In Concert
I really love shooting concerts, the music, the energy and the tunnel vision
through the viewfinder trying to capture that peak moment when everything
comes together in a single picture. It's a shame really that nobody is willing
to pay for a good shot these days. Regardless here are some of my shots
for critique or enjoyment.
Thanks for looking!
btw.. why is there no dedicated event forum? We should get one :thumb
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through the viewfinder trying to capture that peak moment when everything
comes together in a single picture. It's a shame really that nobody is willing
to pay for a good shot these days. Regardless here are some of my shots
for critique or enjoyment.
Thanks for looking!btw.. why is there no dedicated event forum? We should get one :thumb
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“To consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk.”
― Edward Weston
― Edward Weston
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Comments
Thank you!
I shot these for fun only at a public, entrance free, open air concert where the city was the event
manager (= no pass needed). The last frame is from a concert in a small bar/club where I was
photographing for a local university news site. The editor contacted the event manager so they
would wave me through as a "press" person on the entrance (plus I got flashy card thingy from the news site).
These closed events are usually so small and uninteresting for the big media there is no problem
getting in. Problem is getting paid. As soon as you show the images to the bands they are all crazy
about them and want a CD. When you ask for compensation you never hear back from them.
About getting close. I am always between the crowd and the stage with one or two other guys chimping
and waving their L glass, no problem getting there since there are rarely any barriers. It's alot of fun
really. But never forget the earplugs
― Edward Weston
Was actually wondering about the press pass a couple weekends ago (when we went to a concert). I'm not much into the concert photography thing (one doesn't get out much anymore with a 1.5 year old and #2 on it's way), but I was wondering if anybody knows if there is a "general" pass one could get? Any idea? I guess you're from germany, so things are different .... but was just wondering if there is anything like that.
A good friend of mine works for a concert "press" company, so she gets in everywhere, and gets to meet the coolest people (insert jealous face here, haha). But does anybody know how things work when you're "on your own"?
Nothing like slipping THAT one in there sneakily, Angie - CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
/end threadnap
Hmm ... good question. My guess is that you need to contact the event manager (em) in any case,
because he/she is the one who will put you on the list (and issue a press pass if needed). The guys
from the news agencies are most of the time well known to the em and only need to carry their
companys press ids to be allowed in. But a press pass alone is not worth anything if the em doesn't
recognize it. Your friend should be able to tell you how it works. Needless to say that you are an
amazing photographer, they (your friend) should be able to have you go shoot a concert for them once in a while
― Edward Weston
You're right, contacting the venue is probably the smartest. I got in touch with one band a couple of years ago (we were planning to see our favorite band, and I figured I'd try). They were not the least bit interested (haha). Oh well, was worth the quick email ... but had my heart broken after that
I'll try again next time we're going to see anybody fun .... you never know
Keep up the great work, I really like your composition and the eye for the perfect moment!
That made me smile
― Edward Weston
Concert photography is fun, but you only get the first 3 songs no flash and then you are escorted out.
In the past month I have shot Night Ranger, Loverboy, 33 Miles, Taylor Swift and Rodney Atkins to name a few, and always looking for more. But for example some bands will require that you sign a rights grab release that allows you to only use the photos for the publication you are shooting for, you cannot use them for your portfolio, facebook or anything. Some will have different shoot rules, like Taylor Swift was only songs 2 & 3.
EDIT: Ahhh a little digging and here it is: http://www.dgrin.com/showthread.php?t=31120&highlight=Concerts The One Stop Live Music Thread...started my Le Dude..from DC..........
i've been doing a lot of work for the local bands, bars and performers (acrobats, mimes etc)
It all starts with a communication to a manager or band directly.
Free is what i end up being 9 times out of 10.. like it or not, and it sucks. I did cover a very large band (internationally), and was told that "while they loved my images, it must have been payment enough that I got to shoot them"..
but to answer your question, you do need to reach out to bands, talk to them, and see if they want you to shoot for them. Most of the time, they do. I can't remember when I paid for cover / drinks at the venues.
I found that I like working "on my own" because nobody is pushing their image preference down my throat. Bands usually point out a shot or two that they would like to be taken, and then it is your free flight.
Just make sure that they sign the release forms.. or you can get sued like I did..
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The way I see it there lies some great freedom in cherry picking your own events and shooting for your
own enjoyment trying to get the pictures that you want and not somebody else. In my experience the
biggest mistake is to try to market the images to anybody else except the band if you don't have a
signed release. Otherwise you are practically begging to be sued. It is also much easier to get a release
if you don't plan to sell them to anybody else.
― Edward Weston
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Not if you're selling as works of ART....if you are selling to a publication without a release then yes...but as works of art no........
You are giving me ideas ... Art
― Edward Weston