Glastonbury/Festival Photography

[the_local_jacko]

This year will be my 5th Glastonbury but my first since I got serious about photography. The place is an absolute paradise for photographers but an absolute nightmare for expensive kit. The primary aim is to enjoy myself with friends and not worry too much about kit or capturing images but its a golden opportunity that can't be passed by completely. I certainly don't think its a good idea to be taking the the D800 or the 24-70 f2.8 so I'm quite liking the idea is going the film route. I already have a 35mm F80 and nifty 50 which is both light and cheap to replace so I wouldn't be too disappointed with if the worst happened. I also have an iPhone 5 that will be with me and will have access to enough power for 5 full charges over the weekend so that would give me another option.

I was just wondering about others that have experience of Festival photography pros or cons and what set up they took along? It may also be nice if people were willing to share images that they have captured at Glastonbury or at other festivals?

 

[Deleted member 21335]

Hi Martin.

I will also be attending Glastonbury this year, the last festival in 2011 was my first time and I had no hesitations or problems taking my full kit at the time, which consisted of a Nikon D700, 24-70 F2.8 and 85mm F1.4G. It stayed with me during the days and at night time, I left it with the secure storage which was completely free, collection it again the following day. I have moved over to Canon now but will be taking my gear again, consisting of a similar level of gear.

As you say, the photo opportunities are too good to miss. Hopefully I will be able to do better this time with more experience.

Seeing you asked for 'em, here are a few of mine from last time.....not as good as some of course, but hopefully a little better than just 'snapshots'?













Gareth

 

[theurbanclown]

Yep, I'm going and will be taking my most of my kit; 5D MKIII, 35mm 1.4 and 85mm 1.8 - I'm not really interested in getting shots of bands.

In my eyes, there's no point having decent kit if you're afraid to use it. Just use the free lockups if you're that worried about it getting stolen, or get some good insurance.

 

[jon ryan]

Thread from last time glasto happened.

 

[the_local_jacko]

Cheers for your inputs everyone.

It's not hesitations regarding security as the lock ups are excellent and have ample insurance, its more the burden of carrying the gear and what I am likely to do with it after copious amounts of Brothers cider.

Those images are making me feel I need more than a iPhone however so in still liking the idea of the 35mm compromise in my head. As I say the primary aim is to have fun with friends and not photography but I still want to have an option there. I have a PAS also which I took last time but I think I prefer the control which an SLR will offer.

 

[shieldz]

I'm more of a Metal Head. As a result, I'm going to Download (formerly Monsters of Rock) this year. I'm tempted to take my gear too. Seing as we are taking the kids this year, I won't be getting close enough to get any of the acts, so will be looking for bagging plenty of people shots.

 

[PistolPeteUK]

I got refused entry to Creamfields with a Canon 450D & kit lens in 2011 as you had to be accredited pro to take in "pro" kit. :-(

 

[stormcrow]

I’ll be taking my D800 and 24-70mm this year along with a 10-20 and an 85mm I’m not that interested in photographing the bands so I won’t bother with anything longer than my 85mm. I often just take one lens with me for the day when I’m out bimbling then the next day take a different one this way I’m not tempted to keep changing lenses and it lightens the load, depends on how fit I’m feeling and the weather.
I generally have the camera with me during the day and leave in the lockups next to where we camp (Big Ground) in the evenings when I’m more focused on watching bands etc. and drinking.
I’ve never had a problem with taking my camera if it gets too heavy I have a break from carrying it and take my lumix compact and holga.