Going on tour ?

Bampson

Bampson

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Noel
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hi i have a decision to make and need some unbiased opinions and i was hoping you guys might be able to help .

So i was having a chat with a friend of mine who is a popular recording artist and the subject of me following him ion tour and photographing the tour came up .
He is happy for me to do it, behind the scenes, the whole thing.
The one question is how would i make any money from the images?
I was thinking of a behind the scenes book of the tour ,
Ii know a few die hard fans would buy it but realistically, would that make me the money i would need for the time i would be on tour ?

Can anyone think of another way of making money from this?
Because as much as it would be a once in lifetime opportunity for me i still have kids to feed.

any positive input would be gratefully received .

thanks
 
You could start with him paying you? Especially if he will want to use the photos on blogs etc

Depending on how big an artist he is there could also be an opportunity for stock photography if you have unique BTS shots (obviously you need to discuss all this beforehand with his management)
 
i have a meeting with management and his label next time he is in the UK . I wanted to have a few ideas before i went into the meeting because i have a feeling the label want to go with their more experienced photographer .. just never done anything like this before so looking at all the angles ..

thanks
 
If a more experienced photographer is willing to do it, there will be money in it.

Obviously you will need to say a name if you want an honest answer. If the "popular recording artist" is Elton John, then it would be definitely worth it. If it's one of the x-factor runner ups from years ago, then it probably won't be in your interests.
 
Could be worth it but money is non existent generally in music photography and being honest the only money from behind the scenes is from people doing things they aren't meant to by heat et al. Money probably not, but if you can deal with that then it will be an experience, although tours tend to have massive periods of boredom every day.
 
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Concur with above, unless its a big band there is no money in it and many want video. So many people get access to gigs now that there is a big oversupply in my view. If they are going to pay you, great, just weigh up what you are going to lose by not doing your normal job and it could be fun!!
 
If it's a tour, I take it we can rule out the 'popular recording artist' being Andy Partridge (of XTC) :)
 
Thanks guys. closer to the time i will say who it is but he has sold 10mil plus albums.

does anyone have an idea what a tour photographer is paid ? (even roughly) ?
just so i have an idea if i am being low balled, most of the contact so far has been from the Label and i don't think they will have my best interests at heart .
 
Musicman said:
If it's a tour, I take it we can rule out the 'popular recording artist' being Andy Partridge (of XTC) :)
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:lol: considering i have no clue who he is , we can be sure its not him .. now of to google to look him up ..
 
May be worth seeing if they'll take you as a roadie-cum-photographer.
 
Bampson said:
i need to update that:lol: , i have a D700 now and would look to buy a D800 if i do go on tour.
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I would maybe stick with my D700 or go for an D3s it's still one of the best high ISO cameras out their,and tough enough for life on the road.

:)
 
Bampson said:
i need to update that:lol: , i have a D700 now and would look to buy a D800 if i do go on tour.
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Why! There is no need for more than that camera and the D800 is a nightmare in terms of file size! The D700 has shot some amazing live music photos and is more than up to the job. Couple it with a 24-70 and 70-200 f2.8 is more than capable of the job. You would also need a backup though if you are the official tour photographer.
 
@ Simon i was thinking of the D3s but i think the advertising and hype around the D800 has me wanting one , and the tour would be a good excuse ..lol
 
@ding76 i might go with Simon's recommendation and try for a D3s and keep the D700 as backup . That's the logical plan but my heart is saying D800!
 
Bampson said:
@ding76 i might go with Simon's recommendation and try for a D3s and keep the D700 as backup . That's the logical plan but my heart is saying D800!
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Can I ask why? The D800 is more for studio style work, has had some issues with focussing and in terms of being on the road leaves you with huge storage issues. If your normal stuff is geared to needing the massive files and resolution, fair enough, but several music photographers have had one then swiftly switched away.

You don't "need" any new gear, but if it's a good excuse, go for it. D3s would be my vote too on the Nikon side.
 
i know your right , but don't know why i want a d800.

i think a low shutter count D3s will ultimately get the vote but i still "want" a D800...lol
 
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