Photo's @ Concerts?

[Nellie73]

I saw some fab pics of Katy Perry yesterday that somebody had posted up here, from a concert & it got me to thinking how concert places react to camera's! I tried taking my DSLR into a concert @ the MEN a few years ago & was told it had 2 be checked in @ security & could only be released on my exit... I snuck past the booth I was directed to but didn't dare take the camera out from my bag... since then I've only taken my point & shoot which is small enough to sneak in... Could it just have been MEN or has anybody else had similar problems? I'd hate to try again in case I really did have to part with it for the evening!

 

[Duncan.F]

Yes DSLR's are usually not allowed at gigs... You would need to get a press pass to take one in!

 

[RjLPhotography]

I'd personally go to venues/gigs where non-profit, or the typical run of the mill pub bands are playing. They might not be recognisable to millions but the demand is there, aswell as the fact you would likely be one in less than a handful of professional photographers capturing the event.

A good photograph always goes down well with the group and i've had met some pals doing the occasional 'tour' with the bands. They've always recommended my work and later used the images for posters/flyers and event pages. Doing this with the bigger bands means you're competing against a wide factor of variables all of which are working against you.

 

[TinySpark]

Hey Helen,

I posted the Katy Perry photos the other day so might be able to help with this! Arena's & most venues like that won't allow anything they see as 'professional' in.. Although depending on what camera you have you might be able to get away with it.
I've brought my old Sony A100 to concerts before and told to put it away after taking some photos with it using the viewfinder, making it obvious it was a DSLR. I then brought my friend's Sony A55 to Lady Gaga, and nobody said a thing. I think it was the small size of it and the fact I was using live view made it less obvious.

Nowadays I bring my Sony A580 in, my chunkier DSLR. I haven't been bothered while shooting the show. I think this is down to the fact I had a small lens on it (50mm prime) so it could look a bit like a bridge camera (even though its a good bit bigger!) and also because I would normally use live view in concerts. Saying that, I still conceal it well bringing it into venues just incase they turn me away!

Anyways, I guess you could try it but you'd have to be a bit sneaky about it, though it's still risky. Security could take your camera and it may be damaged in their hands :/
I love shooting concerts, but yeah.. just as long as you know the risks!

 

[straycat]

i take of the lens hood and try to be covered by the crowd if i dont have a pass
its not ideal though

heres iggy taken with my compact [lx3] its up close and personell shooting on instinct

 

[Iris]

I really wish I'd taken my DSLR in to James at the Sage yesterday - even from my seat I reckon I could have got a few shots. I did take a point&shoot in though. I'm going to a gig on Saturday but I'll be drinking so my camera is staying at home.

My Uncle regularly performs at a local open mic acoustic night & he's said I'm welcome to take my camera there which I'm hoping will be a good place to start