Getting into Gigs

helios

With the arrival of my 50mm 1.4 (drool), I'm looking to try out the ol' gig photography.

For those that are in it, who do you usually get into the venues? It's not anything major (as there isn't much in Limerick anyway), but I, of course, would like to do it without getting myself barred for brining in my camera...

John

I generally go to gigs put on by small promoters here in Dublin. Most of the bands and promoters don't mind people bringing in cameras at all. Never needed a photo pass at any of these gigs and have never been bothered by security.

I've never tried at a big event and to be honest I prefer being able to get up close somewhere like Whelans than taking a shot from a billion feet back at the Point or RDS.

bovril

I've only done three and all three were run by students. One of the students was a friend of mine and I got access that way.

michaelm

John wrote: »

I've never tried at a big event and to be honest I prefer being able to get up close somewhere like Whelans than taking a shot from a billion feet back at the Point or RDS.

Similar to what I've said on a post re: sports photography. I've never tried this type of photography but I would imagine there would be far greater opportunities by, perhaps, doing poster shots or webseite shots for smaller bands. In this way you could control the setup - perhaps even help them develop an image - could be mutually rewarding, they get useful material, you get experience and a chance to expand your portfolio, and if they ever make it big...

My own area of interest is sport - my dream is to follow a team during a stage race on the continent. I know I have a much better chance with a smaller amateur or semi-pro team than with the big boys.


www.flickr.com/photos/mmolamphy

iamnothim

if you're in limerick, then dolans is your best bet. either upstairs or downstairs. get a list of bands playing, find one you like, send them a message asking can you take photos, most will bite. most of the ones that bite also put you on the guestlist. very few will pay you at the start...

sineadw

Myspace.. add local bands as friends and any promoters you can find in Limerick, and then message them a link to gig shots on your site and say you were thinking of dropping down to their next gig. 90 times out of a hundred you'll be offered a guest list spot if its a small gig - you're doing them a much bigger favour than they're doing you. Although you should never be snotty. And the more you do that the more you get asked. And then people are paying you And then hopefully your 1.4 pays for itself And you get free beers

mehfesto2

I agree with Sinead. Start small. I shoot the local bands here in return for a few beers. Nice system!

Don't bring your kit to anybody you've heard of, is my rule! Security will not only give you a good bollicking, but they'll make you feel like a criminal all night! I was nearly kicked out for shooting a Led Zeppeling cover band. I mean honestly! I doubt they have consent from Led Zeppelin themselves to make the money they are making!!!

AnimalRights

I go to small gigs run by Punks for Punks.
No security no barriers....I mooch all around the floor level stage.

For bigger occasions like festivals I've bluffed my way in with the Cam but as someone said earlier in the thread it's not much fun and a pain in the Botox.

AnimalRights

mehfesto2 wrote: »

I was nearly kicked out for shooting a Led Zeppeling cover band. I mean honestly! I doubt they have consent from Led Zeppelin themselves to make the money they are making!!!

I would just vote with my feet, ie never pay or attend one of their gigs again.
I mean a tribute band up their own arse the way original Zep were.

John

At least Led Zep wrote their own songs. Or modified other people's songs enough to call them their own songs.