Gig Photography

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wookie6262

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Simon
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I've wanted to try some concert photography for a long time. The Alarm, who I have watched many times over the last 30 years were good enough to give me a press pass last night in Edinburgh. It was quite last minute and I never really had the opportunity to ask what that pass entitled me to so I took a position on the balcony and just stayed there. It was great to watch a band I love and take a few, well a few thousand, shots of them as they did their thing.

A few questions for any of those who take pics of gigs regularly. What access does the press pass give and how do you get access to more gigs. Is it just a case of emailing the bands management and hoping to secure a pass. I already had a ticket last night as I would have been there with or without my camera but if you shoot gigs does it always involve buying a ticket for the Gig.

Here are a few of my favourites from last night, a great show.

The Alarm by Simon Wootton, on Flickr

The Alarm by Simon Wootton, on Flickr

The Alarm by Simon Wootton, on Flickr

The Alarm by Simon Wootton, on Flickr

The Alarm by Simon Wootton, on Flickr

The Alarm by Simon Wootton, on Flickr
 
I play in a band that does a fair few gigs across the continent and has toured USA.
Generally hopeful pressers contact us/our management through our FB page [ https://www.facebook.com/sadloversandgiants/ ] and we guest list them.
For our gigs that gives them access all areas from soundcheck through to after party.

YMMV
 
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A press pass isn't always the same as a photo pass, so I would specify a photo pass when applying.
The usual deal for photos is "First three, no flash." meaning first three songs from the pit.
You've got a great set there so you don't need any advice on that front, any other general queries shout up.
 
Graham W said:
A press pass isn't always the same as a photo pass, so I would specify a photo pass when applying.
The usual deal for photos is "First three, no flash." meaning first three songs from the pit.
You've got a great set there so you don't need any advice on that front, any other general queries shout up.
Click to expand...

Thanks Graham, great info. That is what I seem to be reading regarding the pit. It was a photo pass I had. To be honest I was quite happy up in the gods as it meant I wasn't in the way and could get a decent view. I have seen a few shots from the pit at the gig and they do have that bit more intimacy and impact but when you come out from the pit it must be tricky getting a good vantage point. Might invest in some high heals. I suppose a flip screen would be very beneficial to allow shooting over the crowds heads. I'm not looking to do this for a living just to increase my skills as a photographer and have some fun. I don't want to get in the way of paying customers if I can help it.

After you leave the pit how do you get a good vantage point. I appreciate each Gig and venue will be different. A wee stool set up at the side would have been perfect last night but not sure if that would have been allowed.

I am a decent photographer technically so should do ok on that front but it is building the relationships with the promoters etc that will be tricky for me. I only have these shots as a portfolio so I will have to work on some other local bands so they can see it is worthwhile giving me a pass as they will get some good photos.

How do you deliver the shots to the band.
 
wookie6262 said:
After you leave the pit how do you get a good vantage point. I appreciate each Gig and venue will be different.
Click to expand...


You don't. First three means first three. No photography beyond that. It's virtually the same in every concert.

The other minor thing is that press/photo passes are for members of the press; ie those that can generate publicity for the band.
 
DemiLion said:
You don't. First three means first three. No photography beyond that. It's virtually the same in every concert.

The other minor thing is that press/photo passes are for members of the press; ie those that can generate publicity for the band.
Click to expand...

I have a relationship with that band so they were just giving me a pass as a favour. I gave them images in return. Good info though, so thanks
.
 
Your pics look pretty good to me.

I've volunteered at a local venue, went for the experience. Was great, the bands were always happy to have a snapper, access pretty well anywhere, just not getting in the way. Ear plugs a necessity. Did tribute bands and oldie like Roy Wood and Dr Feelgood, Georgie Fame in the distant past! Of course, they want pics for free. I would say its hard to make a lot of money doing this. I blagged my way to a 'bigger' band in Southampton as a 'photographer' - first 3 songs that was it. I did a few from the back of the hall, got told off by 'security'. Eventually went up to the balcony and took a couple quietly before just enjoying the music. Ear plus definitely needed! Gave it up as I got bored and moved onto sport. It was the noise that put me off, too.
 
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