Press Pass. Festivals. Help!

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I have got myself a couple of photography passes for a number of festivals this summer.

Got a couple of questions, would be grateful for some help!

How many images would I give to the events people for giving me the press pass? Which rights are mine, and which are theirs? Should I be allowed to sell the photos on to magazines, the bands themselves etc, or is this generally not allowed?

& so on and so forth! :) Even better if anyone else does festivals or has done and can let me know what they stipulate!

Thanks in advance. Aye.
 
I must admit I'm surprised to be the first person to say this, but didn't you check this when you applied?

Also, why are you covering festivals with a press pass if you don't have clients?

Apologies if you do and you're just unsure of the form but we do get some requests for advice from complete amateurs who really have no right to be getting press passes.
 
MissV said:
I have got myself a couple of photography passes for a number of festivals this summer.

Got a couple of questions, would be grateful for some help!

How many images would I give to the events people for giving me the press pass? Which rights are mine, and which are theirs? Should I be allowed to sell the photos on to magazines, the bands themselves etc, or is this generally not allowed?

& so on and so forth! :) Even better if anyone else does festivals or has done and can let me know what they stipulate!

Thanks in advance. Aye.
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I do a lot of gig photography and unfortunately you may not find out about what rights you may have to give up until you get to the gig! Someone may produce a 'rights grab' contract and you have the choice of signing or walking.

In general terms, unless you sign it away, the rights are all yours for editorial use. That means you can sell to mags etc but not print on your new range of T shirts. Festivals can be more hit and miss, the organisers may have a global rule/contract or it could be a free for all!

Get along and avoid signing anything and enjoy. Chat to other togs, management its all learning.

Good luck

Dunc
 
jamesb84 said:
I must admit I'm surprised to be the first person to say this, but didn't you check this when you applied?

Also, why are you covering festivals with a press pass if you don't have clients?

Apologies if you do and you're just unsure of the form but we do get some requests for advice from complete amateurs who really have no right to be getting press passes.
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I agree with James on this, if you have managed to obtain a press pass (im assuming as a freelancer) then you really should have researched this before you applied.

Have you spoken to the people in charge of Media for the events, i should think if you have been accredited they will have a list of what you can/cannot do.

Copyright is yours unless you specifically waive your right to it, license agreements may form part of the terms of receiving accreditiation, again this is something you really should know before you begin the application process
 
I disagree with James and Rover, at least to some extent, Yes the OP might have asked but in my experience decisions on 'contracts' are rarely made by the PR company but by the tour management. The bigger the band the more onerous it is likely to be. Generally speaking I don't get asked to sign anything, when there is its often left with someone at the venue reception desk who has no idea what you signing. However it is not a good idea to be deceitful with bands and their managements because there are only about a dozen or so PR companies and the word can get around...
I also think it slightly patronising to suggest that the OP should have 'customers' before setting out! The OP is clearly just starting out and doesn't work for Rolling Stone or Mojo. You need a portfolio to even dream of that!

I think she has done well to get the passes, the real issue for her is to get good shots and do credit to her trade.

Dunc
 
Everyone always seems to be on the defensive here these days, it really does put me off asking questions at all, and I generally sit for ages trying to make sure i've got everything in so I don't get backlash straight away! I am not an amateur, and the turn of events was that I got offered the pass, and now i'm trying to sort it out. (in reference to Rovers Andy and JamesB.. and that isn't meant to sound really snappy, its been a looong day! :()

Right. The people organising the events side of the festivals seen my work through a friend who presents a radio show, and in conversation it came up that would I like to photograph the event and get a pass and give them some images after, my friend was getting one as she's interviewing all the bands. Blah de blah.

Of course, I said that would be great! She said fabulous, she'll send it over.

& that was that.

I was gonna ask her what the deal was with rights etc from her end, but that gives her the ball and therefore i'm going in without anything from my side. Therefore I figured if I asked for some help, I could get some kind of idea what other photographers go in with. I thought If I email saying hey, with the images i'm going to do and get X and you can get X, how does that sound? Is better and easier to come to agreements, than straight out asking her in which she may say I get nothing (unlikely, but you need to be careful, and professional. Asking her straight out also makes it sound unprofessional.) & whilst i've photographed bands and done gigs, promo shots etc, i've never actually covered a festival for an actual 'company'?, and was just asking for any advice.

Thanks to the other guys :)
 
jamesb84 said:
Also, why are you covering festivals with a press pass if you don't have clients?
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I can't understand why this was asked in a way implying it would be wrong to do it with out clients.

Clients want you to have some festival shooting experience, yet your not allowed to shoot without client so how do you get that experience (chicken-egg).

Unless those who have done it all before just want to set-up some form of closed shop and not allow newcomers in to the game.
 
whiteflyer said:
I can't understand why this was asked in a way implying it would be wrong to do it with out clients.

Clients want you to have some festival shooting experience, yet your not allowed to shoot without client so how do you get that experience (chicken-egg).

Unless those who have done it all before just want to set-up some form of closed shop and not allow newcomers in to the game.
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I assume that this assumption came more from the fact that for most festivals, it's impossible to get the accreditation without clients ;)

Correct me if I'm assuming wrong, but it sounds like a smaller festival?

Also sounds like it was pretty much an informal arrangement, so keep it informal while getting it on paper... throw her your 'here's my bogstandard terms and conditions for taking photos sheet, protects both me and you really, so if I could just get your autograph here', I would have thought that it'd work out ok, she'll be in a positive and relaxed mood rather than 'omglegalstuff' mood ;)

say you'll give them a few from each artist etc for xyz usage, but not for them to sell on, and leave it at that?

edit: oh, and don't forget your earplugs. Surefire EP3's are military graded and the only ones that I've used that will stand up to festival PA.
 
itsdavedotnet said:
edit: oh, and don't forget your earplugs. Surefire EP3's are military graded and the only ones that I've used that will stand up to festival PA.
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Now that's a very important tip, :) I forgot mine at a small festival one year and really regretted it, had them in the bag ever since.
 
Itsdave -

Being quite informal I think all will be fine, it was just if there was anything I hadn't thought of yet! Thanks for all the advice though, and I will get earplugs!!! :)

Thanks guys.
 
whiteflyer said:
Now that's a very important tip, :) I forgot mine at a small festival one year and really regretted it, had them in the bag ever since.
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For music, they're the most important piece of kit in my bag.

The crap foam ones they give out just don't cut it if you're working in the pit, and the 'reusable' cheap plastic ones just itch to hell and back. The surefire EP3's can also take an acoustic tube earpiece if you're using two way radios.

enjoy it :D media tent at download festival had crates and crates of free tuborg... :)
 
I don't drink beer :(

They're not the major UK festivals (reading, leeds, glasto (obv as its passed)) but still a good couple of thousand people capacity with really good bands so should be really good weekends! Maybe i'll get Glasto next year and not have to buy my ticket, ha ha!

Googling ear plugs now. I really wouldn't have thought of getting them. Doh!
 
I usually shoot a couple smaller festivals every year and haven't really had a brief as to how many shots they want from me.

I just send a link to my site and tell them to choose if there are any they want for publicity.

You could ask once you're on site but the PR people/organisers prob wont care as they are run off their feet more often than not.. which could work in your favour.

I would caption the images though stating that there is a charge without mandatory photo/website credit and state that in all communications so at least your images arent out their without due recognition.

Where you shooting then? Might see you at one of the minor ones in the north of england/south scotland
 
I have a press pass and used it to get "inside the ropes" at a "festival" in peterborough the other week. Got to shoot Nicole Lawrence and Stavros Flatley. Who are the pictures for? Me. Will I sell them? No, doubt it. Did I have fun? YES!! And if I ever want to go into gig photography at least I have a few more pictures for my portfolio.

So to the OP - if you can get a press pass for a gig and want to get up close to the acts - go for it! If after the event you want to negotiate some sales - good for you. I would say that if you've got the passes and they haven't stipulated anything then you're in the driving seat. If you get some good images and they like them then name your price :D
 
MissV said:
Googling ear plugs now. I really wouldn't have thought of getting them. Doh!
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I use these earplugs, highly recommend them.

whiteflyer said:
Clients want you to have some festival shooting experience, yet your not allowed to shoot without client so how do you get that experience (chicken-egg).
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But, you're supposed to start with small gigs and work your way up, not just get access to a festival with no experience.
 
Lol...and who decides what you are 'supposed' to do? I'd be years behind in my career now if I only did what some unambitious bores told me I was supposed to do.

You got a break, make the most of it, good luck. :)
 
mid_gen said:
Lol...and who decides what you are 'supposed' to do? I'd be years behind in my career now if I only did what some unambitious bores told me I was supposed to do.
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I see what you mean, but if your lucky enough to get a break, but have no experience, chances are that you aren't going to get good shots.
 
.................. complete amateurs who really have no right to be getting press passes.[/QUOTE]



Why. Everyone has to start somewhere. I can see the point if you turn up with a 1.99 throw away camera , If you get the chance to shoot an event. Go for it !
 
Hey guys, I thought I had stated above? I've done plenty of gigs, promo shots and so on. These are just my first handful of festivals. ;) As above though, if you're a good photographer, why do you need to have done some gigs etc first?! When people do their first gig they haven't done anything before that (and so on and so on)

Thanks for all the advice, will have fun, hopefully sun will be out too!
 
KIPAX said:
Was that serious? sorry made me laugh.. not serious I hope :)
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I thought it quite strange too. Hence above of you can do a gig with no experience, but not a festival?! If you're good, YER GOOD ;)
 
the_doctor199 said:
whiteflyer said:
Clients want you to have some festival shooting experience, yet your not allowed to shoot without client so how do you get that experience (chicken-egg)
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But, you're supposed to start with small gigs and work your way up, not just get access to a festival with no experience.
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I apologise for hi-jacking the thread.

This whole press pass business has got me awfully confused. What the_doctor199 said is how I always thought it worked, and it's exactly what I've been doing. Over the past 4 to 5 months I've been going down to all local events, festivals, carnivals and gigs and taking photos as a member of the public. If I see any of the organisers around I usually approach them and let them know what I'm doing, that I'm not a member of the press and I'm really just looking to take photos to build up my portfolio and what not. A few times the organisers have even given me access to areas that the public don't have access to which is a big bonus.

So at what point would one have to start aquiring a press pass and where would one got it from?
 
MissV said:
I thought it quite strange too. Hence above of you can do a gig with no experience, but not a festival?! If you're good, YER GOOD ;)
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there are no rules.. there are ways of doing things... but its called opportunities and only a fool turns down a good opportunity :)
 
guybrush said:
So at what point would one have to start aquiring a press pass and where would one got it from?
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First off your confusing press pass with media pass.. (your not alone but if you think media it makes more sense to whats happening)

A media pass is available to anyone who asks..its up to the organisors to decide if you deserve one (deserve prob not the right word).. at small events say a village do..easy peasy.. at bigger events they will only hand them out to certain people... but they arnt for press only..

Just doing lots of festivals and gigs wont get you a media pass at a big event just because you can prove you have the ability.. they are more interested in what you are going to do with the pictures not how good or experienced you are..
 
KIPAX said:
. they are more interested in what you are going to do with the pictures not how good or experienced you are..
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Tony has summed it up very well. Manchester Pride used to be fairly free in giving out media passes for the event and pre-event media drinks and nibbles do ( which was a very nice spread), but last year they became much harder to get, and were given out on the promotion the event would get from your photos, ie which mag or paper they would be shown in, the standard of image has never been an issue.
 
whiteflyer said:
Tony has summed it up very well. Manchester Pride used to be fairly free in giving out media passes for the event and pre-event media drinks and nibbles do ( which was a very nice spread), but last year they became much harder to get, and were given out on the promotion the event would get from your photos, ie which mag or paper they would be shown in, the standard of image has never been an issue.
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I see, so you'd need good clients before you got a pass for that particular event? That sounds about right..

Although I would have thought it would be up to the publication (e.g. the magazine/newspaper that will be using the photos) to sort out a deal with the event organisers to get the passes for the photographer(s) on their books rather than the photographer directly.

I'm not exactly sure how this works with freelancers, as you don't directly have clients.. or do they?

I do apologise again for sidetracking the thread, there is definitely a lot I need to learn about the relationships between the photographer, publications & event organisers, so if anyone has any helpful websites that explain it that would be great.
 
guybrush said:
I'm not exactly sure how this works with .
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This problem does pop up now and then for me.. I am freelance.,. I ahve a UK Press Pass and I usualy get into just about most events i apply for..

However there are some that when applying state that if you are freelance you must have a letter from an editor stating you will be supplying them... which seems a bit wierd to me.. A freelancer will normally take the pics then try to sell to mags and papers... it would seem some events only want pre commisioned freelancers..

I ahve a form in front of me for euro basketball qualifications at the echo arena in liverpool that states exactly what i said above :(
 
whiteflyer said:
the standard of image has never been an issue.
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I kind of disagree here. The quality of images will be the publications issue, the organiser just wants the coverage. Publications use photographers who they know can deliver, if not most of them will be looking for different employment.

Also if the coverage in XYZ mag is appalling then the chances of them getting the credentials next time are a lot smaller.
 
ding76uk said:
But by not doing that Kipax any amount of freelancers would be able to access an event, and obviously with limited spots, they will always give passes to guaranteed coverage, which when you look at it makes sense.
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I know.. I said.. my point was that if its open to freelancers then they shouldnt put limitations on it as your working for a publication
 
KIPAX said:
Was that serious? sorry made me laugh.. not serious I hope :)
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Entirely serious.

MissV said:
I thought it quite strange too. Hence above of you can do a gig with no experience, but not a festival?! If you're good, YER GOOD ;)
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Festivals are generally considered harder to get into so getting experience in a gig environment is what most do. (I'm not disputing that if an ameteur is given an opportunity they should take it)

Anyway, leaving this thread now, well done to the OP for getting a great opportunity, best of luck.
 
MissV you need to clear up what they are expecting of you. You need to know the terms they are using you under. Being friendly and not asking straight out is fine, but the problem is that if you do this and you have given away all rights to your pics, then how would you feel.

I may be confused, but the organisers of the event are who you are doing this for. They gave you a press pass, but you have no further details?

You need to be careful as bad rep spreads fast. Make sure you know exactly what you are getting into, what they expect of you, what the rights are, how they want to use the images.

You really have no point in sending them your terms (even in a friendly email) because at the end of the day you are working for them! Paid or not, they are the client, and they always set the terms, if you do not agree, walk, but you need to know what you are dealing with.

Every gig has different things placed upon it, and to say sign nothing is a bit naive as most things you are asked to sign are just to make sure that you don't make T Shirts and Posters with your images, not to grab all your rights, that said be careful though, as it does happen.

Being frank and asking outright for terms is not unprofessional, quite the opposite in fact. If you do it now rather than the day before the festival though, as they have less time coming up to the big day.

You need to know:

What pictures they want
How they are planning to use them
When do they need them
What are your rights in terms of selling on images
Will you retain license to your images

You also need to look at things differently from a normal gig perspective too.

How much memory have you got? You will need a lot if you are shooting all day
How are you going to still shoot if it pours down with rain?
How will you edit pics on site if they need them every night?
Do you have a backup camera if your main fails?

I may be teaching Grandma to suck eggs, but these are all things that you need to have sorted ASAP so that you do a professional job for your clients. This could lead to bigger and better things if you do, but if you mess it up, you will not be getting future work from them, and possibly from anyone they know, a bad rep travels fast anyways, but where competition is so tight, it travels even faster.

P.S. Do you have a site? Always good to see other music togs work.
 
the_doctor199 said:
Festivals are generally considered harder to get into so getting experience in a gig environment is what most do..
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But a certain someone in this thread seems to think thats how you get into the big events... how? having experience gets you into nothing.. having experience means you will do a better job when you do get in...

Nothing wrong with jumping in at the deep end.. I did about 6 yrs photographing non league football then lower leagues before i did my first premier league game.. came up the hard way.. did my time... but I know people who have walked into the job and straight to premiership games... its the same concept and good luck to them.. they are friends of mine :)

Its a matter of getting the breaks.. just going to events and getting good at it wont get you into bigger events.. it takes more than just being good at it

But who am i talking to.. you have said your bit and run off have you? :)
 
Yes agree with a lot thats been said. I applied for a photpass for the Lattitude festival in Southwold [quite a few big names appearing!] and didn't get one. I deal regularly with most of the band PR companies and thought I has a good chance. Just got a nice email saying sorry just too many applications and too few slots......
Festivals are harder to get in because I think the promoters/PR companies want publicity. Still, I got a pass for Scouting For Girls on Thursday and I am trying to get one for the Saturdays..... [maybe just maybe] Oh those long legs!

Good luck Miss V!

Dunc
 
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