Machine Head @ The Olympia

gizzymo

Hi guys,

Had fun shooting Machine head last night, epic gig





You can see the rest here

Cheers

Pete

Splinters

Great shots as usual. Ive gone right off that band in recent years but I cant flaw those shots at all, great work!!

lisatiffany

Great shots, I missed the gig myself because I was sick but kinda do prefer thier older stuff like the blackening and supercharger. Did you have permission to shoot the gig btw or did you just show up with your camera on you?. I was supposed to be shooting rob zombie in the olympia a while back but the gig got cancelled, I'd gotten the permission first but wondered if some people just show up and see what happens.

Splinters

Im not entirely sure how it works over here although Ive heard MCD tend to get a select few photographers that consistantly deliver and just use them all the time.

I had success in Paris recently, turned up to Skrillex's aftershow party with all my gear. I deliberately left my 70-200 2.8 IS on my camera to make it look as "pro" as possible and just chanced my arm asking the manager of the venue for a pass. He was more then happy so long as I sent on the shots. As an added bonus when I sent them I got a nice mail back saying he really liked the shots and said I was welcome to come back any time and shoot in his venue.

Its something Id love to get into more over here but I always got the impression MCD were a tough crowd to get in with.

Perhaps Pete can shed some light on how he got in with them, he has some seriously impressive gig shots on his page.

gizzymo

Hi Lisa, thanks for the comments

I had permission, i.e. a photopass provided by MCD. You wont get into the pit without a pass, but you might manage a few shots form the crowd, if security dont ask you to leave if you have an SLR...

In general its the smaller venues that you can getaway without a pass..sometimes..


cheers

Pete

gizzymo

As for how I got in with MCD. I contacted them on twitter a few times with a pic form my portfolio and asked for the chance to shoot a gig for them as a trial. Once they were happy with my first gig with them (Ocean Colour Scene) it went from there.
They generally dont pay, but I needed the exposure so was happy!
I'll also mention that whatever you think of MCD's policy of not paying, that the people you will deal with most, such as Orin, Noelle and Guy are exceptionally nice people and very helpful

lisatiffany

Ah that makes sense thanks Pete. I always get the permission beforehand either through the venue or the band. I wondered if some people just attended the gig and then scampered up to the front with an slr. I've been at gigs before where I was behind barriers with the crowd on the other-side and it was so mental a barrier went forward and hit me over the head, I got hit with a shoe at Slayer (lol). Machinehead usually have a fairly active crowd so I'd be wary trying to get some shots from the crowd. Being asked to leave wouldn't be something I'd want at all, the gigs I do attend I actually like the music a lot so without permission first I'm not sure I'd risk it. Thanks for the tips though and again great shots.