I cannot see how this video was not of help, there's a rare amount of videos and people that are willing to release this kind of information to others to help them like you do. Thank you Adam.
Dude! This is one of THE most helpful Concert Photography videos I've seen on UA-cam!! I've accidentally come across a cool opportunity for me (I'll spare the details of how it happened unless someone is curious) but pretty much after shooting a small local show at a small local venue with surprisingly good stage lighting, I shared my photos on Facebook. One of the bands playing that night loved what they saw and invited me to photograph them this March. They are a Pantera cover band and they will be direct support for a Metallica Tribute band March 18th at a show where over 1,000 people are expected. I'm excited as hell because, well, I've never shot a show in what I guess would be called a "Medium Sized Venue". Never had anything to do with an actual photo pit since all I ever did was go to little local places that didn't mind me there with a DSLR. So naturally, this video provided A LOT of new information for me and what to possibly expect in March. Thank you for the info!
I really want to start this. I've been taking pics of concerts just for fun and recently i noticed that im actually interested in doing as a career but i didn't know how. Well now i do. Thanks!
Can you give some advice on how to actually get permission to shoot at a concert? Need some work experience but keep getting turned down when asking about it.
This is an issue I have as well. I am able to get my point and shoot in and shoot that way but have never been able to get a photo pass so I can get my pro camera in. I sometimes don't even get an email back. I would love some advice on how to get a photo pass, even for smaller shows/bands.
Shoot REALLY smalls shows, Shows that are in venues with a cap of 60 people. contact the promoters, let them know you're starting out. Don;t bother with larger venues when you're getting started. you'll get a lot of no.
I've had just about all of those scenarios presented to me to vacate the pit area. I definitely did not handle them correctly initially, but in the end it worked out. They usually started as a pass check, but they pulled us all out to do it. I worked for bands at the time so I had "all access" but other press had just photo. A quick check with the tour manager fixed that issue. Cooler heads prevail!
That's a little weird you got kicked out with an "All Access" pass.. Doing event security working in Barricades - We normally will allow anyone with all access in that area.
A lot of my inquiries also revolve around what a lot of people have already commented: how do you GET the photo pass? But I wanna be more specific, especially for someone who has no publication to shoot for. Who is the right person to contact to try to get permission to photograph a band? I've spoken with Ashley Osborn and Lisa Johnson at Warped Tour about this briefly, and said there are multiple ways to try. Would you recommend contacting the band manager or the venue manager first? Or what alternate ways are there to get started?
Yes you can talk to both those people, it is all about relationships and building them. I started out by working with a promoter but keep in mind lots of people are doing this so your best bet is to work for a reputable publication, the bigger the better. If you can't find one, make one.
Maybe I missed you saying this, but how exactly do you get a photo pass? I would most likely try to go to the medium sized venue near me. Would I just have to call up the venue and ask to photograph a show? Is it that simple or do I need to do something else?
You could ring the venue to see if they are looking for a photographer to work in house for sure - Other way of doing it is via publication / band / label / management / agency. So many options! Good luck 😉
hey adam! question: if i get a photo pass for a show, does that also give me access to shoot the opening act? or would i have to get separate passes? i recently got a job for a publication and they would like me to shoot the upcoming simple show in my city, pvris is opening up for them and i would like to shoot them too. thanks so much, really enjoyed this video!
Hey Adam I'm currently in highschool and wanting to pursue a career that you have. I love photography and music and I want to combine those things and become a Music photographer in the future just like you...I just want you to know that you inspire me and many others.☺
go into business or journalism/marketing as a photographer if you can't sell yourself you're as good as not having any work at all. Take it from someone who's got a fine arts background in photography. Plus it will be more flexible later down the road if you change your mind and have more grad school opportunities.
Your beAphotographer challenge Inspired To Go Further Into My Passion As A Photographer. I'm Trying Harder And Still Having Fun With Taking Photos. And Watching Your Videos Is Helping Me More With Photos And Editing. Thank You.
How does that work if you have a contract with a publication or someone else? So say you get kicked out of a pit and you are unable to deliver your images, is that something that needs to be written into working agreements (especially if you're freelance)?
Not really. You're kicked out of the photo pit not the entire show. Find a new place to shoot from. If a show has a balcony shoot from there. Gives me you a new perspective/angle. Keep walking around and see what will work best for your photos. Usually you're only allowed to shoot the first 3 songs anyway.
If you get kicked out it is out of your control- you just tell your job what happened. It is always best to shoot your most important images first cause you dont know how long you will be allowed. Ideally even if you jsut get a few you can usually make it work. Most of the time in the music industry it is all about finding solutions and not really even mentioning your problems. If it were me I wouldn't even tell my employer I was kicked out after the first song. Sometimes you can photograph from other areas in the venue. If you aren't allowed make sure you are careful as you don't want them destroying your camera. Venues can be sketchy, and security aren't always the most logical people. Just like any person in the world, you have some good and you have some bad.
I shoot small/medium venues in my area, one thing I've found that seems to be a constant throughout venues is if a venue doesn't have a photo pit, they are usually more relaxed with shooting a full set, as security aren't really as present and as long as you aren't trying to get on stage to shoot, they're fine. I shot Alien Ant Farm at the beginning of the year, it was at a pretty small venue with a photo pit, but because too many photographers were accepted for a photo pass, we got a number between 1-3 and about 3/4 photographers got only shoot that number song. Some people seem to forget that security guards are also there to do their job, and when they ask you to leave the pit, it's because they have a valid reason they need to, so fighting back against it will just be pointless.
what if I am just shooting to improve my skills as a semi-beginner photographer... should I ever bother getting a photo pass? (i'll give them the photos at the end of course )
Great video! I've photographed for a bunch of people, but I tend to think you missed one key point. If you run into trouble, listen then call or text your publicist contact/tour manager. You should always be respectful and listen first, but the publicist/tour manager can often resolve disputes like being kicked off the stage and find out why the band isn't allowing photos. The publicist should always be your first point of contact after a dispute(simply don't let it get to that point). If you aren't given a point of contact at a venue, or don't have a publicists phone number something isn't being done right.
Alright, here's a comment that might actually be a good question for a video. If you haven't done one already. But, how would you go about contacting a publication or anyone to be able to photograph a show. I just recently moved and in the last town I lived in, I knew a LOT of the local bands. And the popular venue was a smaller one, so I got in with my camera fairly easily. Actually made some friends who work at the venue. I got opportunities to photograph bands ranging from locals, to Chiodos, to Mushroomhead. But now, where I live, there aren't very many shows. Most any concerts happen in cities hours away in stadiums or amphitheaters that don't allow just anyone to have a camera. I've never really had to be working for someone to get to photograph a show, so I'm not entirely sure how to go about doing that. I'd love to actually pursue it as a career, or at least to make an attempt to, but I just don't know where to begin when I'm in this situation.
Reach out to editors at local press / magazines etc who may be able to help. You can usually find editor contact on the publication website or blog. If you can't find a direct contact email the general one and ask specifically for a contact or right point of contact.
Is it possible to get a photo pass for for a free lance photographer? I'm trying to build my portfolio and am planning on going to a concert ( So I might as well kill two birds, right?)
Not too long ago, I came across a video from another concert photographer who said that on some occasions, you still have to pay for a ticket even though you've been given a press pass. This really confused me. I'm actually applying for a press pass at the moment though after watching that other video, I'm not sure if it would be wise to specifically ask for a ticket as well.
but the key thing is: how to get your pass to a concert steping up the game, not working for a publication, get a job (note that I have seen ALL your videos/dvd/interviews but I don't think I have the confidence to know what to do with an artist and tour with 'em)
I am not 100% sure I understand what you are saying but I dont think that is key at all. I have plenty of friends who are house photographers for venues or work full time for publications and make a great living. I didnt have the confidence either, its taken me ten years of learning, some might take 1 years, some 20- it is just about finding whatever works for you and enjoying it- that is key.
+Adam Elmakias Sorry, I was in a rush haha. I mean the key thing for me is to know how to step up the game, to stop working for a publication and start working for a band, in other words, get a paid job. I've seen all your past videos, that MusicPhotographer DVD and many interviews you also listed on your site and I think your response will be "ask the band if they want to take you on tour" but I think I may not have the confidence yet to do that or the knowledge on pricing to charge the artists and that stuff. Hope it's not quite messy and bothering haha, any advice on giving that step? 💕 Thank you!
Crap, the full response didn't show up on my phone. Thank you! Quite a pity there are no paid publications or venues big enough for that job here in Spain :(
Some artists, though thankfully rare only allow one song. No matter how long the shoot is, photographers have to listen. I have had occasions that I have been at a concert for the entire gig, which was good
I was wondering if you could help me with where to find small publications in the UK and what to write to them for them to be my publication for a show? Many thanks
Watch a few videos from the froknowsphoto page. Jarred explains about iso, focal length, and shutter speed, ect. In several of his videos and he does a really good job.
My biggest pet peeve at concerts is when fans get backstage/VIP/whatever and feel like they can go into the photo pit and stand in front of photographers, screaming and waving their hands all over the place. The only times I've said something to security when they tried kicking us out was when they were holding up 3 fingers to signify that the 3 songs were up, but I knew the band only played 2 songs. 75% of the time they believed me and let us stay for the 3rd song.
Hi I am interesting in photographing the Fusion Festival this year and was just wondering if you help me with how you got in for example what publication would help me to get a photo pass go photograph the event? Many thanks
How would I go about contacting smaller publications? Or where could I go about finding the small publications. I've shot local and small touring acts at shows in small venues (300 cap.) and warped thanks to a friend
Research the local area see what's around - reach out to contacts via email or pick up the phone and ask for the right contact and speak with them directly. These places get heaps of emails everyday and they won't bother to look at your email a lot of the time. Think outside the box and be different.
Great video for a newbie here that want to get into concert photography. Question though. Say you get in contact with the support act and you're allowed to photograph them for their first 3 songs and since you have a pass does that cover the first 3 songs of the main act also? Or is that something you should state when contacting the support band also?
Thanks for this video and the information you shared was pretty cool! It's actually crazy to be a music photographer, I did not know things could get that complicated!
What the best way to get into festivals? I tried applying for lollapalooza and got denied within 30 min of applying, then tried going through a band to shoot their set at lolla but never heard back.
Well at least you heard back from Lolla! You need to work for a large publication for such a big festival like that. If you never hear back its a nice way of someone saying no most of the time.
9 times out of 10 it's out of respect for the performance - it's distracting having a pit full of photographers (for both the audience and the artist). Some artists have their own rules too, maybe only the first song or first three but from Front of House (referenced in the video). If the photographer is shooting for the entire set it's usually because they're working directly for the band or at least the band's team.
Lots of different reasons, from a business perspective it has to do with quality control and keeping the images relatively rare which makes each one more valuable. If everyone could shoot the whole set, everyone would have thousands of images of a band looking a sweaty mess and it just wouldn't look good in pres. Bands want to look the best and especially when they wear makeup or have a look to maintain.... most people don't look their greatest after sweating for an hour. If someone is allowed to shoot longer it is usually because the artist trusts them to not post terrible images of them and they know how to photograph them very well.
Hi Adam great video! I won a photo pass to the red hot chili peppers and I'd really love some pointers as this is my first time ever shooting a concert! plus the fact that it is my favorite band in the entire world I need all the advice I can get! 😀😀😀
i really need help on where to get started! im really thinking about being a music photographer but i dont know how to get there. like what credentials do i need? what do i study in college? im very lost and i need help
Start of small by photographing A small local band or in a small local venue and contact the band or venue and ask to photograph them. Slowly as you build a portfolio/ website you can start contacting medium sized venues and link your website to your emails. Hope this helped and good luck
Thank you for sharing this information. I found it very valuable. I will be picking up my first media pass next week and I am very excited. Adam you seem very cool and it is a small world so maybe one day our paths will cross and I will get to thank you personally for this video. I just now started following you on instagram. I go by a different name. But I will message you sometime after my shoot to say thank you again. PEACE
So, if someone wants to shoot Warped Tour (say someone who's going as a fan, but wants to be a music photographer) need a photo pit pass to get into the pit or is it sort of Cochella? Or does that depend on the venue for the Warped dates? Unless I understood those parts then feel free to explain it to me again. I'm asking this because I've seen music photographers in the photo pit for my Warped date, but I don't remember seeing any sort of pass on them - so, I'm assuming they originally came as fans who want to be a music photographer.
All events require a photo pass. Warped Tour its a bracelet. You can bring you pro camera into wapred however you will need a pass to shoot from the pit. I dont quite understand all your questions, feel free to elaborate more so i can better respond.
Not sure on the rules in the rest of the world but in the UK the venue/organisers CANNOT take your camera away. Any attempt to do so is actually, legally, considered assault.
I cannot see how this video was not of help, there's a rare amount of videos and people that are willing to release this kind of information to others to help them like you do. Thank you Adam.
Willing to “release” it? Lol, its really not hard to figure out
Dude! This is one of THE most helpful Concert Photography videos I've seen on UA-cam!! I've accidentally come across a cool opportunity for me (I'll spare the details of how it happened unless someone is curious) but pretty much after shooting a small local show at a small local venue with surprisingly good stage lighting, I shared my photos on Facebook. One of the bands playing that night loved what they saw and invited me to photograph them this March. They are a Pantera cover band and they will be direct support for a Metallica Tribute band March 18th at a show where over 1,000 people are expected. I'm excited as hell because, well, I've never shot a show in what I guess would be called a "Medium Sized Venue". Never had anything to do with an actual photo pit since all I ever did was go to little local places that didn't mind me there with a DSLR. So naturally, this video provided A LOT of new information for me and what to possibly expect in March.
Thank you for the info!
I really want to start this. I've been taking pics of concerts just for fun and recently i noticed that im actually interested in doing as a career but i didn't know how. Well now i do. Thanks!
Can you give some advice on how to actually get permission to shoot at a concert? Need some work experience but keep getting turned down when asking about it.
This is an issue I have as well. I am able to get my point and shoot in and shoot that way but have never been able to get a photo pass so I can get my pro camera in. I sometimes don't even get an email back. I would love some advice on how to get a photo pass, even for smaller shows/bands.
Shoot REALLY smalls shows, Shows that are in venues with a cap of 60 people. contact the promoters, let them know you're starting out. Don;t bother with larger venues when you're getting started. you'll get a lot of no.
I think he's made a video about this, in the past. But, he could make an updated video on this sort of thing, if it's changed.
ill make one
good advice, although i wouldnt let the prospect of not deter you from asking
This was insanely helpful. There is so much “need to know” information that you wouldn’t know otherwise. Thanks!
I've had just about all of those scenarios presented to me to vacate the pit area. I definitely did not handle them correctly initially, but in the end it worked out. They usually started as a pass check, but they pulled us all out to do it. I worked for bands at the time so I had "all access" but other press had just photo. A quick check with the tour manager fixed that issue. Cooler heads prevail!
That's a little weird you got kicked out with an "All Access" pass..
Doing event security working in Barricades - We normally will allow anyone with all access in that area.
A lot of my inquiries also revolve around what a lot of people have already commented: how do you GET the photo pass? But I wanna be more specific, especially for someone who has no publication to shoot for. Who is the right person to contact to try to get permission to photograph a band? I've spoken with Ashley Osborn and Lisa Johnson at Warped Tour about this briefly, and said there are multiple ways to try. Would you recommend contacting the band manager or the venue manager first? Or what alternate ways are there to get started?
Yes you can talk to both those people, it is all about relationships and building them. I started out by working with a promoter but keep in mind lots of people are doing this so your best bet is to work for a reputable publication, the bigger the better. If you can't find one, make one.
Maybe I missed you saying this, but how exactly do you get a photo pass? I would most likely try to go to the medium sized venue near me. Would I just have to call up the venue and ask to photograph a show? Is it that simple or do I need to do something else?
You could ring the venue to see if they are looking for a photographer to work in house for sure - Other way of doing it is via publication / band / label / management / agency. So many options! Good luck 😉
thanks for all your questions.... answering now
hey adam! question: if i get a photo pass for a show, does that also give me access to shoot the opening act? or would i have to get separate passes? i recently got a job for a publication and they would like me to shoot the upcoming simple show in my city, pvris is opening up for them and i would like to shoot them too. thanks so much, really enjoyed this video!
+Kaylee Seyfert yes you can shoot Pvris but only first three songs.
I need help with getting passes. I don't have representation but i have an instagram with a following and lots of content. Any advice??
Hey Adam I'm currently in highschool and wanting to pursue a career that you have. I love photography and music and I want to combine those things and become a Music photographer in the future just like you...I just want you to know that you inspire me and many others.☺
go into business or journalism/marketing as a photographer if you can't sell yourself you're as good as not having any work at all. Take it from someone who's got a fine arts background in photography. Plus it will be more flexible later down the road if you change your mind and have more grad school opportunities.
It's been 5 years since you left this comment. so are you a pro now? or living in your mom's basement?
Your beAphotographer challenge Inspired To Go Further Into My Passion As A Photographer. I'm Trying Harder And Still Having Fun With Taking Photos. And Watching Your Videos Is Helping Me More With Photos And Editing. Thank You.
awesome!!
Good points that you made Adam. I am about to look at summer concert venues to see who I want to approach for media credentials for this summer.
How does that work if you have a contract with a publication or someone else? So say you get kicked out of a pit and you are unable to deliver your images, is that something that needs to be written into working agreements (especially if you're freelance)?
Not really. You're kicked out of the photo pit not the entire show. Find a new place to shoot from. If a show has a balcony shoot from there. Gives me you a new perspective/angle. Keep walking around and see what will work best for your photos. Usually you're only allowed to shoot the first 3 songs anyway.
this is correct, sometimes.
If you get kicked out it is out of your control- you just tell your job what happened. It is always best to shoot your most important images first cause you dont know how long you will be allowed. Ideally even if you jsut get a few you can usually make it work. Most of the time in the music industry it is all about finding solutions and not really even mentioning your problems. If it were me I wouldn't even tell my employer I was kicked out after the first song. Sometimes you can photograph from other areas in the venue. If you aren't allowed make sure you are careful as you don't want them destroying your camera. Venues can be sketchy, and security aren't always the most logical people. Just like any person in the world, you have some good and you have some bad.
When you're not a photographer at all but still love every video BC Adam is awesome
Do you ever know ahead of time if you'll be shooting in Front Of House or the media pit or do you only find out when you arrive at the venue?
I shoot small/medium venues in my area, one thing I've found that seems to be a constant throughout venues is if a venue doesn't have a photo pit, they are usually more relaxed with shooting a full set, as security aren't really as present and as long as you aren't trying to get on stage to shoot, they're fine. I shot Alien Ant Farm at the beginning of the year, it was at a pretty small venue with a photo pit, but because too many photographers were accepted for a photo pass, we got a number between 1-3 and about 3/4 photographers got only shoot that number song. Some people seem to forget that security guards are also there to do their job, and when they ask you to leave the pit, it's because they have a valid reason they need to, so fighting back against it will just be pointless.
At least in my area, that's how the venues seem to work. Can't say much for other places though.
Same deal with a lot of the smaller venues in the UK too, just gotta respect the crowd/audience and not get in the way.
what if I am just shooting to improve my skills as a semi-beginner photographer... should I ever bother getting a photo pass? (i'll give them the photos at the end of course )
Great video! I've photographed for a bunch of people, but I tend to think you missed one key point. If you run into trouble, listen then call or text your publicist contact/tour manager. You should always be respectful and listen first, but the publicist/tour manager can often resolve disputes like being kicked off the stage and find out why the band isn't allowing photos. The publicist should always be your first point of contact after a dispute(simply don't let it get to that point). If you aren't given a point of contact at a venue, or don't have a publicists phone number something isn't being done right.
Alright, here's a comment that might actually be a good question for a video. If you haven't done one already. But, how would you go about contacting a publication or anyone to be able to photograph a show. I just recently moved and in the last town I lived in, I knew a LOT of the local bands. And the popular venue was a smaller one, so I got in with my camera fairly easily. Actually made some friends who work at the venue. I got opportunities to photograph bands ranging from locals, to Chiodos, to Mushroomhead. But now, where I live, there aren't very many shows. Most any concerts happen in cities hours away in stadiums or amphitheaters that don't allow just anyone to have a camera. I've never really had to be working for someone to get to photograph a show, so I'm not entirely sure how to go about doing that. I'd love to actually pursue it as a career, or at least to make an attempt to, but I just don't know where to begin when I'm in this situation.
just like applying for any job- you need to send someone your portfolio and ask to work for them-- a publication ideally.
Reach out to editors at local press / magazines etc who may be able to help. You can usually find editor contact on the publication website or blog. If you can't find a direct contact email the general one and ask specifically for a contact or right point of contact.
I have asked several publicist for a photo pass but no one will reply, any tips?
Is it possible to get a photo pass for for a free lance photographer? I'm trying to build my portfolio and am planning on going to a concert ( So I might as well kill two birds, right?)
Not too long ago, I came across a video from another concert photographer who said that on some occasions, you still have to pay for a ticket even though you've been given a press pass. This really confused me. I'm actually applying for a press pass at the moment though after watching that other video, I'm not sure if it would be wise to specifically ask for a ticket as well.
Hey Adam should you bring your camera backpack with you to a medium sized venue or just have the bare necessities for the shoot?
but the key thing is: how to get your pass to a concert steping up the game, not working for a publication, get a job
(note that I have seen ALL your videos/dvd/interviews but I don't think I have the confidence to know what to do with an artist and tour with 'em)
I am not 100% sure I understand what you are saying but I dont think that is key at all. I have plenty of friends who are house photographers for venues or work full time for publications and make a great living. I didnt have the confidence either, its taken me ten years of learning, some might take 1 years, some 20- it is just about finding whatever works for you and enjoying it- that is key.
+Adam Elmakias Sorry, I was in a rush haha. I mean the key thing for me is to know how to step up the game, to stop working for a publication and start working for a band, in other words, get a paid job. I've seen all your past videos, that MusicPhotographer DVD and many interviews you also listed on your site and I think your response will be "ask the band if they want to take you on tour" but I think I may not have the confidence yet to do that or the knowledge on pricing to charge the artists and that stuff. Hope it's not quite messy and bothering haha, any advice on giving that step? 💕 Thank you!
Crap, the full response didn't show up on my phone. Thank you! Quite a pity there are no paid publications or venues big enough for that job here in Spain :(
Some artists, though thankfully rare only allow one song. No matter how long the shoot is, photographers have to listen. I have had occasions that I have been at a concert for the entire gig, which was good
What if there is only one artist or band for the whole show? Are you still restricted to photographing the first 3 songs?
I was wondering if you could help me with where to find small publications in the UK and what to write to them for them to be my publication for a show? Many thanks
Could you maybe do a video explaining how to use ISO and Aperture and how to fix the exposure of an image? Please c:
There's a million videos on youtube on how to do that m8
+JD Acha yeah I know there is but there not to many that go through the details and explain things the way Adam does in his videos.
Watch a few videos from the froknowsphoto page. Jarred explains about iso, focal length, and shutter speed, ect. In several of his videos and he does a really good job.
+Justin Carrillo Thanks I'll check him out c:
+damian coleman no problem! Jared actually had Adam on one of his videos a while back haha
Slipknot is going to play March next year in our country. I asked them to add me on their list. What are my chances that they let me in?
My biggest pet peeve at concerts is when fans get backstage/VIP/whatever and feel like they can go into the photo pit and stand in front of photographers, screaming and waving their hands all over the place.
The only times I've said something to security when they tried kicking us out was when they were holding up 3 fingers to signify that the 3 songs were up, but I knew the band only played 2 songs. 75% of the time they believed me and let us stay for the 3rd song.
Great advice for beginner photographers!
not that I am but I LOVE seeing people give people help because alot of people can be snobs :) You know what I mean!
thanks man!
Thank you so much for uploading more content!! Keep it up Adam!
Great video and very helpful
Thanks for the tips! So next week, im going to be a videographer for an artist for the first time. How early should i show up to the show?
I'm photographing fusion fest in Liverpool, I'm on a media/photo pass so would I be able to stay close to keep reviewing?
Hi I am interesting in photographing the Fusion Festival this year and was just wondering if you help me with how you got in for example what publication would help me to get a photo pass go photograph the event? Many thanks
Thanks Adam ! Really helpful tips and video overall
your shirt is amazing!👍
thanks. I like it too.
How would I go about contacting smaller publications? Or where could I go about finding the small publications. I've shot local and small touring acts at shows in small venues (300 cap.) and warped thanks to a friend
Email, Facebook.
+LukeBatemanPhoto where can I look for some publications though?
Facebook is your best bet
internet bro!
Research the local area see what's around - reach out to contacts via email or pick up the phone and ask for the right contact and speak with them directly. These places get heaps of emails everyday and they won't bother to look at your email a lot of the time. Think outside the box and be different.
Great video for a newbie here that want to get into concert photography. Question though. Say you get in contact with the support act and you're allowed to photograph them for their first 3 songs and since you have a pass does that cover the first 3 songs of the main act also? Or is that something you should state when contacting the support band also?
Very informative and helpful video! thank you!
Thanks for this video and the information you shared was pretty cool! It's actually crazy to be a music photographer, I did not know things could get that complicated!
Can I ask, what's the purpose of limiting a photographer to just 3 songs? To preserve the surprise/mystique of the show?
Cj Sayers i think it’s for the fans. been barricade a lot at shows and having photogs blocking ur view for the whole show would be infuriating.
@@backseatpocket makes sense.
I shot a show at the house of Blues in Chicago, and made friends with 3 of the security guards. They are people too lol
What the best way to get into festivals? I tried applying for lollapalooza and got denied within 30 min of applying, then tried going through a band to shoot their set at lolla but never heard back.
Well at least you heard back from Lolla! You need to work for a large publication for such a big festival like that. If you never hear back its a nice way of someone saying no most of the time.
are you going to be shooting at Louder than Life?
This is really helpful! Thank you for sharing this information.
why are some photographers limited to shoot 3 shots?
9 times out of 10 it's out of respect for the performance - it's distracting having a pit full of photographers (for both the audience and the artist). Some artists have their own rules too, maybe only the first song or first three but from Front of House (referenced in the video).
If the photographer is shooting for the entire set it's usually because they're working directly for the band or at least the band's team.
Lots of different reasons, from a business perspective it has to do with quality control and keeping the images relatively rare which makes each one more valuable. If everyone could shoot the whole set, everyone would have thousands of images of a band looking a sweaty mess and it just wouldn't look good in pres. Bands want to look the best and especially when they wear makeup or have a look to maintain.... most people don't look their greatest after sweating for an hour. If someone is allowed to shoot longer it is usually because the artist trusts them to not post terrible images of them and they know how to photograph them very well.
If a smaller band that I would like to shoot has a PR and a manager who should I contact if I want to shoot one of their shows?
Get in contact with them directly - they'll love the approach and it'll help you to start building a relationship with them directly
Hi Adam great video! I won a photo pass to the red hot chili peppers and I'd really love some pointers as this is my first time ever shooting a concert! plus the fact that it is my favorite band in the entire world I need all the advice I can get! 😀😀😀
Awesome! Good luck!
Thank you! 😉😎 I am crazy excited
i really need help on where to get started! im really thinking about being a music photographer but i dont know how to get there. like what credentials do i need? what do i study in college? im very lost and i need help
Start of small by photographing A small local band or in a small local venue and contact the band or venue and ask to photograph them. Slowly as you build a portfolio/ website you can start contacting medium sized venues and link your website to your emails. Hope this helped and good luck
Thank you for sharing this information. I found it very valuable. I will be picking up my first media pass next week and I am very excited. Adam you seem very cool and it is a small world so maybe one day our paths will cross and I will get to thank you personally for this video. I just now started following you on instagram. I go by a different name. But I will message you sometime after my shoot to say thank you again. PEACE
So, if someone wants to shoot Warped Tour (say someone who's going as a fan, but wants to be a music photographer) need a photo pit pass to get into the pit or is it sort of Cochella? Or does that depend on the venue for the Warped dates? Unless I understood those parts then feel free to explain it to me again. I'm asking this because I've seen music photographers in the photo pit for my Warped date, but I don't remember seeing any sort of pass on them - so, I'm assuming they originally came as fans who want to be a music photographer.
All events require a photo pass. Warped Tour its a bracelet. You can bring you pro camera into wapred however you will need a pass to shoot from the pit. I dont quite understand all your questions, feel free to elaborate more so i can better respond.
+Adam Elmakias Sorry my question didn't make a lot of sense, but you're answer ended up answering my question. Thanks, Adam!
PS Adam you need to trim the end of the video! I always accidentally do this :) (you should be able to do it on youtube)
okay ill do it!
thanks!
you are welcome
Interesting video, liked it
Not sure on the rules in the rest of the world but in the UK the venue/organisers CANNOT take your camera away.
Any attempt to do so is actually, legally, considered assault.
Dude great video awesome 👍
I use a lanyard to hold my pass
👍🏿 Great Tips
is that a panic at the disco ticket? lol
yes, i photographed them recently
Make a video for warp tour specifically !! i just got my first photo pass! kinda freaking out!!
by the way they cannot take your camera. they can throw you out, but they cannot take your camera. that's theft.
But ill still beat you in Magic ;p
megamind