a list of questions...can anyone think of anything I will need to ask? I really want to try and prep for every situation!
 
Have any of you guys shot at Bestival before? Iam trying to prep the best I can.

Iam also looking at hiring out a lens for it. Can anyone tell me what focal lengths photographers use at festivals?

My current lens setup is

Canon 24-105 f4 IS L
50mm 1.8

Tamron 17-50 VC f2.8
70-300 VC F4/5:56

Which I use with a 7D and 40D as my backup
 
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I reckon those lenses will do fine.
Your biggest challenge is going to be swapping lenses; if it is dusty then it is a mare and if it is muddy then you can't put anything down.
For an illustration of mud have a look at this; drop anything while changing lenses/batteries/cards and it is likely to either vanish into the depths or be a write-off.
I use two bodies and try to avoid changing lenses unless I have to.
You should consider using both bodies. Perhaps the 40D on the 24-105 and the 7D on the long lens ?

Also worth thinking about your bag.
A messenger style bag or a wide rucksack is very difficult to get through crowds.
I've got a slimline backback (no side pockets) with an all weather cover and access from the back (Lowepro flipside sport); means if I need to then I can lay it in the mud and get proper access to the bag and none of my straps or kit get muddy; when the bag isn't over-stuffed I can also get to all my gear without putting it down, but that doesn't usually work that well for me :)

It is worth packing a head-torch to use while sorting your kit out as the corners where people aren't standing usually have no light.
I also carry a bottle of water, some wet wipes and an extra layer in case I get cold. Plus I have occasionally caught my self shaking with fatigue; so carrying a Mars Bars for instant energy is sensible.

Have fun :)
 
DuncanDisorderly said:
I reckon those lenses will do fine.
Your biggest challenge is going to be swapping lenses; if it is dusty then it is a mare and if it is muddy then you can't put anything down.
For an illustration of mud have a look at this; drop anything while changing lenses/batteries/cards and it is likely to either vanish into the depths or be a write-off.
I use two bodies and try to avoid changing lenses unless I have to.
You should consider using both bodies. Perhaps the 40D on the 24-105 and the 7D on the long lens ?

Also worth thinking about your bag.
A messenger style bag or a wide rucksack is very difficult to get through crowds.
I've got a slimline backback (no side pockets) with an all weather cover and access from the back (Lowepro flipside sport); means if I need to then I can lay it in the mud and get proper access to the bag and none of my straps or kit get muddy; when the bag isn't over-stuffed I can also get to all my gear without putting it down, but that doesn't usually work that well for me :)

It is worth packing a head-torch to use while sorting your kit out as the corners where people aren't standing usually have no light.
I also carry a bottle of water, some wet wipes and an extra layer in case I get cold. Plus I have occasionally caught my self shaking with fatigue; so carrying a Mars Bars for instant energy is sensible.

Have fun :)
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Cheers for the reply Duncan.

I was planing on using the 24-105 L with the 7D as thats the lens I will prob use most and the 7D is the better camera. Yup again I was planing on carrying two cameras round with me. So like you say I don't really want to have to change lenses.

Good point with the backpack...I was going to try to squeeze all my kit into one bag....it's just a normal style backpack type. I do have a Lowepro Slingshot but couldnt get on with that.

Head torch and other bits again, wise words-thanks.

I'am thinking of hiring the 24-70 f2.8 or maybe a UWA
 
jimmy83 said:
Cheers for the reply Duncan.

I was planing on using the 24-105 L with the 7D as thats the lens I will prob use most and the 7D is the better camera. Yup again I was planing on carrying two cameras round with me. So like you say I don't really want to have to change lenses.

Good point with the backpack...I was going to try to squeeze all my kit into one bag....it's just a normal style backpack type. I do have a Lowepro Slingshot but couldnt get on with that.

Head torch and other bits again, wise words-thanks.

I'am thinking of hiring the 24-70 f2.8 or maybe a UWA
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The lens you would be best hiring is a 70-200 f2.8. Presuming you have main stage access then you will need the length this lens offers and it will be the main lens you will use all weekend.

The 2 camera thing is up to you. I only shoot one and change lenses as needed. It is extra weight to carry and when trekking about a site all day it is the last thing you need. To me it gets in the way and I worry about it being damaged in the pit. Some people swear by it though, it's up to you. Dust, mud etc. is a fact of life, you can always clean your sensor.

Here is my kit for festivals (to be fair alomst every live music show)

One camera body

24-70 f2.8 (when shooting crop the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 ws my go to lens for club shows)

70-200 f2.8

Flashgun for crowd stuff later on. Off camera cord gives more options to get a little creative with lighting.

Laptop etc. for transmitting images

You could add a prime if you wanted

I would always have a spare camera at my hotel / in car in case the main body fails, but travel light is best.

It is easy to pack everything, but you will use little. If you really want to take it leave it secure in the boot of your car (as long as your insurance covers it) and if you feel you need it, go get it.
 
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Great advice cheers Ding. Will write a longer message later.

What about CF cards? Do you shoot jpeg the whole time?
 
jimmy83 said:
Great advice cheers Ding. Will write a longer message later.

What about CF cards? Do you shoot jpeg the whole time?
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I always shoot RAW. You can shoot RAW and JPEG if time is of the essence to get images away, but especially as it gets darker you can tweak images much easier obviously using the RAW files.

As many CF cards as you have would be good. I have about 70-80GB worth of 16 & 8 GB cards.
 
I only use RAW; reason is that colour casts are normal for stages.
Even when the performer is lit by a white spotlight the other illumination means different sides of their face will have different colour casts.
With RAW I can decide which part of the face I want natural looking skin tone, apply that to the whole image and fix the rest of the image as needed.

Raw also gives me a fighting chance to pull back unattractive highlights like an overexposed arm or a shiny forehead.

Canon RAW uses lossless compression and are not as big as you might expect; typically 3 to 4 times the size of a camera generated high quality JPEG.
I usually take 500 to 1000 images in a full festival day. The 5DIII has the luxury that with two 16Gb cards inserted then I never need to swap the cards or battery, but download and recharge at the end of the day.
 
Do you guys reckon my 17-50 will be wide enough?

Just noticed there are Tactually three different types of the 70-200... mark 1 and 2 plus the non IS version which version do you guys suggest?
 
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Well done James on getting into Bestival :) :) :)

Make sure you have LOTS of memory cards, dont fill them, I always leave about 10% free and if you're getting close to filling and a band is changing, change the memory cards then. Be as optimal with all of your timing (from the photographs themselves to changing memory cards, swapping lenses, camera's). Try and get into the rhythm of the music to predict when something is going to happen. Try and enjoy the music too. :)
 
Cheers Carl, yeah just order another two 16GB CF Cards so will have about 70GB only have three batteries for the main camera tho have ordered another but it might not come in time. But there are charging points for press which I have access too...

Just got this email via the firm iam photographing for...what do you make of it? Doesn't look like I will have pit access for the main and big top(second stage) :( :( :( I will email them and try to find out.

When taking photos is it similar to other festivals where you can only take photos, for example, for the first three songs or for the first 15 minutes of each of the artists sets? We only issue a very small number of photopasses for the actual Main Stage + Big Top photopits as we have official Bestival photographers constantly taking photos from those areas and uploading them for free media usage via our website – your photographer will be able to shoot from the crowd at all times, but to be honest he is free to take shots anywhere else on site at any time – the real best shots are usually shots of madcap people around the site we find!
 
jimmy83 said:
Just got this email via the firm iam photographing for...what do you make of it? Doesn't look like I will have pit access for the main and big top(second stage) :( :( :( I will email them and try to find out.

When taking photos is it similar to other festivals where you can only take photos, for example, for the first three songs or for the first 15 minutes of each of the artists sets? We only issue a very small number of photopasses for the actual Main Stage + Big Top photopits as we have official Bestival photographers constantly taking photos from those areas and uploading them for free media usage via our website – your photographer will be able to shoot from the crowd at all times, but to be honest he is free to take shots anywhere else on site at any time – the real best shots are usually shots of madcap people around the site we find!
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Yup, quite normal - don't take it personally :)
Here's a link to a gallery from a local photographer who got the same deal as you to Glastonbury. She didn't have pit access, but she had a blimmin great time and I'm seriously jealous.

Also I sort out photography for a local festival and what they say is dead right.
The festival wants images of happy looking punters in locations that are recognisable as that festival; those are the ones that will get the majority of hits on their website and will also get used in promoting next year's festival.
Shots of the artistes are fun to take, but the festival gallery only needs a small number of them. They won't be used in next year's flyers as the bands prefer their own images to be used.

I used to try and have a mission to take images of every act that took part; it was knackering. With hind-sight those images aren't what the festival really needs and aren't what the punters want to see dominating festival gallery.
As long as the festival gets one or two decent shots of the headline acts with the crowds bouncing around then everyone is happy :)
 
DuncanDisorderly said:
Yup, quite normal - don't take it personally :)
Here's a link to a gallery from a local photographer who got the same deal as you to Glastonbury. She didn't have pit access, but she had a blimmin great time and I'm seriously jealous.
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Well I am quite sad as it looks like I won't get pit access :( I realise I should be thankful - but if iam honest iam abit gutted to have found out now :(

Now I am not really sure if its worth my while hiring a lens :/

DuncanDisorderly said:
Also I sort out photography for a local festival and what they say is dead right.
The festival wants images of happy looking punters in locations that are recognisable as that festival; those are the ones that will get the majority of hits on their website and will also get used in promoting next year's festival.
Shots of the artistes are fun to take, but the festival gallery only needs a small number of them. They won't be used in next year's flyers as the bands prefer their own images to be used.

I used to try and have a mission to take images of every act that took part; it was knackering. With hind-sight those images aren't what the festival really needs and aren't what the punters want to see dominating festival gallery.
As long as the festival gets one or two decent shots of the headline acts with the crowds bouncing around then everyone is happy :)
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Many thanks, some good point there.
 
Well iam off early Thursday morning feel pretty prepared weather does look great at the mo tho which is my main worry :(

Managed to hire the Canon 70-200 f2.8 for it aswell :)

If anyone has any last minute tips please let me know. Iam quite nervous and extremely excited about it all!
 
Relax, chill and try not to rush around. Arrive early and make a plan with the time table
 
desantnik said:
Relax, chill and try not to rush around. Arrive early and make a plan with the time table
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Thanks...iam constantly thinking all I will doing us running from stage to stage trying to cram everything in!

Just heard that I might have to send photos from site each day aswell which I didn't really agree to. Not to mention I don't have my own laptop to use :/
 
LOL detailed running order and site map, tell me another, you are killing me :D

My other tip - see if you can get an explanation of where the media centre is before you get there on the day.... almost certainly nobody you ask there will know...
 
Yeah - but you never know unless you ask.
I try and do this for the festival I look after photography for.
Other festivals I've photographed the information has usually been available even it has been a rough and ready Excel spreadsheet. Admittedly, me getting the info may have been the stirling efforts of the people I've been teamed with rather than handed out without being asking for.
 
desantnik said:
LOL detailed running order and site map, tell me another, you are killing me :D

My other tip - see if you can get an explanation of where the media centre is before you get there on the day.... almost certainly nobody you ask there will know...
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Thanks, yes I got the site map and know where the media center is :)
 
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