Photographing at Music Festivals

[mobilevirgin]

Anyone any experience of this without a press / media pass.

I'm off to Womad in a couple of weeks and am wondering whether to take the full gear and long lenses with me. Or the little Sony compact - DSC-T1.

Last year at Creamfields I saw one guy get quizzed at the gate because he had a DSLR in his bag. Eventually the security guy let him through on the basis that "I haven't seen that camera and you won't use it, will you?"

There's an obvious concern about amateurs taking "good" pics.

I've never had a problem taking the Sony anywhere, but I suspect that the 30D and my lovely new 100 - 400mm may raise a few eyebrows, or worse.

I can't find anything on the Womad site about photography. I emailed them, but no response.

Anybody got any 1st hand experience?

I'd be grateful for views

Cheers

 

[DavidJColbran]

Varys from festival to festival unfortunately - but to be honest it's easier than taking a DSLR to a gig in a venue.

I tend to cover quite a lot of world music artists - but don't bother with Womad - too many photographers already there - so the other events that I go to are much less well known and the security / organisers don't seem to mind people bringing cameras or using them - just don't expect any help, or be able to blag it into the 'togs pit.

I imagine at Womad you'll be fine - but it's worth another message or give them a call - you never know they might give you a press pass!!! I suppose the worst they will say is sorry no - and then just put'em back in the car and try the next day.

 

[petemc]

At the Knowsley Festival I saw quite a few kids in the front row with bridge cameras or 400D's. Your bags were searched at the gate too. Maybe that was a one off, not sure as it was my first major festival. David's right about gigs. I was questioned when I had a film slr cos it looked "pro" Didn't stop the others with compacts and phone cams.

 

[photostar_1]

I have been to places with my little Sony with no problem, but have seen many DSLR owners told to hand them over or go away........Check website details...they often say "no cameras with lenses that are removable". If they don't actually say that....well it MIGHT be worth the risk.....

As already said, some places never bother at all.....I went to Leeds O2 last year and I got my DSLR and two lenses in with no probs.

Personally, if the are bands on you really want to photograph, I'd risk it. BUT....I'm also looking to get a small compact with a big zoom for backup!

 

[mobilevirgin]

Thanks all for your comments. I've emailed them again, but with no response - again. I'll give them a buzz on Monday.